Swissnex Annual Report 2022: from Quantum to the Pantanal Wetlands
Bern, 25.04.2023 - Swissnex is the global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research and innovation. Its mission is to support the outreach and active engagement of its partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas and talent. The past year was characterized by a re-emergence of in-person activities across the globe. The Swissnex annual report, available at annualreport.swissnex.org, highlights many projects, ideas and challenges of Swissnex’ presence around the world in 2022.
The annual report looks back at the wide range of activities run by Swissnex, across its six main locations and 21 Science Counselors in Swiss embassies all around the world. In the past year, Swissnex successfully curated more than 270 events and activities in partnership with over 145 Swiss organizations and international partners. Exactly 101 of Switzerland’s most promising start-ups benefitted from Innosuisse Start-up internationalization camps.
Highlights of 2022
The inaugural "Swiss-US Quantum Days", organized by Swissnex in Boston & New York, brought in October together key players from both countries in Chicago to further strengthen the links between the US and Swiss quantum ecosystems. Swissnex in Brazil empowered Swiss researchers and scientists to explore the scientific diversity of the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands and the largest Private Natural Heritage Reserve in Brazil. Swissnex in India laid the foundation for piloting an Indo-Swiss Innovation Platform with a focus on antimicrobial resistances. Swissnex in San Francisco addressed the subject of the future of work and workspace during the visit of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin. A multidisciplinary discussion was hosted to showcase the innovative approaches to collaboration for a post-pandemic future. And despite ongoing COVID-19-related challenges, the So Swiss! pop-up event hosted by Swissnex in China and the Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai presented Swiss excellence to a diverse Chinese public audience.
The new Swiss Consulate in Osaka and Swissnex in Japan
Former Swiss President Ignazio Cassis and State Secretary Martina Hirayama joined in April the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka and Swissnex in Japan. This opening marks another milestone in the expansion of Swissnex and emphasizes Switzerland's firm commitment to strengthening its partnership with Japan in the areas of education, research, and innovation.
Next generation leadership
The last year was also characterized by a new generation of leadership across some of the main Swissnex locations. Malin Borg took over as the CEO of Swissnex in Brazil in January, while Philippe Roesle started as CEO of Swissnex in China and Head of the Science and Technology Office at the Swiss Embassy in China in March. Emilia Pasquier joined as the CEO of Swissnex in San Francisco in September. And finally, Jacques Ducrest joined the Swissnex Network as the new Head of International Relations Division at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation in April.
Swissnex is the global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation. Its mission is to support the outreach and active engagement of its partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas and talent. The 6 main Swissnex locations are established in the world’s most innovative regions. Together with more than twenty Science Offices and Counselors based in Swiss Embassies, they contribute to strengthen Switzerland’s profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot.
Swissnex is an initiative of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and is part of the Confederation’s network abroad managed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The Swissnex activities are based on a collaborative approach, relying on public and private partnerships and funding.
Address for enquiries
Communication
State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation SERI
medien@sbfi.admin.ch
Publisher
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
http://www.sbfi.admin.ch
