Press releases
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI regularly publishes media information about its activities, projects, and programs.
Nearly a quarter of Swiss university graduates did an internship after their studies
In the five years following their graduation, 23% of people who graduated from a Swiss higher education institution in 2016 or 2018 did at least one internship. The proportion of those who did an internship varied greatly depending on their field of study. With hindsight, almost 90% of the graduates would still do an internship even though their employment situation five years after graduation was less favourable overall than that of those who did not do an internship. These are the main findings of a new publication by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Switzerland and Japan sign Memorandum of Cooperation in the quantum field
From 29 September to 5 October, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama led a scientific mission to Japan aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration between the two nations.
EAER to fund two new multidisciplinary research and innovation projects in the space sector
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) has decided to support two new research and innovation projects in the space sector. The projects focus on robotics and optics, respectively, and aim to deliver scientific excellence and pioneering cutting-edge technologies. With a total of just over CHF 6 million allocated to these two projects, the federal government is seeking to strengthen the international standing of Swiss universities and industry players in space research.
State Secretary Martina Hirayama on scientific mission to Japan
From 29 September to 5 October, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama will lead a scientific mission to Japan aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two nations. Her programme includes high-level meetings, visits to leading institutions and discussions with start-ups and cutting-edge companies.
Switzerland participates in G20 discussions on research and innovation
On 23 September, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting in South Africa.
State Secretary Martina Hirayama on a science mission to South Africa
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, will be in Pretoria and Cape Town on a science mission from 25 to 26 September. The aim of the trip is to strengthen long-term cooperation between Switzerland and South Africa in the fields of education, research and innovation. The science mission follows a G20 meeting on science and innovation, which State Secretary Hirayama will attend.
Marcel Benoist and Latsis Swiss Science Prizes are awarded to a physicist and a lawyer
Physicist Tobias J. Kippenberg has been awarded the Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize for his excellent work in quantum optomechanics and the generation of optical frequency combs. Dr Saskia Stucki has been awarded the Latsis Swiss Science Prize for her in-depth contributions at the interface between animal, human and environmental law.
Switzerland at informal EU ministerial meeting in Denmark on VET
On 11 and 12 September, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended an informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for vocational education and training. At this gathering in the towns of Billund and Herning (Denmark), they endorsed the Herning Declaration, thus setting the stage for European cooperation in vocational education and training.
Solid key skills facilitate workforce integration
People with high-level literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills are better integrated in the workforce. Regardless of their level of qualification, such candidates have access to better paid jobs and take part in more continuing education and training. In Switzerland, four out of five employed people have average to high-level reading (81%), arithmetic (85%) and problem solving (79%) skills. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), these skills are crucial to success in the workplace, directly affecting people’s employability, income and participation in continuing education and training.
Two-thirds of higher education graduates change jobs within five years of completing their studies
Two in three higher education graduates changed jobs in the five years following their graduation in 2018. Almost a quarter saw their hierarchical position rise after one to five years following graduation, which generally resulted in a higher income (+13% to +18%) and greater satisfaction in their new job (up to +47%). These are some of the results of the second Swiss Graduate Survey (EHA), conducted in 2023 by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Switzerland and India discuss cooperation in science and technology
On 1 September, the 7th meeting of the Indo-Swiss Joint Committee on Science and Technology took place in Bern, co-chaired by Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, and Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology. The discussions centred on bilateral cooperation in research and innovation. The next meeting is expected to be held in India in 2027.
State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal EU Ministerial Meeting on Competition in Research and Innovation
On 16 and 17 July, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU research ministers in Copenhagen (Denmark). The policy discussions focused on promoting key technologies in Europe and the design of the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation from 2028. State Secretary Hirayama also took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with counterparts from various countries.
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.
Federal Council appoints two new members to ETH Board
On 6 June the Federal Council appointed Martin Keller and Matthias Leuenberger to the ETH Board. Martin Keller will take office on 1 August, succeeding Christiane Leister, who passed away at the beginning of March. From 1 January 2026 Matthias Leuenberger will succeed Susan Gasser, whose term of office comes to an end in December. Martin Keller has many years of experience in corporate management and development and Matthias Leuenberger in leading positions in the pharmaceutical industry, making them ideal new members of the ETH Board.
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).