Scientific Exchange Programme (Sciex) Estonia

Project completed

The Scientific Exchange Programme between the New Member States and Switzerland, Sciex-NMS.ch for short, has given over 500 young researchers from new EU member states the opportunity to complete a short-term residency in Switzerland to further their research.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Estonia
Promoting economic growth and improving working conditions
Research and Development
01.04.2009 - 31.12.2016
CHF 1'973'337

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Background

By virtue of the 24 March 2006 Federal Act on Cooperation with the Countries of Eastern Europe and the CIS, Switzerland has made available a CHF 1 billion contribution to the benefit of those States which became EU members on 1 May 2004. Against this background, the framework agreement and its addendum with the Estonian Republic foresees the establishment of a fund to provide scholarships for young Estonian research scientists to Swiss research and development institutions for a total sum of CHF 2 million.

Objectives

To contribute to the reduction of the social and economic disparities within the enlarged EU by means of supporting the professional and scientific capacities of young researchers from the beneficiary countries together with promoting sustainable cooperation between Switzerland and the same beneficiary countries.

Target groups

Young Estonian scientists and researchers

Activities
  • to develop the individual capacities of the young research scientists (human capital)
  • to encourage scientific progress and innovation (scientific perspectives for the future)
  • to establish or reinforce networks between Swiss and Estonian researchers
Results

Achieved results:  

  • 22 scholarships for research in Switzerland granted
  • 90% of the projects teams confirmed having fully achieved the intended goals
  • 90% of the fellows intended to pursue an academic career after concluding their Sciex-fellowship
  • Enhanced cooperation between Swiss and Estonian universities


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Swiss Academic and Research Institution
  • Other Swiss academic and research institutions


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   1'973'337 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   1'935'675
Project phases

Phase 1 01.04.2009 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)