Equal opportunities in education, research and innovation in Switzerland

viamia is a free career assessment service offered to people aged 40 and up in all parts of Switzerland. It facilitates entry, transfer and re-entry to the education system (e.g. former homemakers). This service allows the potential of the domestic labour force to be used more effectively.

A Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) 2030-sponsored project helps the deaf and hearing-impaired to gain access to vocational education and training. A recent report takes stock of existing support services and highlights optimisation potential.

The Confederation and the cantons are working together to facilitate the adult acquisition of basic skills. Basic skills empower people to play an active role in professional, social, political and cultural life. 

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A variety of activities are designed to inspire women to pursue STEM fields and support them in their career development (e.g. networking and improved working conditions). At the same time, children and young people should be encouraged to take up STEM subjects, especially girls and children from underprivileged educational and social backgrounds. As a case in point, the swissTecLadies initiative supported by the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) provides both a network and mentoring programme to young girls and women.

Equal opportunities are regularly and systematically monitored at national and international level (e.g. Swiss Education Report and gender monitoring statistics compiled by swissuniversities).

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) encourages in particular the work-life balance, equal opportunities for younger and older researchers and empowering groups that are underrepresented in the research community, especially women. The SNSF Professorial Fellowship programme is a good example of this: in addition to awarding funding without regard to gender, the programme includes a fixed share of the budget that is allocated to up to 14 additional projects carried out by women.

Innosuisse has a range of specific support programmes for women involved in innovation projects. Innosuisse also strives for equal participation of women in start-up training courses and encourages team diversity in innovation projects.

Through swissuniversities, the Confederation provides contributions for cooperation and innovation projects pursued by Swiss higher education institutions. Examples include projects and partnerships that focus on 'diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities in higher education policymaking’ During the 2025-2028 funding period, emphasis will also be placed on equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels of higher education. As part of university-specific action plans, for example, targeted measures will be taken to raise the proportion of women at the relevant levels - among assistants, researchers and professors. These measures will also increase the proportion of women in underrepresented subject areas and at managerial level. Another objective is to create a respectful and inclusive study and working environment. 

Swiss higher education institutions are also committed to maintaining diversity within the student body or ensuring accessible teaching. This is made possible thanks to project contributions. For example, five universities have taken coordinated action to support first-generation students whose parents or guardians have not obtained a degree from a university recognised in Switzerland.