Switzerland’s research infrastructure ecosystem

Research infrastructures are essential for research and innovation and in maintaining Switzerland’s international standing. The position paper «Overview of the National Research Infrastructure Ecosystem and Its Challenges» examines Switzerland’s research infrastructure ecosystem, its various stakeholders, instruments and responsibilities. It also identifies key challenges and outlines priorities for further development of the system.

SERI’s role with regard to research infrastructures

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) helps to ensure an internationally competitive research and innovation landscape in Switzerland. World-class research infrastructures are a key component of this, as they enable research and innovation to be conducted at the highest level.

SERI’s tasks include, in particular:

• Coordinating the Swiss Roadmap for Research Infrastructures;
• Providing subsidiary funding to research facilities of national importance;
• Tasking the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences with providing subsidiary funding for research and data infrastructures to complement the funding provided to higher education institutions;
• Managing and facilitating Switzerland’s participation in international research infrastructures, and ensuring Switzerland’s membership and ministerial representation in international research infrastructure networks.

Position paper on research infrastructures

The paper «Overview of the National Research Infrastructure Ecosystem and Its Challenges» analyses current challenges relating to the coordination, evaluation, prioritisation and funding of research infrastructures and lays the groundwork for dialogue with stakeholders in the research and innovation system.

The position paper identifies five key areas where action is needed:

• Common definitions and criteria
• Transparency in evaluation and funding processes
• Improved coordination among Swiss ERI stakeholders
• Longer-term funding and more resilient business models
• Harmonised approaches to monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment

Dialogue with ERI stakeholders aims to develop common guiding principles for the further evolution of Switzerland’s research infrastructure ecosystem. The objective is a more coherent, more transparent and sustainably funded research infrastructure landscape, with stronger synergies and more efficient use of resources.

• Overview of the National Research Infrastructure Ecosystem and Its Challenges

  The position paper provides an overview of the Swiss research infrastructure ecosystem. It examines the various stakeholder roles and the planning, evaluation and funding processes that are already in place for research infrastructures. It highlights where the existing system works well and which areas require additional coordination.

  PDF1.70 MB22 September 2026