Swiss research chief sounds alarm over Horizon Europe exclusion
Egger has been president of the National Science Foundation's research council since 2016.
Keystone / Peter Schneider
The president of the National Science Foundation's research council has warned of the negative impact of Switzerland's continued exclusion from the European Union's Horizon research programme.
This content was published on
1 minute
Key-SDA/SWI-del
Português
pt
Responsável pela pesquisa suíça soa alarme sobre exclusão do Horizon Europe
“It will damage both science and the economy if we are no longer part it,” Matthias Egger told the Schweiz am Wochenende newspaper. Switzerland risked loosing its reputation and competitive edge as research hub, he added.
Horizon Europe is the largest research project with a budget of more than €90 billion (CHF88.3 billion).
“Swiss companies have benefited greatly from this – now this is no longer possible in essential areas,” Egger said.
He warned that if Switzerland is no longer attractive to young, talented researchers, the country risks to suffer from a shortage of skilled labour.
Switzerland was effectively locked out of Horizon Europe following the government’s refusal to approve an umbrella accord with the EU last year.
In response, the government decided to support Swiss scientists unable to receive funding for the EU’s flagship research and innovation programmes with a total of just over CHF1.2 billion for 2021 and 2022.
But Egger said that it is not possible to substitute participation in the EU programme and cooperation with neighbouring countries.
It is not clear whether Switzerland will be readmitted to the Horizon Europe next year.
More
More
Swiss government again plugs gaps for European research funding
This content was published on
The government has extended measures to support Swiss scientists unable to receive funding for EU research programmes.
Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?
Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.
Swiss army suspends 300-million-euro project for airspace surveillance
This content was published on
The army has suspended the project for two systems for airspace surveillance and fighter jet guidance for months. Parliament approved almost 320 million francs for "Skyview". The reason for the suspension is problems with the integration of the system.
Murdered student: Paris asks Bern to extradite suspect
This content was published on
On Wednesday, France submitted an extradition request to the Swiss authorities for the man suspected of murdering Philippine. This was announced Thursday morning by the French Minister of Justice, Didier Migaud, on BFMTV.
Swiss bearded vulture rare win amid global wildlife catastrophe
This content was published on
The reintroduction of bearded vultures in Switzerland is a rare bright spot amid a global wildlife catastrophe in the last 50 years.
This content was published on
The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) is embarking on a new stage to confront the global public with the scientific challenges of the future.
This content was published on
Valais initially had clearance to shoot one wolf pack, but this has been extended after wolves were found to have killed livestock.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss research funding drops due to Horizon Europe freeze
This content was published on
Switzerland’s exclusion from the Horizon Europe scheme is having an impact on the level of funding of Swiss science projects.
Switzerland and UK sign major agreement on science and innovation
This content was published on
The agreement, signed by the UK and Switzerland, is to deepen ties between their respective research and innovation communities.
Diplomatic efforts fail to break Swiss-EU deadlock
This content was published on
Switzerland no closer to regaining full access to EU science and education projects, despite a further round of exploratory talks.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.