In 2022, Switzerland and the UK signed a memorandum of understanding as a basis for cooperation in science and innovation. The latest discussions at ministerial level included science and innovation policy, cooperation between the two countries, Horizon Europe, space, CERN and research security.
"I am delighted that the outstanding cooperation between Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be further strengthened in the coming years," said Mr Parmelin. "This is made possible in particular through cooperation between our innovation promotion agencies, the Swiss National Science Foundation and its partner institutions, and between the Paul Scherrer Institute and the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council."
Mr Vallance said: "Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen simply by bringing big thinkers and innovators together. To unleash science as a force for good in the world, it is critical that we build deeper and broader ties with research powerhouses like Switzerland. Science is fundamentally international, and by working together [our] researchers, academics and businesses will be able to aim higher and achieve more."
On the same day as the ministerial meetings, there was also a meeting of the Joint Committee on Science and Innovation with high-level representatives from research institutions, research and innovation promotion organisations and the governments of both countries. At this level, too, cooperation was considered to be valuable. One example are the calls for proposals launched by the innovation funding agencies Innosuisse and Innovate UK. So far, they have led to around 40 projects in key sectors such as life sciences, quantum technologies and sustainable development.
With a view to setting new cooperation priorities for 2025 and 2026, the Swiss National Science Foundation and the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research have confirmed their intention to jointly support cooperation projects in the area of clinical trials. In addition, the Paul Scherrer Institute and the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council plan to deepen their cooperation.
The UK is one of Switzerland's key partners in the field of science and innovation. Under the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020 (2014-20), Swiss and British researchers worked together on over 1,600 projects. Under Horizon Europe (2021-27), the figure to date is already over 460 projects. Last year, seven cooperation projects with partners from both countries were supported under EUREKA, the independent intergovernmental initiative for cross-border innovation funding in Europe.
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