As the US slashes science funding and pressures universities, many researchers are considering a move – and Europe seems keen to welcome them. But Switzerland isn’t playing along.
What do you think: should Switzerland take part in the race to attract top scientists? Why? And how could Switzerland’s cautious stance impact its long-term position in global scientific research and collaboration?
Complex system of work permits and citizenship puts off educated, high value foreigners. Ironically perhaps, poorly skilled foreigners are not deterred as much. Interesting is that Swiss don't understand wealth that misses them - many people I met abroad who heard about Switzerland but chosen the EU or Asia or the UK.
Actually my german husband was at Schering Plough / Merck in New Jersy for more than 20 years and all the Phds he worked with in early drug discovery, except 1 colleague, were European. So if American companies stop recruiting scientists with what looks like great salaries, although really not so great when you consider what they lose (free University for children, strong education for kids, lower cost of quality housing, maternity and paternity leaves, reasonable and convenient kita and kindergarten care, better and cheaper transportation), Europe really does not have to lift a finger to keep the talent here in Europe. Switzerland already spends a lot to attract the people they need. They dont need to react to USA's plan to fail. America is so expensive that anyone with a brain just gets an MBA which is not going to cure cancer -- it only creates great wealth discrepancy. The "haves" get an MBA and go to Wall Street, the have nots are everyone else (including doctors) who can be owned by a private equity firm.
Thanks for sharing your perspective; Which side of the "pond" did you and your husband end up on?
Forget the mercenaries. A researcher that is only interested in personal enrichment isn't worth having. They'll just move to commercial industry once their research begins to pan out.____Top researchers are interested in their work environment. Can they collaborate openly with the best? Is their research adequately funded for the needed hardware, software, ancillary services so that they don't have to go begging or do without? Is the amount of committee and other distracting activity limited? Is there a reasonable expectation that the fruits of their efforts will make a difference?____Our Swiss institutions already provide these things. Let the EU draw people to Europe. Once here, they'll soon recognize the beauty and value of Swiss alternatives. Spoke as an American that moved here five years ago after years of preparation and who hopes to spend the remainder of his life returning value to the Swiss.
Thanks for sharing; are you also working in a research field? What have your experiences in Switzerland been like so far?
What is the point for the Swiss working class paying to educate foreigners while their own children get a substandard education
Thanks for your comment; Why do you feel that children of the Swiss working class receive a substandard education?
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