Education Policy

The ETH Domain depends on adequate, stable funding from the Confederation if it is to fulfil its role in driving innovation for Switzerland and educating urgently needed specialists. The financial resources allocated to the ETH Domain in the ERI Dispatch are not sufficient to achieve this, as the ETH Board makes clear in its position statement on the ERI Dispatch 2025–2028.

Science often runs ahead of legislation – and this is now also true for research on embryo-like cell aggregates from human stem cells. Bioethicist Alessandro Blasimme of ETH Zurich explains why this controversial topic calls for legal clarity.

Switzerland is still not associated with Horizon Europe. In addition to the loss of international networks and attractiveness, this may also result in financial losses for Swiss ERI actors. The Committees for Science, Education and Culture now want to ensure that the funds that Parliament had allocated for Horizon Europe actually benefit research – and are not used for other purposes.

During the summer session, the National Council adopted several interventions related to Switzerland's participation in Horizon Europe. It asked the Federal Council to negotiate with the EU an immediate association with the framework programme and to launch a comprehensive research and innovation programme.

From the perspective of those involved in education, research and innovation (ERI), Horizon Europe is at the centre of the summer session. Two committees of the Federal Parliament are calling on the Federal Council to act on this issue.