Switzerland’s network of science and technology counsellors

Swiss science and technology counsellors abroad are either employees of the State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER) or career diplomats from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The Confederation sent its first "science attaché" to Washington D.C. in 1958. Switzerland now (2012) has a network of 23 science and technology counsellors working in 19 different countries (see map).

Science and technology counsellors provide a wide range of different services. They act as liaisons between research institutions in Switzerland and corresponding institutions in the host region. They also facilitate bilateral relations between politicians, civil servants and staff working at education and research institutions.

Science and technology counsellors observe scientific, technological and innovative developments as well as changes made to university policies in the host country and send reports to corresponding federal agencies and other interested parties in Switzerland.

Science and technology counsellors provide coverage of science policy matters in the host region through the use of newsletters, Internet sites and conference reports.

Finally, they build and maintain personal and institutional networks that can be of use to Swiss scientists, universities and businesses.