Mission statement

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences are a research funding body of the Swiss Confederation. Their mandate is set out in Article 11 of the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (RIPA). They are committed to collaboration within and across disciplines, as well as to embedding science in society and politics.

The members of the Federation of Academies form a federal union. They are guided by an overarching strategy and a multi-year plan. They act autonomously within their respective areas of competence and work together for the benefit of research and the public.

Mission

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences interlink the scientific community and strengthen cooperation within and between disciplines. They anticipate societally relevant issues and significant developments in the areas of education, research and innovation. They provide services and research infrastructures, are committed to ensuring that ethical responsibilities are upheld in research, teaching and professional practice, and promote dialogue between science and society.

Vision

A strong science and an informed society

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences are committed to making Switzerland a leading centre of education, research and innovation. They represent the diversity of knowledge cultures, ensure a continuous and transparent dialogue between science, society, politics and economy, and foster mutual trust as the foundation for democracy.

Distinctive features

• Extensive scientific expertise
  As a national institution, the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences have wide access to expert communities across disciplines, both within and outside the higher education system.

• Independence
  The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, as a politically independent institution, are a reliable point of reference for scientifically based expertise.

• Cohesion
  The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences have a strong convening power. They bring together researchers from all over Switzerland to work on a voluntary basis.

• Long-term perspective
  The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences secure the continuity of essential research infrastructures.

Values

• Commitment
  We work towards common goals together, both within our association and with others, and cooperate with all stakeholders.

• Reliability
  We are reliable partners for the scientific community, the authorities and the public.

• Transparency
  We share information, act with integrity and are politically independent.

• Participation
  We include as many people as possible in the dialogue between science and society.

July, 2026