Post by Schweizerischer Wissenschaftsrat - Conseil Suisse de la Science - Swiss Science Council SSC

Statement by the President of the Swiss Science Council Sabine Süsstrunk   The Schweizerischer Wissenschaftsrat - Conseil Suisse de la Science - Swiss Science Council SSC has noted with great interest the numerous submissions received as part of the consultation on the Federal Council’s proposal to abolish the SSC.   In their submissions, numerous institutions and organisations have addressed the issue of science policy advice in Switzerland and have expressed strong support for the SSC. The broad participation in this discussion demonstrates that an independent and long-term perspective on the further development of Switzerland’s education, research and innovation system is regarded as important.   The SSC regards this as confirmation of the importance of science policy advice, rather than as support for any particular institutional arrangement. In an environment characterised by rapid technological, societal and geopolitical changes, well-founded analyses, long-term perspectives and evidence-based guidance are more important than ever.   At the same time, the consultation has sparked an important discussion on the role and future shape of science policy advice. The wide range of feedback received reinforces the SSC’s commitment to continuing to contribute independent, evidence-based and long-term perspectives in the future. The SSC will carefully analyse the comments received and, together with the relevant authorities, explore opportunities to further develop its role and contribution to Switzerland’s education, research and innovation system. The central question here is how independent science policy advice can be organised so as to remain effective, fit for purpose and forward-looking.   We would like to thank all those who have participated in the consultation process and thereby contributed to an important debate on the future of science policy advice in Switzerland.    Sabine Süsstrunk President of the Swiss Science Council SSC   👉 Read our blog post (in German): https://lnkd.in/eMyxjHrs