On 20 August, Prof. Mark Thomson, the new Director-General of CERN, paid an inaugural visit to Bern. A science policy panel discussion gave Swiss research-policy institutions and CERN an opportunity to look ahead together to the next chapter in particle physics and to recognise the close ties between Swiss stakeholders and CERN.
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.
The European Strategy for Particle Physics is intended to shape the future of particle physics. Under this strategy, the favoured option for the next major project at CERN is the Future Circular Collider. Switzerland seeks to consolidate its expertise in particle physics through targeted support instruments for technology, research and early-career researchers.
Federal policy research has proven its worth: it provides insights that the Federal Administration needs to perform its daily tasks. With enhanced coordination and clearer governance, its interplay with other federally funded research and innovation activities will now be further improved.
Space activities occupy an important place in our society. Switzerland has been actively involved in this field since the early days. It is a competitive and reliable partner in the space sector.
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