Published on 1 February 2026

Science

Switzerland has a proactive foreign policy with a particular focus on education, research and innovation as a means to address global challenges. The Confederation is committed to ensuring that Switzerland can make the most of its strengths in these fields and is recognised as a global centre of excellence. Science diplomacy is one of the foreign policy priorities in Switzerland's Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27.

The Transnational Red Sea Center (TRSC) study of Red Sea coral reefs demonstrates the exceptional resilience of these corals in the face of climate change. — © Guilhem Banc-Prandi, Transnational Red Sea Center

Science diplomacy

Science diplomacy refers to the interaction between diplomacy and science in international relations. Within Switzerland, science diplomacy is mainly coordinated by the FDFA and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), which oversees the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Switzerland's approach focuses on four key areas:

• Diplomacy for science

  Switzerland deploys diplomatic resources to foster international scientific collaboration, notably through Swissnex, its global network for education, research and innovation, which operates in major international innovation hubs. Diplomacy ‘in science’ is also playing an increasingly important role.

  Swissnex

• Science for diplomacy

  This refers to the use of science to improve international relations, as demonstrated by the Swiss-supported TRSC initiative of the EPFL – an opportunity for dialogue on common challenges for countries bordering the Red Sea that may have fragile diplomatic relations.

  Coral reefs as bridge-builders

• Science in diplomacy

  This is carried out for example by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), providing scientific benchmarks on climate issues that are discussed within international bodies like the UN, or via Swiss cooperation, which funds a number of innovative research projects – such as research into low-carbon cement, whose project lead is a member of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

• Anticipatory science diplomacy

  This field is spearheaded by the GESDA Foundation (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator), established in 2019 through a partnership between the Swiss Confederation and the Geneva cantonal and city governments. Its mission is to anticipate the scientific breakthroughs that will shape our societies, and develop solutions to manage these transformations by strengthening multilateralism.

  Using science diplomacy to meet global challenges

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

• Multilateral cooperation in research and innovation

  Governments do not usually have the resources to carry out major research and innovation projects on their own, which is why they join forces on large-scale projects. Switzerland is part of numerous international research structures and a member of intergovernmental organisations active in the field of research and technological development. The best-known example of this is the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva.

• European cooperation

  Cross-border scientific exchange is key to the competitiveness of Swiss universities and Switzerland's capacities in innovation. The Confederation is committed to Switzerland's association to the EU's framework programmes for education, research and innovation. Switzerland also plays an active role in various European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) networks.

  Horizon package 2021–2027

• Bilateral research cooperation

  Swiss higher education institutions and research institutes collaborate with partner institutes around the world. Switzerland has set up bilateral cooperation programmes with selected high-potential countries and regions, aimed at deepening cooperation in education, research and innovation.

• Grants

  Every year, the Swiss Confederation offers grants for excellence in research and the arts. These government grants, which are aimed at fostering collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 countries, are awarded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

  Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 – 2027

• Science and research for development

  As part of its development cooperation work, Switzerland also promotes research and innovation in low- and middle-income countries at bilateral or multilateral level and in conjunction with Swiss expertise and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). These efforts facilitate and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda as well as Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28. In addition, the research projects contribute to the training of researchers, as well as informing policy dialogue and diplomatic relations.

  Research and Innovation

Links

• Coral reefs as bridge-builders:
• Using science diplomacy to meet global challenges

Documents

• Science Diplomacy: an opportunity for Geneva (Fondation pour Genève)

  PDF7.26 MB18 March 2025