Press releases
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI regularly publishes media information about its activities, projects, and programs.
Secretary of State Martina Hirayama on science and economic mission to Australia and New Zealand
On behalf of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) will travel to Sydney and Melbourne (Australia) and Auckland (New Zealand) from 30 June to 8 July. The aim of the trip is to reinforce and broaden bilateral ties in the domains of education, research, innovation and economic affairs. She will be accompanied by a high-ranking delegation from the scientific and business community.
Secretary of State Martina Hirayama on scientific mission to South Korea
From 22 to 25 June, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama led a scientific delegation to Seoul. The aim of the trip was to strengthen Switzerland's cooperation with South Korea in research and innovation. The agenda included a meeting with Chang Yune Lee, Vice Minister for Science and ICT, as well as visits to research institutions, universities, companies and start-ups. The thematic focus was on quantum science, artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing and life sciences. Ms Hirayama was accompanied on her trip to South Korea by a high-ranking Swiss science delegation.
Horizon package: Federal Council releases further funds for direct funding for 2021–2024
Due to Switzerland's non-association to the Horizon package (Horizon Europe, Euratom programme, Digital Europe Programme, ITER), the Federal Council adopted a series of transitional measures in the period 2021–2024. A large number of project proposals and corresponding requests are expected for this direct funding of researchers and innovators in Switzerland. On 20 June 2025, the Federal Council decided to allocate an additional CHF 75 million for this purpose, subject to budgetary approval by the Swiss Parliament. These additional funds do not exceed the overall budget of CHF 5.4 billion approved by parliament for the Horizon package.
Swiss–EU package: Federal Council approves agreements and opens consultation process
At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements in the new package to stabilise and develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process. After Switzerland brought the negotiations with the EU to a successful close in December 2024, the Federal Council finalised the implementing legislation and accompanying measures. Previously unresolved issues concerning wage protection, immigration, electricity and the type of referendum to be held have since been settled and presented to the public over the last five months. The consultation process will last until 31 October 2025. With this package, the Federal Council is aiming for customised sectoral participation in the EU single market as well as cooperation in selected areas. Given the current global unrest, maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries is key.
Celebration event for the 50 years of ESA in Lausanne
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the convention that established the European Space Agency (ESA). Several member states are holding events to mark the occasion. On 26 May, Switzerland held an event in Lausanne in collaboration with ESA, dedicated to the themes of ‘inspiration, science and exploration’.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin on a working visit to Poland
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will visit Poland on 14 and 15 May. During his visit he will sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in education, research and innovation (ERI). Bilateral ministerial meetings are also planned, focusing on ERI and business. The programme will conclude with a visit to the renowned Impact'25 innovation fair.
State Secretary Martina Hirayama on a science mission in the Gulf States
From 12 to 16 May, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, will travel to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on a science mission. This trip is intended primarily to strengthen existing partnerships and explore opportunities for further collaboration in research and innovation.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to visit Bulgaria
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Sofia on 7 May for a one-day visit. His programme includes meetings with Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Rosen Jeliazkov, as well as a visit to the renowned Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT).
Switzerland–EU: Federal Council approves EU Programmes Agreement
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council approved the EU Programmes Agreement (EUPA) along with the associated protocols on education, research, innovation and health. It also authorised Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to sign the agreement. Signature of the EUPA will enable Swiss association in Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe Programme to be applied retroactively from 1 January 2025. The agreement will come into effect following ratification of the Switzerland-EU package
Switzerland and EU initial agreement on programmes
On 2 April, the chief negotiators from Switzerland and the European Union initialled an agreement in Brussels on Switzerland’s participation in EU programmes. The agreement comes into force once the overall Switzerland-EU package has been ratified, but could already be applied provisionally after the signing, which is due to take place in November.
Leading Houses given mandates for Swiss bilateral cooperation in education, research and innovation for 2025–2028
The Confederation will continue to support bilateral cooperation programmes between Swiss education, research and innovation (ERI) stakeholders and non-European partners for the 2025–2028 funding period. At the end of March, State Secretary Martina Hirayama signed service level agreements with five higher education institutions, designating them as the implementing Leading Houses for these programmes.
Swissnex Annual Report 2024: Strengthening Global Collaboration in Education, Research, and Innovation
Swissnex, Switzerland’s global network for education, research, and innovation, continued its mission in 2024 with impactful initiatives worldwide. The year was defined by a growing focus on climate action, artificial intelligence, and deepened global partnerships. The Swissnex Annual Report 2024 highlights the network’s key contributions to international collaboration and knowledge exchange, reinforcing Switzerland’s role as a global leader in innovation.
Swiss-South African Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation takes stock of positive results
The 7th Meeting of the Swiss-South African Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation was held in Bern on 20 March. The aim of the meeting was to further strengthen existing close cooperation. Participants discussed current cooperation projects and identified prospective new ones.
State Secretary Hirayama attends informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation
On 10 and 11 March, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation in Warsaw. The main topics of the meeting, which takes place twice a year, were the strategic shape of the next EU R+I Framework Programme, FP10, which begins in 2028, and European competitiveness. State Secretary Hirayama took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with counterparts from various countries.
Half of students in higher education took online courses in 2024
In 2024, 53% of students in higher education took online courses. Last year, students spent less time studying (‒2.1 hours per week on average) and more time in paid employment (+0.7 hours) than in 2020. In 2024, more students worked upwards of 40% of full-time equivalent hours. These are the initial results of the 2024 Survey on the Social and Economic Conditions of Student Life carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Working visit by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), received the Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim in Bern on 24 February.
Switzerland present at informal meeting of EU ministers in Warsaw
On 21 and 22 January 2025, the Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), Rémy Hübschi, took part in an informal meeting of education ministers from EU member states. The event was held in Warsaw to discuss ways to foster inclusive high-quality education in Europe. Mr Hübschi also used this opportunity for exchanges with his counterparts.
Official working visit by Vice Premier of the State Affairs Council of the People's Republic of China, Mr Ding Xuexiang
On 20 January 2025, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Vice President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), welcomed Mr Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Affairs Council of the People's Republic of China, in Bern for an official working visit. Switzerland and the People's Republic of China are currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Nomination procedure launched for Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize
This year, the Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize, endowed with CHF 250,000, will be awarded in the field of mathematics, engineering and natural sciences. Nominations can be submitted up to 24 February 2025. The prize has been awarded every year since 1920.
Federal Commission for Scholarships: Philipp Schweighauser elected
At its meeting on 13 December, the Federal Council elected Professor Philipp Schweighauser, Professor of North American and General Literature at the University of Basel, to the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) for the remaining term of office from 2024–27.
Federal Council elects Innosuisse Board for 2025–28
On 13 December, the Federal Council re-elected André Kudelski as president, and Sergio Ermotti, Aude Pugin and Anna Valente as members to the Innosuisse Board for the 2025–28 term of office. Kristina Shea, Professor for Engineering Design and Computing at ETH Zurich, was elected as a new board member.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin welcomes Vice Minister of Education Wang Guangyan of China
On 12 December, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), received China’s Vice Minister of Education Wang Guangyan in Bern for a bilateral exchange on higher education and vocational and professional education and training.
Literacy, numeracy and problem-solving: Switzerland beats OECD average in all three test areas (last modification, the 23.12.2024)
Adults in Switzerland generally outperform the international average in literacy, numeracy and problem-solving tests. Nevertheless, around 30% of 16- to 65-year-olds – around 1.67 million people – have low skills in at least one of these three areas. Skill differences can often be explained by factors such as educational level, age, main language or place of origin. This is shown in the national report of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on the initial results of the second cycle of the OECD's Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). The results validate the federal government's targeted support measures to assist adults in improving their basic skills.
Switzerland and the United Kingdom strengthen cooperation in science and innovation
On 9 December, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and State Secretary Martina Hirayama welcomed UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Lord Vallance to Bern. Their assessment of cooperation and innovation was extremely positive.
Professional education specialisation often linked to career advancement
Around half of those who complete a professional education programme take on more responsibility in their company in the first year following completion. They are often supported during their studies by employers, who both contribute to the cost of programmes and offer solutions to help employees combine work and study. These are the results of the Survey on Professional Education of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) for the 2022 examination year.
Swiss scientific delegation meets with partners in Mexico and Colombia
Representatives of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions (swissuniversities) and the University of St. Gallen will visit partner institutions in Mexico and Colombia from 2–6 December 2024. This visit is intended to further strengthen mutually beneficial bilateral relations between Switzerland and the two countries in the area of education, research and innovation.
Parliamentary focus on VET
Politicians submitted 267 procedural requests on vocational education and training (VET) to the federal and cantonal parliaments between autumn 2020 and autumn 2023, a new study by the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training SFUVET shows. The main aim of the procedural requests was to make VET more attractive, adapt course content, increase permeability and strengthen in-house training.
Successful funding for Swiss participation in international research infrastructures
In order to optimise support for Swiss participation in international research infrastructures, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) provides funding to the relevant Swiss scientific communities. At a forum on 26 November 2024, these communities presented their successes to date, and SERI set out plans to continue its accompanying measures.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin on working visit to the Netherlands
On 28 and 29 November, Guy Parmelin, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), will visit the Netherlands with a high-level scientific delegation. In The Hague, he will sign a memorandum of understanding with Eppo Bruins, the Dutch minister for Education, Culture and Science, to strengthen cooperation in education, research and innovation. A ministerial-level meeting on economic issues is also on the programme.
State Secretary Martina Hirayama on scientific mission to Kenya and Tanzania
From 18 to 21 November 2024, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, will travel to Kenya and Tanzania on a scientific mission. In Nairobi, she will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen scientific cooperation between Kenya and Switzerland. In Dar es Salaam, Ms Hirayama will meet the Tanzanian Minister of Education, Science and Technology, as well as other dignitaries.
2024–2033 scenarios for the education system - Student numbers expected to rise sharply in post-compulsory education by 2033
Changing demographics will lead to sharply increasing numbers in all post-compulsory education and training in the next ten years. According to the Federal Statistical Office's (FSO) reference scenario, numbers will rise by 15% for the upper secondary level (from 390 000 to 450 000 students) and by 18% for all universities and institutes of technology, universities of applied sciences and of teacher education (from 276 000 to 326 000 students). For both the upper secondary level and the higher education institutions, considerable increases are expected in education and training related to IT, health and social work.
Federal Councillor Parmelin renews vocational education and training agreement with the USA
On 23 October, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Guy Parmelin, signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington D.C. reaffirming the close cooperation between Switzerland and the US on vocational education and training. The agreement is aimed at strengthening the exchange of information between public and private stakeholders in education and business in both countries in the years 2024–27.
Switzerland at 2024 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington
Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, accompanied by Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 23 to 25 October 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Annual Meetings. The Swiss delegation will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.
First Swiss-Spanish Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Innovation
On 2 October, Swiss and Spanish representatives met in Bern for the first Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Innovation (JCM), convened for the purpose of exploring ways to reinforce ties between their respective research communities. Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, and Eva Ortega-Paíno, Secretary General for Research at the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, led the delegations and discussions.
Switzerland participates in G20 discussions on research and innovation
On 19 September, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting in Manaus, Brazil. Switzerland was invited by Brazil, which currently holds the G20 presidency, to participate in the new working group set up this year.
State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal Meeting of EU Higher Education and Research Ministers in Budapest
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, represented Switzerland at the Informal Meeting of Higher Education and Research Ministers of the EU member states in Budapest on 16 and 17 September. Discussions at this biannual event focused on the introduction of a common European degree in higher education and strengthening European competitiveness through research and innovation. Other topics included reducing fragmentation in the European Research Area and ensuring freedom of research.
State Secretary Martina Hirayama receives Malaysian Minister of Higher Education
On 6 September, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, received the Malaysian Minister of Higher Education, Zambry Abdul Kadir, in Bern for a courtesy visit. They exchanged views on existing cooperation projects in higher education, research and innovation.
Marcel Benoist and Latsis Swiss Science Prizes go to outstanding psycholinguist and innovative neuroscientist
Bern, 5 September 2024 – The psycholinguist Pascal Gygax receives the Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize for his excellent work on the influence of language on the perception of reality. The Latsis Swiss Science Prize goes to Mackenzie Mathis for her contributions in the field of machine learning in neuroscience.
The professional situation of 2022 university graduates in 2023 - Slight increase in unemployment among graduates
Between 2021 and 2023, graduate unemployment (ILO definition) rose from 2.7% to 3.2%. One year after graduating in 2022, 3.9% of master's graduates from the universities and institutes of technology (UIT) and 3.4% of bachelor's graduates from the universities of applied sciences (UAS) were unemployed. Entry into the labour market was easiest for graduates from the universities of teacher education (UTE), who had an unemployment rate of only 0.8%. These are the main findings of the Graduate Survey (EHA) for 2022 from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
In-house training quality promotes successful completion of apprenticeships
Apprentices do better in companies that offer them a diverse range of tasks and the freedom to find their own solutions. Improvements in the quality of in-house training could help to reduce the number of apprenticeship failures by 10 per cent. These are the findings of researchers at the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training SFUVET.
Apprentices commute on average for one and a half hours per day
Data on Swiss apprentices' commute times has become available for the first time: A study by the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training SFUVET shows that apprentices cover considerable distances for their training, commuting an average of 80 to 90 minutes per day. Cantonal and language borders strongly influence their mobility.