After six months at SwissCore, we bid farewell to our Trainee for Research and Innovation, Manon Hufschmid, and for Education, Fantine Dayer.
Every end marks a new beginning: Manon’s time at SwissCore comes to an end just as the European Commission published its proposals for the EU Budget and the next framework programme for R&I for 2028-2034. “People often say that the last couple of days before the end of their work are less exciting, but this was not at all the case for me; my time at SwissCore was dynamic and eventful from start to finish. Ending my traineeship by analysing the two fresh proposals, especially the changes and developments related to knowledge security and dual-use, was joyful and fulfilling, as these are topics that I have followed throughout my time at SwissCore. A large part of my work was dedicated towards writing an extensive research report on Knowledge Security, titled Knowledge Security in Switzerland: Providing a Source of inspiration for SwissCore funders and partners (2025) and producing factsheets to accompany the report. With the new programme opening up funding opportunities for dual-use R&I activities, and research security gaining increased prominence throughout the proposals, I am excited to see how these fields will develop in the near future. Thank you to the amazing SwissCore team and my supervisor Luca: your kindness and support have made these past six months unforgettable, and I will look back fondly on the times we spent together, both in a work and personal capacity. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity SwissCore presented to me, allowing me to expand my horizons and become familiar with the numerous fields of activity I could pursue. I am excited for my journey ahead, and let’s see whether I will be using my knowledge security expertise, become an expert on space policy, or work on securing a fair and just twin transition. The opportunities are endless, and I look forward to embarking on this next chapter.”
As Manon’s time comes to an end, so does Fantine’s. After 6 months working on the education dossier and witnessing many developments, including the launch of the Union of Skills and significant advancements on the European Degree file, the final reward was undoubtedly the publication of the next generation Erasmus+ (2028-2034) programme. “Leaving the office with hopes for a future Swiss association to the programme and having shared my recommendations for Swiss participation opportunities within the Union of Skills in my traineeship report, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity offered to me by the SwissCore team and my supervisor Sandra. I have been continually impressed by the expertise and professionalism of every team member, as well as their guidance and friendliness throughout the journey. A special highlight was an unexpected meeting with the President of the European Council during a weekend football evening in the streets of Brussels. Amid the many networking events, meetings and discussions, I am taking away with me valuable skills and meaningful relationships, grateful to have had the chance to be part of the “EU Bubble” for this chapter of my life. I cannot wait to see what will be the next one.”
SwissCore would like to thank both Manon and Fantine for their excellent work and contributions to Swiss-EU collaboration and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.