UPDATE: MSC Actions with Switzerland's Status as 3rd Country

An updated overview on the implications of Switzerland's new status as 3rd country within Horizon 2020 for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions is now available. Please refer to Euresearch to download the revised leaflet. 

SNSF Temporarily Substitutes ERC Funding Schemes

Excellent researchers who are currently unable to apply to the European Research Council for ERC Grants at Swiss research institutions will be able to apply for comparable grants at the SNSF in the context of transitional measures in 2014.

The Swiss substitutes will already be available for the two upcoming ERC call deadlines for 2014, namely 25 March for the Starting Grant proposals and 20 May for the Consolidator Grant proposals. The SNSF will also launch a call for Advanced Grant proposals in autumn 2014 if the negotiations with the EU are not concluded in time.

For more information please refer to a related Euresearch announcement and to the original SNSF note. 

Switzerland's Status as 3rd country: Implications for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions

An overview on the implications of Switzerland's new status as 3rd country within Horizon 2020 for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions has been provided by Euresearch. A leaflet sums up the main options for Swiss Institutions and Swiss Researchers who wish to take part in these actions.

FAQ - Swiss participation in Horizon 2020

The European Commission just published information on the Swiss Participation in Horizon 2020, explaining the status of Switzerland being a third country and its impact on the participation in research projects under Horizon 2020. You can download the document here. 

Swiss Participation in Horizon 2020 - latest developments

On Wednesday, 26 February 2014, the European Commission announced that until further notice Switzerland will be considered as a Third Country for the H2020 calls that are currently open for submission.

In reaction to this announcement, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) published a statement listing the concrete implications of the new situation as well as their recommendations on how to proceed, especially with regard to proposals that are currently being prepared.

Petition for Swiss Participation in H2020

Swiss ERC grant holders launched a petition urging Swiss parliamentarians and EU officials to overcome the obstacles to allow Switzerland to participate fully in European research framework programme Horizon 2020. 

This petition has our full support. 

The free movement of persons is a prerequisite for realising the circulation of knowledge and fostering excellent science. The personal and cultural exchange coming along with the scientific collaboration strongly contributes to mutual understanding and tolerance.

Thanks for your kind consideration. 

Adoption of the initiative against mass immigration and its impact on future cooperation in research and education

The Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) provides regular updates on the impact of the adoption of the initiative against mass immigration on future cooperation in research and education between Switzerland and the EU.

Basically, the facts as of 17 Feb 2014 are: The bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU regarding Switzerland's participation as an associated state in the EU's 7th Framework Programme (FP) remains unconditionally valid until all projects under FP7 have run their course. The funding by the European Commission of Swiss project holders in FP7 is assured until the end of the research project.

Negotiations with the EU with regard to H2020 and Erasmus+ association, which were at an advanced stage, are currently suspended following adoption of the initiative; the EU cites the principle of the free movement of persons as a key element of the bilateral agreements and is waiting to see how Switzerland proceeds in terms of extending the freedom of movement to Croatia.

For more information please refer to the SERI website.