Connect with France
Berfin Açig, the new Science Counselor at the Embassy of Switzerland in Paris, explains her vision and role in connecting the dots in science, research, technology, and innovation between Switzerland and France.
What is your vision as the Science Counselor in France for the next two years?
I strongly believe in the power of science diplomacy in building closer relations between nations. It is a reminder of the essential role education, research, and innovation play in international affairs, using science to facilitate deeper understanding and collaboration. I am enthusiastic to seeing it in the ongoing collaboration between France and Switzerland in the coming years.
France is ranked Switzerland’s 4th most significant research partner. This collaboration extends across education, research, and innovation, reflecting a shared dedication to excellence and innovation. Both nations engage in European and international research organizations, such as ESA and CERN. They also hold educational partnerships, such as “La Communauté du Savoir (CdS)”. Switzerland hosts the second-largest French student community. The foundation for collaboration is solid, and the upcoming years will focus on sustaining and broadening these partnerships. One of the major points in the next few months will be the start of negotiations with the EU, and in particular the question of Switzerland’s reintegration into the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programs.
What are the trending sectors wherein you can curate impactful collaborations with Switzerland?
In France, artificial intelligence is experiencing notable growth, marked by a thriving ecosystem of startups and recent recommendations from the Artificial Intelligence committee encouraging development and investment in the field. Space is also a promising field: both nations are founding members of the European Space Agency and have significant accomplishments in the space industry. France is very active in European new space activities, and Switzerland is known for its high-precision manufacturing, contributing unique components to space missions. On quantum technologies, both countries are at the front of research and innovation. Polar research is another sector of mutual interest.
Programs such as Germaine de Staël make it easier for academics from France and Switzerland to team up on scientific projects. In summary, there are countless thrilling sectors waiting to be strengthened and explored between France and Switzerland!
How would it contribute towards the network's overall goal of #ConnectingTomorrow?
Our approach directly aligns with the goal of #ConnectingTomorrow within the network. In an increasingly interconnected world, we have to foster robust and, more importantly, meaningful connections. Through our efforts, we not only strengthen the bonds between Switzerland and France but also pave the way for innovative solutions to global challenges. From forging partnerships between universities to formalizing agreements, each connection, regardless of its scale, carries its own significance and contributes to the broader objective of #ConnectingTomorrow. Engaging all pertinent stakeholders – academic institutions, research centers, governmental bodies, industries – is crucial for addressing the challenges of the future. Inclusive collaboration guarantees the integration of a wide range of perspectives, ensuring that the solutions generated are both comprehensive and sustainable.
Lastly, how do you want your current and potential Swiss partners to be part of your journey / vision?
Representing Swissnex within an embassy offers a truly enriching experience, as it places us at the intersection of various diplomatic activities. It involves engagement with a diversity of actors. Within this dynamic environment, we witness how different diplomatic facets intertwine. Each actor, with his own expertise and knowledge, brings invaluable contributions to the table.
Supporting Swiss partners in their initiatives and facilitating connections among them is necessary for our work. We are looking forward to hearing about the newest ideas and projects, as each one pushes us closer to realizing our collective aspirations!
Connect with
Science Counselor at the Embassy of Switzerland in Paris
142, rue de Grenelle,
75007 Paris,
France