Research Policy

18% of Ukraine’s scientists have fled due to the war and research capacity is down 20%, according to EPFL researchers in a study where they urge stakeholders to plan future policies to ensure the return of talent for rebuilding Ukraine.

The ETH Domain depends on adequate, stable funding from the Confederation if it is to fulfil its role in driving innovation for Switzerland and educating urgently needed specialists. The financial resources allocated to the ETH Domain in the ERI Dispatch are not sufficient to achieve this, as the ETH Board makes clear in its position statement on the ERI Dispatch 2025–2028.

EPFL professor Jacques Fellay, who served on the Swiss National Covid-19 Science Task Force, has been selected for a new advisory committee that the government set up recently so policymakers and scientists can continue their joint efforts.

Switzerland is still not associated with Horizon Europe. In addition to the loss of international networks and attractiveness, this may also result in financial losses for Swiss ERI actors. The Committees for Science, Education and Culture now want to ensure that the funds that Parliament had allocated for Horizon Europe actually benefit research – and are not used for other purposes.

An ETH risk researcher has concluded that Energy Strategy 2050 doesn’t work. The Energy Science Center at ETH Zurich disagrees: extensive research shows that the energy transition is feasible and makes sense, writes Gabriela Hug together with her ESC colleagues.

During the summer session, the National Council adopted several interventions related to Switzerland's participation in Horizon Europe. It asked the Federal Council to negotiate with the EU an immediate association with the framework programme and to launch a comprehensive research and innovation programme.