UK Signs Science Cooperation Agreement with Switzerland

Switzerland and the United Kingdom have signed a major science cooperation agreement to strengthen the relationship between their world-leading research and innovation communities. The agreement was signed by George Freeman MP, UK Minister of State for Science, Innovation, and Research, alongside the head of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research, Parmelin, at a ceremony in London.

Together, both countries have 10 of the top 20 research universities in Europe, and this new science agreement will strengthen an ambitious bilateral relationship in the areas of mutual interest across three main pillars, including industrial commercialisation, deep science, and international standards and regulation.

The United Kingdom, with its 7 universities, brings the country’s own exceptional research and innovation strengths to the table, and the memorandum also highlights the principles of the relationship, and specific forms of partnership, including joint initiatives, and projects, workshops, meetings, conferences, the exchange of documentation and information, delegations, visits, mobility, and strategy meetings.

George Freeman, said that being a science superpower means strengthening their international relationships with some leading research and development such as Switzerland. George Freeman added that pursuing multi-lateral partnerships would help tackle several global challenges such as biosecurity, space sustainability, and climate change.

George Freeman added that they want to drive more tangible cooperation in the research fellowships, with regulatory standards, and industrial innovation in the new technology industries.

The new partnership will encourage a focus on cooperation in deep science and technology, including energy technology, artificial intelligence, life science, and space, with commercialization through policy and diplomacy in innovation and science.