Events

The recent Draghi report on Europe’s competitiveness highlights significant skill gaps across member states and underscores the urgent need for a more future-proof and competitive European labour force, particularly in key sectors: The twin transition not only leads to the emergence of new professions in the green and digital sectors, but also increasingly requires interdisciplinary skillsets, breaking down silos of traditional education and training courses. The aim of fostering ecosystems for up- and reskilling is therefore high on the EU agenda. While the Pact for Skills has laid the groundwork for industry collaboration, further action is expected under the second pillar of the Union of Skills. As the EU shapes its vision for skills development, it can draw valuable lessons from national approaches. This event explored Switzerland’s up- and reskilling system in the broader European context, showcasing its high adult learning participation rates, strong private sector involvement, and emerging work on ... Read more

SwissCore, the Lithuanian RDI Liaison Office (LINO) and the Slovak Liaison Office for Research and Development in Brussels (SLORD) jointly organised an event focusing on the transformative power of AI applications in healthcare. We explored three real-life applications of AI that are reshaping medical diagnostics, treatment predictions, disease modelling, and more. This international event featured inspiring presentations and discussions from leading research experts from Switzerland, Slovakia and Lithuania, each sharing cutting-edge examples of how AI is improving lives and advancing health systems. One of the speakers, Dr. Ricardo Chavarriaga from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, provided a presentation on governance platforms for responsible brain data sharing. The event closed with a panel discussion between the experts and European regulators on how to build trust in AI. Programme: here Summary of the event: here

Together with the Czech Liaison Office (CZELO) and the Representation of the South Moravian Region to the EU, SwissCore organised a new edition of the EduCafé. This event took place on Tuesday, 14 April from 17:30 at ISELP (Boulevard de Waterloo 31, 1000 Brussels). The EduCafé addressed a shared European challenge: How to strengthen STEM education and attract talent in order to ensure success in a future knowledge- and innovation-based economy? Recent national and European discussions have confirmed a broad consensus on the urgency of this issue. The discussion was guided by several key questions: How can we motivate young people to choose STEM pathways and succeed in them? And how can universities and other educational institutions adapt their educational offer, including study programmes and training opportunities, to respond to the current needs of the European economy in key strategic sectors? We welcomed the following speakers: Ms Lena Dändliker, Head of the Swiss ... Read more

ZHdK, SwissCore and Helmholtz jointly organise an event on “Co-creating FP10: How design science can help bridge the translational gap from research to health innovation”. While the European Parliament and Council are preparing their positions on the next research framework programme (FP10) in response to the European Commission’s proposal, new interdisciplinary approaches are needed to better translate excellent research into real-world innovation. In the field of health innovation, design science offers valuable methods to ensure that research outcomes genuinely reach patients, healthcare professionals, and health systems.This event will bring together policymakers, researchers, and innovation actors to explore how design science and co‑creation can help overcome persistent barriers in turning health and digital health research into impactful solutions. The Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), one of Europe’s largest art universities, will showcase its design‑driven health innovation work, including insights from the Digital Health Design Living Lab.The event, which is co-hosted by Helmholtz, ... Read more

Image: Floating LéXPLORE lake laboratory - © Jenny Maner, Eawag The Briefing is co-organised by the Mission of Switzerland to the EU, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and SwissCore, with contributions from the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA), and European partners. Water is emerging as one of the most strategic resources of the 21st century, it also becomes a powerful entry point to science diplomacy. We will discuss how cutting‑edge research and international cooperation advance our understanding, strengthen resilience, and support science diplomacy in practice. The European Commission and ESA will outline key instruments, programmes and future directions, complemented by insights from leading science institutions. The briefing will be set in the context of the framework of the EU Water Resilience Strategy, European initiatives under Horizon Europe, and the European Commission’s ongoing work on science diplomacy, including the upcoming Council Recommendations. The event ... Read more

Cooperate to innovate - What we can learn from the Eureka network As Switzerland brings its Eureka Presidency to a close, the SwissCore Annual Event 2026 will focus on the role of international cooperation in fostering innovation. We are convinced that Europe needs to cooperate to innovate. We will highlight key factors that drive successful innovation and inspirational instruments to support start-ups. We will draw lessons from the Eureka network for the future of European cooperation in innovation and the preparation of FP10 and related innovation policies.  A detailed programme and link to register will follow here soon.