Science, Technology and Education Office

Australia is amongst Switzerland's most important research partner outside of Europe and North America. Switzerland is one of Australia'a top ten research partners according to the Australian Research Council figures for international collaboration.  On 7 April 2022, the Australian Government identified Switzerland as a priority partners for the first year of the strategic element of its Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund.

The Office of Science, Technology and Education observes and analyses policy developments in the Australian science, innovation and higher education sector and works closely with the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

The Office serves as an interface between the science, technology and education communities in Switzerland and Australia. It works with government, associations, universities and businesses to create good framework conditions for collaboration, provides information and facilitates contacts for example by organising bilateral networking or matchmaking events and joint projects. It is the contact point for funding opportunities such as the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, the ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships, and the Mertz Fellowship for polar and high altitude research, all yearly programs. The Office is also the contact point in Australia for the Young Professionals program (Trainee Exchange).

The office is headed by Tristan Piguet, who is part of Swissnex the overseas network of Science Counselors, managed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). 

Do not hesitate to contact tristan.piguet@eda.admin.ch for any further information.