Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences have a federal mandate to encourage collaboration within and between all scientific disciplines and foster the integration of science within society. They also oversee the running of the Data Coordination Center for clinical research and the implementation of the Swiss Quantum Initiative.

Overview of the association

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences are organised as an association, comprised of four scientific academies and two competence centres:

With over 100,000 members, this association forms the largest scientific network in Switzerland. It is comprised of over 150 professional societies, more than 130 committees, working groups and boards of trustees, as well as nearly 30 cantonal and regional societies. It operates on a part-time civic engagement model in which professionals contribute their expertise alongside their main occupations.

Core tasks of the academies

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences facilitate the networking of scientists and experts in professional societies, committees and working groups. To this end, they work closely with cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of teacher education. They also prepare the ground for the next generation of researchers, e.g. through the MINT Switzerland initiative to encourage children and young people to develop skills in mathematics, IT, natural sciences and technology (MINT).

The basic activities of the association of academies include:

  • Early identification and communication of socially relevant developments in education, research and innovation
  • Promoting ethical responsibility in the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge
  • Fostering dialogue between science and society.

Other activities

The academies take on thematic and short-term additional projects on behalf of the federal government. They are responsible for implementing the Swiss Quantum Initiative (SQI) and managing the SPHN Data Coordination Center (SAMS).

The academies also promote long-term undertakings. These include the Commission for Research Networks (SCNAT) and, in the field of humanities and social sciences (SAGW), the four National Dictionaries (NWB), the Yearbook of Swiss Politics (APS), the Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland (Dodis), the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (HLS) and various editions.

The federal government has allocated a maximum of CHF 216.1 million to the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences for the 2025–2028 funding period.

Documentation

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI

National Research
Daniel Marti