Interview with Prof. Santiago F. Gonzalez, USI's Delegate for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship program is a prestigious initiative that supports international researchers, artists, and postgraduate students from around the globe. Every year, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS aka ESKAS) selects candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic potential and contribute to fostering international collaboration. As part of this process, representatives from Swiss universities serve on the FCS, evaluating applications and ensuring fair and high-quality selection.
We sat down with the representative at USI, Prof. Santiago F. Gonzalez, to learn more about his role, the challenges of reviewing global applications, and the broader impact of this programme at our institutions. Prof. Santiago F. Gonzalez is the USI Delegate for the Government Excellence Scholarships, and along with Maurizia Ruinelli, they are the point of contact for scholarship holders in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.

Could you briefly introduce yourself and your role within the FCS?
I am a group leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), in Bellinzona and a Professor at the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at USI. In addition, I serve as the elected USI Delegate for the FCS. My primary responsibility is to review applications submitted by candidates worldwide who wish to pursue their academic or research careers in Switzerland. This involves assessing the academic quality of their proposals, their potential for impact, and their fit with the Swiss research and higher education landscape. Additionally, I am the contact point for the students of the program.

What does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship aim to achieve?
The program is designed to strengthen Switzerland’s international academic and research ties. It supports highly qualified students, researchers, and artists from multiple countries, enabling them to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research, or in some cases artistic residencies, at Swiss institutions. The broader goal is to foster cultural exchange, scientific collaboration, and long-term partnerships between Switzerland and other countries worldwide.

How do you approach reviewing scholarship applications?
The process is thorough and multi-layered. We evaluate the academic records of the applicant, the research proposals, publications, and reference letters. But beyond academic excellence, we also look at the candidate’s motivation, the feasibility of their project, and whether their work aligns with the Swiss academic community. It’s about finding individuals who will not only benefit from Swiss resources but also contribute meaningfully to strengthening our academic and cultural landscape.

What are some of the biggest challenges in reviewing international applications?
The major challenge is to compare candidates across very different academic systems and sociocultural contexts. A strong application from one country may look very different from an equally strong application from another. Another challenge is ensuring fairness: we must avoid unconscious bias and maintain objectivity while considering candidates from diverse backgrounds.

In your experience, what distinguishes a successful candidate?
The strongest candidates usually combine academic excellence with clarity of purpose. Their research or artistic proposal is not only innovative but also realistic and feasible within the Swiss context. They also show evidence of long-term vision, how their work will contribute to their home country, to Switzerland, or to global challenges. Passion and commitment are commonly present in all successful applications.

What role does USI play in the program?
As a relatively young and dynamic university, USI brings a distinctive perspective to the commission. Our strength lies in interdisciplinary research, innovative teaching, and strong international partnerships in multiple fields, such as communication sciences, informatics, economics, architecture, and biomedical sciences. My role ensures that USI’s perspective is fairly represented and considered during the selection process.

How does this program impact Switzerland’s academic reputation globally?                                                                                                                                                          The scholarship reinforces Switzerland’s reputation as an open, collaborative, and high-quality research destination. By attracting top talent, Switzerland maintains a vibrant academic environment while building bridges with future leaders around the world. Many alumni return to their countries and later become ambassadors of Swiss education, strengthening bilateral ties in science, culture, and diplomacy.

Could you share a personal highlight from your work within the FCS?
One of the most rewarding aspects is witnessing the diversity of talent that applies. I recall reviewing applications from candidates who wanted to study health topics extremely relevant for their communities, everything from the global fight against Malaria, to the specific study of certain cancers with a specific prevalence in certain regions. Seeing their dedication, inspiring personal and career track, and the global reach of their ideas is inspiring. It’s a privilege to contribute, in a small way, to enabling these projects.

How do you see the future of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The financial pressure, partially driven by the Federal Council’s efforts to address federal finances, has also affected the program, reducing the number of available scholarships. However, I believe that in the long term, the program will continue to grow in importance as global challenges demand more international cooperation. In an interconnected world, research cannot remain isolated within borders. Switzerland has much to offer, but also much to gain from these exchanges. Furthermore, I hope the program will continue to provide unique opportunities to scholars from underrepresented regions.

What message would you give to prospective applicants?
I would encourage applicants to be creative but also precise in their proposals. Show us not only what you want to research but also why it matters to you, to both countries, and to the world. Demonstrating clear motivation and a realistic plan goes a long way. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is more than a funding scheme; it is a platform for dialogue and exchange between cultures and disciplines.

More detailed information on the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is available on the website: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship