Horizon Europe: a positive sign for research in Switzerland and USI

Università della Svizzera italiana welcomes the Federal Council's approval of the EU Programme Agreement (EUPA). This agreement will enable Switzerland to participate again in Horizon Europe, the primary European funding program for research and innovation, retroactively starting from 1 January 2025, along with other leading European initiatives.

The green light represents a significant turning point for the Swiss academic and scientific world, laying the foundation for enhanced cooperation with institutions and researchers at the European level. This temporary but crucial agreement will enable researchers active in Switzerland to access not only calls for proposals but also direct funding from the European Commission. "Participation in the Horizon programme is of great importance for USI and Swiss universities in general," the university emphasises. "This opportunity enhances the competitiveness and quality of research at the University, expands funding options from external sources, and strengthens our international collaboration network."

One of the key opportunities includes access to prestigious funding programmes, such as those offered by the European Research Council (ERC) and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). These programmes are essential for the professional development of researchers and for attracting talented individuals to Ticino.

USI also points out that, although the agreement is expected to be signed by November 2025, its provisional application at the beginning of the year offers a concrete horizon for strengthening Switzerland's presence on the international scientific scene.
Looking to the future, Switzerland is also expected to participate in Erasmus+ from 2027, a pillar of European cooperation in the field of education. This is a further step towards strengthening USI's role in education, research and innovation on a transnational level.
USI has established an internal working group to analyse the changing landscape of public funding and its potential impact on university policies. This initiative comes amid continued uncertainty regarding the future of the Swiss National Fund and federal savings plans. This is a fundamental step, enabling researchers working in Switzerland not only to participate in European calls for proposals but also to receive funding directly from the European Commission.

The Rector of USI, Prof. Luisa Lambertini, commented to Teleticino's microphones: "Bern's decision is promising news for the academic community, conveying a positive message and instilling confidence in Switzerland's full reintegration into significant and highly visible programmes." From a practical standpoint, for USI, participation in these programmes represents a great opportunity: "It means being able to rank among the best research institutes and universities worldwide. ERC funds and other European calls for proposals are highly coveted and prestigious: receiving them is always a sign of the great quality of the researchers who obtain them," added the Rector. "Moreover, being able to access these opportunities again strengthens USI's attractiveness for talented researchers who want to work in Switzerland."

In this context, future access to the Erasmus+ programme (planned from 2027) is also enthusiastically welcomed as a fundamental pillar of European cooperation in education.

Switzerland's return to European programmes comes at a delicate time for Swiss academia, marked by the prospect of cuts in federal research funding. "This news certainly boosts our confidence, as USI has consistently demonstrated its ability to attract prestigious funds from Europe. However - as the Rector pointed out - there are still concerns about the proposed federal budget cuts. While it's encouraging to access and compete for these funds, it does not eliminate all the uncertainties we face on the horizon."

A scenario yet to be confirmed

The signing of the EUPA represents a provisional application of the agreement, pending its final ratification as part of the broader package of Swiss-EU agreements, also known as Bilateral III. This package will have to be approved by parliament and could eventually be put to a popular vote.

"Should it go to the next step, with a vote or referendum, it is clear that the association with these projects would be lost if the outcome is negative. The concern is there," said the Rector.

"In addition, as is well known, the agreements also include discussion of an adjustment of tuition fees between EU and Swiss students: a measure that would concern us closely as USI."

While waiting for the final signature (expected by 15 November 2025), USI will continue to closely monitor developments, with the aim of making the most of this new European opening and guaranteeing its academic and scientific body an international, competitive and attractive research environment.

For further information, read the article in Corriere del Ticino or the interview broadcast on Teleticino. (Italian only)