In a major advancement for the scientific community, the European Union and Switzerland formalized a pact in November, permitting Swiss researchers to re-enter important EU scientific initiatives like Horizon Europe, Euratom’s nuclear energy research and training, and the Erasmus+ youth education program. This agreement restores Switzerland’s parity with EU member nations in these initiatives, enabling them to spearhead projects and access EU funding. This development follows a détente achieved in December 2024, concluding a three-year exclusion caused by a political deadlock.
The conflict initiated in July 2021 when Switzerland was relegated to third-country status after the Swiss government opted not to sign an EU accord designed to synchronize closely with EU regulations. This control over access to scientific programs was a crucial aspect of the contention. Michael Hengartner, president of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, articulated it as a “political decision” that was acknowledged but lamented. The recent agreement is regarded as rapid and favorable progress for both parties.
During Switzerland’s absence from Horizon Europe and other EU programs, Swiss financial backers established substitute schemes to replicate the prestige of the European Research Council (ERC). While appreciated, these Swiss alternatives lacked the global standing and advantages of EU association, impacting Switzerland’s capacity to draw elite talent. Jason Holland from the University of Zurich emphasized this competitive drawback, pointing out that ERC grants provide significant reputational benefits, influencing young scholars’ choices in their doctoral endeavors.
Statistically, Switzerland exhibited high success rates with ERC grants, significantly surpassing the European average. However, despite achieving a comparable framework domestically, Swiss scientists experienced a detachment similar to elite European sports teams being excluded from premier leagues. The scenario hindered networking prospects for younger researchers and SMEs, although larger institutions and seasoned researchers navigated the predicament using existing networks.
Horizon Europe’s allure stems from its competitive spirit and forward-thinking financial support, in contrast with typically more conservative Swiss funding. This dynamic led to perceptions internationally that Swiss exclusion might enhance others’ odds of securing prestigious grants, a sentiment recounted by biochemist Charlotte Aumeier.
The ramifications of the exclusion on Swiss science have been substantial, potentially redirecting talent and diminishing policy influence, as pointed out by Edwin Constable from Euresearch. This resulted in Switzerland’s absence from crucial program dialogues, hampering its ability to shape research priorities and attain institutional visibility. Nonetheless, the reintegration into EU programs was met with enthusiasm, signaling renewed collaboration and nurturing optimism among Swiss researchers.
While the roles of the Swiss government and the EU faced scrutiny, especially considering the critical nature of science funding for prosperity, the current agreement is perceived as advantageous for both sides. The EU benefits from Swiss scientific prowess, while Swiss institutions regain access to the Horizon Programme’s rich ecosystem, signaling a promising future for Swiss science as it reclaim its position at the EU scientific table.