Understanding and dialogue between the scientific and political communities and society as a whole needs to be further strengthened

The Swiss Research and Innovation Summit, or SRIS’26, brought together in Bern around 350 leading representatives from the areas of science, research, innovation, administration, the political community, the economy and civil society. While equivalent events in other countries already enjoy a sense of tradition, an event of this stature had, to date, not been held previously in Switzerland. Organisation of SRIS’26 was coordinated between the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (a+), organisations that act as a bridge between the scientific community, politics and society as a whole and which play a central role in dialogue relating to scientific expertise. The objective was to promote dialogue concerning roles and framework conditions and, indeed, a shared understanding of the need to strengthen cooperation in a changing research and innovation landscape. This was emphasised in the opening address of the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin: “The aim is to promote an exchange that goes beyond institutional and sectoral boundaries. Challenges such as technological change, maintaining the competitiveness of Switzerland and mastering societal transformations can only be successfully achieved if we combine our strengths.”

A new platform for dialogue and cooperation

Held under the title of “Scientific Expertise for Politics and Society”, the event offered participants the opportunity to critically appraise subjects, structures and formats for dialogue and to clarify which services the scientific community can and, indeed, should address for both politics and society as a whole. Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, was also convinced of this need: “Scientific insights and findings can only be effective if the public understands what they involve. Dialogue between the scientific, political and social communities is therefore not a choice, but an integral component of the research and innovation value chain.”

Building bridges between the scientific community and society

From basic to applied research, science enables innovation that benefits all of society, providing solutions to pressing issues and, indeed, generating fresh questions. In an era of multiple crises, optimum framework conditions for science, research and innovation and improved access to knowledge are decisive if a society is to master these challenges. Yves Flückiger, President of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, emphasised the need to create appropriate bridges: “The complexity of scientific knowledge should not lead to misunderstanding or even scepticism, so researchers must communicate their work in a transparent and understandable manner, and actively promote dialogue with society and the political community. This is the only way to strengthen trust in science on a sustainable level.”

For further information, please contact the following:

• State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
  Mia Mader, Communications, +41 58 464 45 48, mia.mader@sbfi.admin.ch
• Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (a+)
  Sindy Schmiegel, Communications Officer, +41 31 306 92 39, sindy.schmiegel@akademien-schweiz.ch

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (a+) is an association consisting of four scientific academies in Switzerland, namely the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), the Swiss Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences (SAGW), the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMW) and the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW). In addition to these four academies, it further comprises the Foundation for Technology Assessment (TA-SWISS) and Science et Cité (which promotes dialogue between science and society), along with other scientific networks. Junior scientific researchers network in the Swiss Young Academy (Junge Akademie Schweiz (JAS)). The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences network different areas of science on a regional, national and international level. They represent scientific communities on a disciplinary and interdisciplinary level, independent of institutions and disciplines. Their network is focused on the long term and dedicated to scientific excellence. They advise the political community and society on questions that are scientifically and socially relevant.