Office of Science, Technology and Higher Education

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 Sébastien Monnet, 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 sebastien.monnet@eda.admin.ch for any further information.

News from the Science, Technology and Education Office

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

**Call for applications open until 30 November 2022**

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD to conduct research in Switzerland. Enhance your international academic network, benefit from experts at Swiss universities and contribute to international cooperation in scientific research through this great opportunity!

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Swiss Mertz Fellowship for Swiss-Australian research collaborations in polar regions and high altitude area 2022

**Call for applications open until 30 October 2022**

The Mertz Fellowship programme promotes linkages between Swiss and Australian higher education and research institutions through scientific networking and joint projects. The programme targets early-career researchers from the polar and high altitude science communities of Switzerland and Australia.

Mertz Fellowship