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Switzerland - National Programme Information

National policies

The Swiss Federal Constitution (article 64) obliges the Confederation to promote scientific research. In carrying out this task the Confederation supports independent basic research by financing the Swiss National Science Foundation and scientific academies as so-called National institutions promoting science.

Priority areas

In 2000, the Confederation allotted approximately CHF 230 million for research in government departments. The funds required for 2004–2007 in the 12 research areas are presented for information purposes in the government's message to parliament on the promotion of education, research and technology 2004–2007. Thematic research priorities: Humanities and social sciences 10,7 %, Natural and exact sciences 7 %, Biology and medicine 52,1 %, Engineering and applied sciences 30,2 %

Funding organisations

The Government commissions the Swiss National Science Foundation to carry out programme research in areas where structural weaknesses in the scientific system call for a concentrated approach or where economic and social requirements demand specific scientific solutions: National Centres of Competence in Research NCCR; National Research Programmes (NRP).

The Confederation grants funds to independent research institutions outside the university sphere. The federal administration finances numerous research proposals in the framework of departmental research. The Confederation supports international cooperation in research by the public and private sectors in international research programmes and international research organisations. The Confederation manages and finances the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) as an agency for the promotion of research of economic interest.

EURESEARCH
The association Euresearch informs about and supports your participation in the European Research and Development Programmes (FP7, COST) mandated by the State Secretariat for Education and Research.

State Secretariat for Education and Research
The State Secretariat for Education and Research SER within the Federal Department of Home Affairs is the federal government's specialised agency for national and international matters concerning general and university education, research and space.

Programme information

Actually are no relevant national research programs running. Switzerland's signing of an agreement on Research Framework Programme with the European Union enables Swiss researchers to make full use of the opportunities arising from the programme and to benefit from direct funding from the European Commission. The agreement also gives Switzerland a say in the implementation of European research policy.

Contact Point

State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
3003 Bern
Tel: +41(0)31 322 96 91
Fax: +41(0)31 322 78 54

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