A group photo in a large hall.
Space sector …

ESA Council at delegate level meets in Interlaken

On 18 and 19 March, the 345th Council meeting at delegate level of the European Space Agency (ESA) took place in Interlaken. Renato Krpoun, head of the Swiss Space Office at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), currently holds the chair of the ESA Council at delegate level. With the end of his three-year presidency approaching, the Council met in Switzerland.
Mia Mader
A group photo in a stairwell.
Swissnex …

Mapping Switzerland’s global science and innovation footprint

Science Counselors across the Swissnex Network connect global ecosystems and strengthen Switzerland’s international collaboration in research and innovation.
Hong Won Baik
Portrait of a young man wearing glasses
Scholarships Science and society …

What do turbines have to do with ‘Learning for the Future’?

The Swiss Youth in Science Foundation supports not only talented individuals from the academic world, but also those from vocational education and training. Every year, the Swiss Youth in Science Foundation recognises outstanding projects in its national competition and connects talented individuals at an international level. One such person is Noel Rhyner, who – after having completed his vocational education and training – is now studying at ETH Zurich.
Claudia Lippuner, …
Martina Hirayama State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation
Opinions Professional education ERI policy …

Why the education report affects us all

Geopolitical turmoil and technological upheavals create major challenges for Switzerland. Education is essential to securing economic stability, social cohesion and individual opportunities in the long term. The Swiss Education Report 2026 highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the education system.
Martina Hirayama
A crowded entrance hall.
Research infrastructures National cooperation …

Science in dialogue - Impressions from the Swiss Research and Innovation Summit 2026

How can scientific expertise best support politics and society? This question was at the heart of the Swiss Research and Innovation Summit 2026, held on 17 March in Bern. Around 350 representatives from the scientific community, politics, public administration, business and civil society discussed collaboration, knowledge transfer and the dialogue between research and society as a whole.
Mia Mader
Adrien Zaradez, alumnus of the 2022 Economics Olympiad and the International Swiss Talent Forum on “Circular Economy” (2023) and “The Future of Work” (2025), Photo: SYS
Scholarships Science and society …

“Sometimes a spontaneous yes opens doors that you hadn't even thought of”

The Science Olympiad nurtures young talent. For many participants, it marks the first step towards a host of opportunities to meet and work with peers from around the world who share their passion for science and future challenges, and who also want to play an active part in addressing them.
Claudia Lippuner, …
Portrait of a man wearing glasses
Working at SERI

Working at SERI: Jim Walker

Behind the scenes look at SERI activities: Jim Walker works as a specialist at the Declaration Centre at the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Unit.
Mia Mader
Portrait of a man in a suit.
National Centres of Competence in Research ERI policy …

“NCCRs are a key instrument for strengthening cutting-edge research in Switzerland”

From spring 2026, the Swiss Confederation will support six new National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs). The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is responsible for announcing and evaluating these programmes. In this interview, Torsten Schwede, President of the SNSF Research Council, explains how the selection process works and the significance of the new NCCRs for Switzerland as a location for research.
Mia Mader