Switzerland and the EU Research Framework Programme
Since January 2004, Switzerland has been associated to the 6th Research Framework Programme (FP6) of the EU, and the association agreement has been renewed in time for the start of FP7. As a result of this association, Swiss researchers have the right to fully participate in the Framework Programme, with the same rights and obligations as their colleagues from the EU Member States.
The Euresearch network provides support for researcher’s participation to the EU Framework Programme.
The Swiss research funding system
The development of science policy and the general coordination of research in Switzerland are in the remit of the State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER). This office of the Swiss Federal Administration is also responsible for the basic funding of universities and provides competitive funding for basic research through a mandate to the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). SNSF supports basic research performed in Switzerland through different forms of grants.
Applied and industrial research is funded by the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET) through CTI, the Swiss Innovation Agency.