As 2025 comes to a close, it is worth pausing to reflect on an exceptional year for Switzerland's engagement in European R&I. The year has brought substantial developments: the full activation of the transitional arrangement very early in 2025, followed by the signing of the EU Programmes Agreement in November with the retroactive Swiss Association to 1 January 2025. Together, these milestones opened the door to renewed and far-reaching participation in Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe Programme, and Euratom.
Alongside these political and strategic achievements, 2025 also marked a year of unprecedented activity in the European R&I landscape. Across Europe, submission numbers reached record highs—reflecting heightened competition, strong engagement, and a shared commitment to addressing societal challenges. Swiss institutions contributed significantly to this trend. Motivated by renewed prospects for EU funding, researchers and innovators in Switzerland submitted proposals in exceptionally high numbers and further established themselves as active partners within European consortia.
Euresearch accompanied this surge of participation with tailored information, training, and one-to-one support—helping applicants seize funding opportunities, navigate application rules, and prepare competitive proposals. With the forthcoming 2026-2027 Work Programmes soon to be published, many teams have already begun positioning themselves for the next steps. Their commitment illustrates once more the forward-thinking spirit of Switzerland's R&I community.
As we look ahead, the coming years promise exciting opportunities to address global challenges together. Euresearch remains dedicated to guiding you through this new chapter and supporting your ambitions within Horizon Europe.
We thank you for your trust and collaboration throughout 2025 and wish you a joyful festive season and an inspiring start to the new year.
Author: Sibylla Martinelli, Member of the Euresearch Management BoardIllustrator: Katja Stähli
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched “EIT Water”, its 10th Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC). This KIC will adopt an integrated approach across freshwater, marine and maritime environments to support innovation projects, entrepreneurial education and skills development, and business creation.
Dr Britta Engelhardt is Professor for Immunobiology and Director of the Theodor Kocher Institute at the University of Bern. In this Success Story, she shares her experiences with European Framework Programme funding and gives valuable insights for applicants. Enjoy the video!
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND 2026 call will open soon. COFUND supports local PhD or postdoc programmes that are aligned with MSCA best practices. Euresearch is offering a short online session on 21.01.2026 where National Contact Points and a former COFUND programme manager will answer your questions.Call opens: 16.12.2025 Deadline: 08.04.2026
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) "Staff Exchanges" fund knowledge and skills exchange between research staff members within and beyond Europe. The 2026 call will open soon. Euresearch is offering a short online session with National Contact Points and a successful applicant on 14.01.2026.Call opens: 16.12.2025Deadline: 16.04.2026
The European Commission has opened a call for evidence and a public consultation on the Advanced Materials Act, aiming to boost Europe's strategic autonomy in this field. The initiative is open to anyone who is interested or might be affected, including academia, authorities, industry, SMEs and NGOs. Deadline: 13.01.2026
The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has opened a Horizon Europe downstream space call that supports innovative space-enabled services and applications. With most Pillar 2 calls currently closed, this is a good opportunity for researchers and innovators working on navigation- and Earth Observation-based solutions.Deadline: 24.02.2026
Find out about eligibility and funding conditions for researchers and innovators in Switzerland on the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation's webpage. The page also contains answers to questions about programmes such as EIC, EIT and DEP that are specifically aimed at companies.
Horizon Europe is an important and valuable source of funding for companies. Would you like to receive further information and assistance? We have staff available throughout Switzerland. Please contact your Euresearch Company Advisor, who will be happy to help you.
Are you interested in funding opportunities for projects helping to reach the goals of the EU Missions in the areas of health, climate, and the environment? Join this event to learn about the 2026 call topics. And a brokerage event focusing on all 5 Missions will take place 28-29.01.2026.20.-21.01.2026, Online
Are you planning to submit a proposal to one of the upcoming Horizon Europe Cluster 1 "Health" calls? Join the brokerage event to connect with potential partners for your project consortium. This event is ahead of the European Commission’s Cluster 1 Health Info Day on 10.02.2026.Pitch deadline: 19.01.2026Register by: 21.01.202626.-30.01.2026, Online
Join the European Innovation Council (EIC) Info Day in Bern and learn from EIC speakers how Swiss-based researchers and innovators can access EIC funding instruments for scientific and technological breakthrough development, deep-tech innovation, and scale-up financing. 04.02.2026, Bern
Join this event on industrial Key Enabling Technologies to prepare for upcoming Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry & Space) and Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy & Mobility) calls. Pitch ideas in thematic workshops and join matchmaking sessions. Pitch deadline: 28.01.202604.-05.02.2026, Karlsruhe
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