The SNSF and ERI partners reject savings package of over 460 million francs per year

On 29 January 2025, the Federal Council opened the consultation on "relief package 27". It proposes cost-cutting measures in education, research and innovation (ERI) of more than 460 million Swiss francs per year (2027 and 2028). This would affect vocational education and training, all higher education institutions, and research and innovation promotion institutions.

At a joint press conference, ERI institutions SNSF, swissuniversities, ETH Board, Innosuisse and Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences spoke out against the proposed cuts. They emphasised the significant contribution of the ERI sector to Switzerland's prosperity and security and explained why the proposed cost-cutting measures would have serious consequences for the economy and society.

The current geopolitical situation is challenging. Europe's innovative strength is already declining, and the effects are also felt in Switzerland. The country's competitiveness primarily centres on artificial intelligence, quantum technology and digitalisation, but it also needs to tackle challenges such as climate change, energy supply and demographic developments. Switzerland must therefore boost its innovative strength by making substantial investments in the ERI sector, especially in research.

SNSF - Cuts of 400 million Swiss francs

The Federal Council plans to cut the SNSF budget by around ten percent in both 2027 and 2028, with reductions potentially starting as early as 2026. Unlike other cost-cutting measures, cuts to the SNSF budget do not require amendments to the law.

The planned cuts of 400 million francs to the SNSF from 2026 to 2028 would mark an unprecedented setback for Swiss science.

Above-average innovative strength at risk

The SNSF primarily funds basic research. It is crucial for the economy, as it provides the basis for innovation and technological progress. The funds that the SNSF receives from the federal government go to the best researchers throughout Switzerland. With its fair competitive processes, the SNSF makes a significant contribution to the high quality of Swiss research.

The SNSF is already having to reject numerous innovative research ideas because of a lack of funding. The proposed cuts would result in the rejection of 700 more excellent research projects whose outcomes are crucial for the economy, society and administration.

Moreover, the innovative strength of the Swiss economy, which is currently above average worldwide, would be jeopardised, leading to fewer start-ups and jobs. The resulting loss in tax revenue would add further strain to the federal budget in the medium term.

Fewer highly qualified specialists

If the SNSF could no longer support as many projects, talented young researchers would be affected the most. The SNSF would be unable to fund around 2,000 positions – notably for early-career researchers – at higher education institutions and other institutions in the cantons. This in turn would limit its role in training urgently needed, highly qualified specialists. For the first time in its history, the SNSF might also have to cut funding for ongoing research projects and suspend successful funding schemes for years.