EduCafé: Teaching critical thinking in the age of AI
This new edition of the EduCafé was co-organised by the Czech Liaison Office CZELO, the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) and SwissCore. An international panel offered insights on how to prepare students and lifelong learners for life in the age of AI, where they will have to face not only technological challenges but also ethical issues. How can schools and universities develop students’ (and whole society’s) skills such as critical thinking and the ability to make thoughtful and ethical decisions, not leaving behind the important topic of technological literacy? The discussion also centred around the challenges AI brings to education and how education systems should prepare for it. How can students’ critical thinking skills be developed to make informed decisions when working with AI? What are the ethical issues related to AI and how can we teach about them? Venue: Kamilou, Rue Joseph II 36 Speakers: Simona Petkova, Policy Officer, Digital ... Read more
Africa – Europe 360° cooperation based on equitable R&I partnerships: role and contribution from Switzerland
The University of Bern, The Guild, and SwissCore jointly organised a Research and Innovation Briefing on ‘Africa – Europe 360° cooperation based on equitable R&I partnerships: role and contribution from Switzerland’. The event was hosted by the Mission of Switzerland to the EU. The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) adopted in July 2023 the joint AU-EU Innovation Agenda to enhance cooperation in science, technology and innovation. Universities have been engaged and contributing to the priority areas of this agenda and can play an instrumental role in building a competitive, 360-degree approach for Europe’s international partnerships with colleagues in Africa and across the wider global stage. During this event, we look into the Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE) launched by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities and how this initiative contributed to creating equitable partnerships. Furthermore, leading scientists presented their ... Read more
Future-Proofing Skills: Building Stronger Up- and Reskilling Ecosystems in Europe
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
A Generation of knowledge – Impact of 30 Years of Swiss-EU Collaboration
On 3 September 2025, SwissCore celebrated its 30th Anniversary, marking three decades of bringing Switzerland and the EU closer together in research, innovation and education. Taking place at a pivotal moment, as Switzerland re-engages in Horizon Europe, this anniversary marked both a recognition of shared achievements and a renewed commitment to deepening European partnerships. To mark this moment, we brought together high-level policymakers, researchers, innovators and education leaders from Switzerland and the EU to highlight the mutual benefits of collaboration, showcase success stories and reflect on the role of Swiss participation in shaping European competitiveness.The event programme included keynote speeches, panel discussions and video messages featuring Swiss-EU success stories across research, innovation and education. Programme: here Summary of the event: here Celebratory video: here 30 years - 30 Swiss-EU success stories: here
AI-Powered Solutions Transforming Healthcare
SwissCore, the Lithuanian RDI Liaison Office (LINO) and the Slovak Liaison Office for Research and Development in Brussels (SLORD) jointly organise an event focusing on the transformative power of AI applications in healthcare. We will explore three real-life applications of AI that are reshaping medical diagnostics, treatment predictions, disease modelling, and more. This international event will feature 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, will provide a presentation on governance platforms for responsible brain data sharing. The event will close with a panel discussion between the experts and European regulators on how to build trust in AI. Join us on 22 October 2025 at the office of SwissCore (Rue du Trône 98, 1050 Brussels) from 13:30 to 16:30. Please consult the ... Read more