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.
05.05.2026
Switzerland’s global footprint in science and innovation is supported by the Swissnex Network. While its six main locations are the most visible expression of this presence worldwide, the network extends further through Science Counselors embedded in Swiss embassies across more than 20 locations, including two recent additions in Kenya and Poland. The network thus operates across a web of connectors, some highly visible, others working more quietly across regions and institutions. This is particularly true for science diplomacy, where progress is built over time through sustained engagement, trust and long-term cooperation.
Working at the intersection of science, innovation and diplomacy, the Science Counselors connect universities, research institutions, industry and policymakers, while supporting bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and its partner countries. In many locations, the scope of activities has expanded over time. Some teams have grown and are developing increasingly diverse initiatives, reflecting the growing importance of international collaboration in research, education and innovation.
The following examples from Canberra, Ottawa, Rome, and Seoul. illustrate how this global network contributes to strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration with key international partners.
Canberra – exploring cooperation in sustainable energy and mobility
Connecting Swiss and Australian research and innovation ecosystems, Science Counselor Tristan Piguet focuses on areas where both countries offer complementary strengths. Cooperation covers promising areas such as health, astrophysics and space, critical technologies, as well as sustainable energy and mobility.
In the energy sector, Switzerland contributes expertise in clean technologies, engineering and advanced manufacturing, while Australia offers scale, renewable energy leadership and strong innovation testbeds. A recent example is Innovation in Motion, an event hosted at the Pilatus Aircraft Australia facilities in Adelaide. It brought together Swiss and Australian experts to discuss sustainable energy and explore cooperation opportunities around technologies such as sustainable aviation fuel, solar, and low-emission mobility solutions.
Ottawa – advancing cooperation in AI and life sciences
In Ottawa, Science Counselor Urs Obrist strives to strengthen collaboration between Swiss and Canadian research and innovation ecosystems across a range of strategic areas. Embassy events highlight the potential for cooperation in quantum science and technology, climate and sustainability, life sciences and health, and artificial intelligence.
In the latter two areas, the Embassy, in collaboration with the University of Toronto, co-hosted a Swiss-Canadian Innovation Symposium on AI-driven precision oncology and drug discovery in November 2025. Leading researchers from the University of Toronto, ETH Zurich and EPFL, as well as life science industry representatives, presented their work to around 200 participants. The symposium not only sparked discussions on future cooperation projects but also provided a platform for Swiss life science startups participating in the first Startup Camp in Canada powered by Innosuisse and managed by Swissnex.
Further initiatives are planned for 2026, including a high-level scientific delegation led by State Secretary Martina Hirayama, a Swiss-Canadian Innovation Day on polar research, and a GESDA Science Diplomacy Summit, offering additional opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation. These initiatives will offer additional opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Rome – strengthening bilateral research networks
At the Embassy of Switzerland in Rome, Science Counselor Alessia Ferrucci focuses on strengthening connections between Swiss and Italian research and innovation ecosystems. A central aspect of her efforts is the development of a trusted bilateral network across ministries, universities and research stakeholders, particularly in areas such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and space. Tangible initiatives include the revitalization of the Science Club in Rome, which has repositioned the Embassy as a focal point for cooperation in education, research and innovation, and the organization of Horizon Europe: CH-ITA together for competitiveness, an event showcasing Italian-Swiss projects in robotics and sustainable energy. These efforts contribute to a more structured and visible framework for bilateral cooperation.
Seoul – science diplomacy for planetary challenges
In Seoul, Science Counselor Alessandra Apicella manages a highly engaged team to connect Swiss stakeholders with South Korea’s dynamic research and innovation ecosystem, spanning areas such as life sciences, quantum technologies, space, and sustainability. A key initiative is Soil Stories, part of the initiative “Swissnex for the Planet”, which came to life in Seoul as a platform for planetary diplomacy. It brings together researchers, innovators, policymakers, and artists to address sustainability, food systems and soil health as a shared Swiss-Korean narrative. By fostering dialogue and co-creation across sectors, the initiative translates exchange into long-term cooperation and impact. Following its 2025 edition, the project continued in March 2026 with a public dialogue, Soil Stories Reconnected, further exploring soil as a vital foundation of agriculture, biodiversity and human life through regenerative practices, research insights and creative perspectives.
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Hong Won Baik
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