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ERICs: Switzerland Strenghtens Its Role in International Research Infrastructures

Visualisation with Mistral - Le Chat

Switzerland has recently expanded its participation in international research infrastructures by joining four new European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs). This strategic move secures long-term access for Swiss researchers to leading facilities in environmental, social, and linguistic sciences, as well as astroparticle physics. The decision underscores Switzerland’s ongoing commitment to international research collaboration and reinforces its position in the global research landscape.

Key Benefits for Swiss Researchers

  • Enhanced Access: Swiss researchers now have guaranteed, long-term access to cutting-edge infrastructure, enabling them to contribute to and benefit from major international projects.
  • Increased Visibility: National research institutions gain greater visibility and improved networking opportunities, fostering stronger ties with European and global partners.
  • Simplified Participation: Membership in these ERICs streamlines Swiss involvement in international research initiatives, making it easier to collaborate across borders and disciplines.
  • Societal and Scientific Impact: The new memberships allow for the analysis of societal developments in Switzerland within a broader European context, raising the international profile of Swiss social research and integrating the country into established research networks.

About ERICs

ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium) is a legal framework established by the EU in 2009 to support the creation and operation of research infrastructures of European interest. Switzerland is currently a member of eleven ERICs, demonstrating its active role in shaping and utilizing these vital scientific resources.

The four new ERIC memberships focus on different areas of research:

1. ACTRIS (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure)

  • Focus: Environmental sciences, particularly atmospheric research.
  • Purpose: Provides access to advanced facilities and data for studying aerosols, clouds, and trace gases, supporting climate research and air quality monitoring.

2. CLARIN (Common Language Resources and Technology Infrastructure)

  • Focus: Linguistic sciences and digital humanities.
  • Purpose: Offers researchers access to language resources, tools, and technologies, enabling cutting-edge research in linguistics, social sciences, and cultural studies. Swiss institutions like the University of Basel and others contribute to and benefit from this network.

3. CTAO (Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory)

  • Focus: Astroparticle physics.
  • Purpose: Dedicated to the study of high-energy gamma rays from space, using a global network of telescopes, including the Large-Sized Telescope on La Palma, Spain. CTAO aims to explore the universe’s most extreme environments and phenomena.

4. ESS (European Social Survey)

  • Focus: Social sciences.
  • Purpose: Conducts high-quality, comparative social surveys across Europe, allowing researchers to analyze societal trends and attitudes in Switzerland and beyond, within a broader European context.

Why It Matters for Swiss Universities

For researchers at Swiss universities, this expansion means more opportunities to engage in high-impact, cross-border projects, access unique datasets and facilities, and collaborate with leading international experts. It also positions Switzerland as a key player in addressing global challenges through science and innovation.

This initiative aligns with Switzerland’s broader strategy to maintain its competitive edge in research and innovation, ensuring that Swiss science remains at the forefront of international developments.

Source: E2 News, July 2025

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