The months-long negotiations reached their finale in Poznań. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland and the Federal Department of Economy, Education and Research of the Swiss Confederation was held at the Collegium Minus. The MoU is the result of work conducted in recent months by teams of experts from both countries and a step opening a new chapter in Polish-Swiss relations
in the areas of higher education, research and innovation.
Signed on 15 May 2025, the Memorandum aims to enhance strategic cooperation between Poland and Switzerland in fostering scientific excellence, research security and strengthening the influence of science and innovation on socio-economic development. The document emphasises the significance of high-level international cooperation and the partners' joint commitment to the UN's Agenda 2030 goals, notably sustainable development, equal opportunities and digitalisation. The agreement was signed at AMU by the Minister of Science and Higher Education, Marcin Kulasek, and the Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.
- "Switzerland is one of Poland's crucial partners in higher education, research and innovation. It is impacted by historically excellent relations but above all, great cooperation between Polish and Swiss universities, scientific institutes and other entities active in science, research and innovation," emphasised Minister Marcin Kulasek. The minister added that the established partnership will strengthen the research excellence and innovative capacity of Polish research organisations, universities and enterprises, including SMES, as motors of innovation and job creation.
The joint projects envisaged in the Memorandum cover a wide range of activities, including the implementation of joint research projects, the organisation of conferences, workshops and seminars, the exchange of information, good practices and policy initiatives. It also provides improved mobility for researchers, students and experts. The agreement parties have also declared their readiness
to share research infrastructure and to develop project partnerships under international programmes such as the EU Framework Programmes.
Particular focus was laid on cooperation development in the following areas: engineering sciences, research infrastructure, quantum sciences and space technologies, new technologies (artificial intelligence, cyber security, internet of things), sustainable development, energy and climate,
health sciences, humanities and social sciences. These topics can be expanded accordingly, depending on the needs and priorities of both countries.
- "It is a genuine pleasure to be here, in wonderful Poznań, and to witness the strengthening of our bilateral relations. For Switzerland, Poland is a unique partner, a partner with enormous potential. The Memorandum of Understanding that has just been signed highlights Switzerland's commitment to reinforcing our relations further. The document covers joint activities in sectors such as materials science, breakthrough technologies, space, life sciences, health, humanities and social sciences," said Guy Parmelin. The Federal Counsellor also complimented the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, remarking that the Presidency had assigned the highest priority to issues such as research and innovation for competitiveness.
Noteworthy, following the Ceremony of Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the first Joint Committee Meeting Poland - Switzerland is being held at the AMU Senate Hall.
Photo by Przemysław Stanula and Władysław Gardasz
