Watch Out: Challenges Ahead in 2019!
Do you read this title as a warning or as an invitation? Does it remind you of the uncertain association of Switzerland to "Horizon Europe" from 2021 onwards? Or does it motivate you to try and submit a proposal this year to "Horizon 2020", the current programme?
In 2019, a number of decisions need to be made or prepared for that will have a vital impact on the participation of researchers and innovators based in Switzerland in the European Framework Programmes in the coming years. These include the association modalities for non-EU members to "Horizon Europe", the 9th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. Also this year, the Swiss Federal Administration has to prepare the legal bills for the Swiss parliament regarding education, research and innovation in general, as well as regarding participation in Horizon Europe. The respective discussions and decisions may give us cause to worry but most of it is not in our hands and we can trust the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) to take care of these tasks with their usual resolve.
What you can do, however, is to check out the Horizon 2020 Work Programmes in your area of expertise and see whether there is a topic to which you can contribute your specific knowledge and skills. With close to €13 billion, the overall budget in 2019 is the highest ever and thus so are your chances of obtaining your share! If you have any doubts about the content of the calls or about the suitability of your work for such a project, do not hesitate to contact us. We are—as always—more than happy to help you meet the challenge!
Regina Schneider, Director, Euresearch
