Networking science

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Science policy for good framework conditions for research

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences are committed to fostering favourable framework conditions for researchers in Switzerland, notably by helping to shape developments within the Swiss and European Research Areas, but also beyond.

Given their importance to Switzerland as a centre of knowledge and research, the Academies work together with other national stakeholders to promote stable relations between Switzerland and the European Union. A particular priority is the full association of Switzerland to the European framework programmes for research and innovation.

Position statements

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences have expressed their full support (in German) for the stabilisation and further development of relations between Switzerland and the European Union within the framework of the Bilateral Agreements III in October 2025. They regard the agreements on EU programmes (EUPA), which provide access to European research programmes, as pivotal for the future of our country. A strong scientific community is a cornerstone of Switzerland’s economic prosperity, innovative strength and social resilience.

Excellent research and innovation depend on international cooperation. They thrive on cross-border exchange, access to talent, infrastructures and networks. European programmes such as Horizon Europe, Euratom, Digital Europe and Erasmus+ provide unique framework conditions that cannot be matched by purely national initiatives. Full association to these programmes not only strengthens the international standing and competitiveness of Switzerland as a research and innovation hub; it also enables Switzerland to help shape key developments in science, research and innovation policy.

The Academies view these agreements as an investment in the future viability of our country and therefore support, without reservation, the course adopted by the Federal Council.

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) provides information on its website about opportunities for researchers in Switzerland to participate in Horizon Europe.

Excellence in education, research and innovation is a fundamental pillar of Switzerland’s prosperity. The popular initiative «No 10 Million Switzerland» threatens this foundation by weakening Switzerland's position as a leading centre of research and innovation. This will have long-term consequences for Swiss society, the economy, and the country's competitiveness. The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences firmly reject the initiative (in German), as its acceptance would have markedly negative consequences on the Swiss research and innovation landscape.

The initiative, which will be voted on 14 June 2026, seeks to limit Switzerland’s resident population to ten million. To enforce this limit, the initiative provides, if necessary, for the termination of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons with the European Union. This would put the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU as a whole at risk, including Switzerland’s participation in European research programmes such as Horizon Europe. It would create considerable uncertainty and prolonged instability in the relations with the EU, while sustainably undermining the framework conditions for research and innovation in Switzerland.

In a world increasingly shaped by global uncertainty, Switzerland cannot tackle the major challenges of our time alone. International cooperation remains an indispensable lever.

In 2019, the Academies called for the conclusion of the institutional framework agreement between Switzerland and the EU.

In 2022 t the Academies supported the «Stick to Science»online campaign.

International Network

The objectives of ALLEA, the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, are to ensure good working conditions for research, strengthen the role of science in society and to provide the best independent and interdisciplinary scientific advice. The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences are strongly involved through their participation in strategic committees and thematic working groups, and in 2019, they hosted the ALLEA General Assembly in Bern.

This umbrella organisation with more than 260 science organisations and international professional societies, works at the global level to catalyse and convene scientific expertise, advice and influence on issues of major concern to both science and society. The interests of the Swiss scientific community in the ISC are represented by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) and by the Swiss Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences (SAHS).

The GSF serves as a platform for OECD member states to draw up recommendations for action to shape their science policy on priority topics. On behalf of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, Lukas Baumgartner (University of Lausanne) takes part in the Swiss delegation to the GSF led by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

This Round Table serves the scientific community to ensure links to international organisations and research infrastructures, and as a platform for exchange with research funding organisations. The Round Table is coordinated by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT).

DARIAH  is the European network of digital research infrastructure for humanities scholars working with computer-based methods. The Swiss cooperation partner is the Swiss Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences (SAHS).