VPET research
VPET research examines various aspects of the Swiss system of upper-secondary vocational education and training (VET) and tertiary professional education to gain insights for evidence-based development and management of the Swiss VPET system.
The Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET) plays a central role in vocational education research in Switzerland. As the federal government’s expert organisation for vocational education and training, it provides basic and continuing training to VET professionals, conducts research, provides services to develop vocational pedagogy and skills development in Switzerland.
As part of its own policy research activities pursuant to the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (RIPA), SERI conducts VET research. Based on the Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act (VPETA), this funding aims to establish nationally and internationally recognised VET research and to sustainably integrate it into existing national research funding structures. In addition to generating knowledge for policymakers, the focus is therefore on maintaining scientific independence, research excellence, and on strengthening personnel and structural research capacities over the long term.
In pursuit of these aims, SERI uses two instruments to support vocational education and training research:
- SERI has established Leading Houses at universities to develop specific areas of vocational and professional education and training research. These Leading Houses serve as competence networks, conducting various research projects on their respective focus areas. They prepare research findings for use by policymakers and professionals. In addition, Leading Houses are well connected and are involved in the training of early-career researchers.
- If necessary, SERI also supports individual research projects with a specific thematic focus. These individual projects address questions in the field of vocational education and training and examine innovative aspects that are not covered by a Leading House.
Information about the main research areas and priority topics can be found in the Vocational Education and Training Research Concept 2025–2028:
Leading Houses
Leading Houses can help to consolidate VPET research in Switzerland. Each Leading House operates as a long-term competence network, affiliated with one or more academic chairs at Swiss higher education institutions. Its mandate is set out in a performance agreement with SERI.
Individual projects in VPET research
SERI funds individual projects to provide short-term answers to specific research questions on innovative and unique aspects of upper-secondary vocational education and training (VET) and tertiary professional education. These projects address VPET topics not already covered by a Leading House.