The mission of the State Secretariat for Education and Research SER

The emerging international knowledge-based society makes great demands on the Confederation's education, research and innovation policy. For most people, education is the undisputed gateway to independence and a secure place in society and the world of work. Research keeps a society culturally speaking on its toes, provides an opportunity to look critically at the present and to define the future. Innovation, based on the results of pure and applied research, is the driving force behind growth, income and wealth and hence the basis for the competitiveness of a small country in a world of globalisation. With this in mind, the SER is pursuing several goals that are important for Switzerland's future on behalf of parliament, the Federal Council and the departments.

The SER is responsible for drawing up and implementing policy in the area of science, research, university and space policy in Switzerland. It coordinates related activities within the Federal Administration and ensures cooperation with the cantons.

In the area of education, the SER:

• is responsible for all business and other matters relating to the management of the Federal Institutes of Technology (FIT) by its department and the Federal Council
• promotes cantonal universities
• is in charge of the recognition of cantonal and foreign school-leaving certificates and of conducting the federal school-leaving examinations
• subsidises the cantons' expenses for training allowances
• awards grants to foreign students and artists
• is responsible for and finances Swiss participation in the appropriate European or international programmes and projects in the field of education.

In the area of science and research, the SER:

• finances the Swiss National Science Foundation and the scientific academies
• promotes at least 20 research institutes outside the university circuit,
• is responsible for and finances Swiss membership in international research organisations and Switzerland's participation in European and international research programmes and cooperation projects
• develops Switzerland's international relations at multilateral and bilateral level
• coordinates the federal administration's sectoral research in conjunction with the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology.

In the field of space, the SER:

• coordinates and promotes Swiss space policy at national and international level
• represents Switzerland in international organisations, in particular at the European Space Agency (ESA), the appropriate EU agencies and various other (ESA/EU) bodies, the United Nations and at operational space organisations
• is the contact office for science institutes, industry and users
• coordinates interdepartmental activities and manages the national promotion tools.