From 29 September to 5 October 2025, State Secretary Martina Hirayama led a scientific mission to Japan to strengthen bilateral collaboration in education, research, and innovation. The mission highlighted Swiss-Japanese cooperation in key areas such as life sciences, space, AI and quantum science, including the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in quantum science and technology.

Pushing the boundaries of science and technology to solve the challenges of tomorrow sometimes requires nations to work together to achieve what no single nation can do alone. The construction of the ITER thermonuclear reactor is a perfect illustration of the advantages of multilateralism in research and innovation. Switzerland will resume its participation in this research infrastructure on 1 January 2026.

What are the three biggest challenges facing the Swiss ERI landscape over the next 10 years? I recently addressed this question on the Swiss Science Council's blog to mark its 60th anniversary. Here are some of my thoughts.

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation