Summary
Switzerland and Brazil held their seventh bilateral meeting on science, technology and innovation on 16 March 2026 in Bern. The meeting served to strengthen cooperation and establish future priorities. Brazil is Switzerland's most important partner in Latin America in terms of Swiss National Fund cooperations.
People
- Martina Hirayama (State Secretary)
- Jacques Ducrest (Ambassador, Head of International Relations)
- Maria Luisa Escorel de Moraes (Ambassador of Brazil)
Topics
- Bilateral science cooperation
- Research and innovation promotion
- Latin America strategy
Clarus Lead
Switzerland and Brazil have strengthened their strategic partnership in science, technology and innovation. The seventh meeting of the Joint Committee marks a milestone in the long-term cooperation between the two countries. Relevant for decision-makers: Brazil remains Switzerland's most important research partner in Latin America, with over 200 supported projects between 2019 and 2024. The next meeting is scheduled for 2028 in Brazil.
Detailed Summary
The meeting in Bern focused on strategic planning in science, technology and innovation as well as on the further development of joint funding instruments. In addition to government representatives, research and innovation promotion organizations as well as stakeholders from both countries participated in the exchange. This underscores a holistic approach to cooperation that goes beyond government levels.
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) played a central role in previous cooperation. With over 200 supported projects between 2019 and 2024, the SNSF demonstrates Brazil's importance as a research partner. Additionally, Innosuisse, the University of St. Gallen as mandated Leading House for Latin America, and Swissnex sustainably support the deepening of bilateral relations.
Key Messages
- Switzerland and Brazil are intensifying strategic cooperation in research and innovation
- Brazil is Switzerland's most important Latin American research partner with over 200 SNSF projects (2019–2024)
- Next meeting of the Joint Committee will take place in 2028 in Brazil
- Multiple national organizations (SNSF, Innosuisse, Swissnex) support the cooperation
Critical Questions
Evidence/Data Quality: What concrete success indicators have been achieved since 2024, and how are these measured?
Conflicts of Interest: What economic or geopolitical interests is Switzerland pursuing with the intensification of this partnership?
Causality: To what extent does institutionalized cooperation (Joint Committee) lead to better research results than bilateral projects without formal structure?
Feasibility: What resources are required to implement the priorities agreed upon at this meeting, and are these budgeted?
Alternatives: Why does Switzerland focus primarily on Brazil rather than other emerging research nations in Latin America?
Side Effects: Could intensified cooperation with Brazil affect existing partnerships in Europe or other regions?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Switzerland and Brazil deepen their cooperation in education, research and innovation – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/d5hxk8B0dIQ7Fj5PKu0UC
Verification Status: ✓ 17 March 2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 17 March 2026