State-of-the-art research infrastructures are becoming increasingly important for cutting-edge research. With the ongoing advance of digitalisation, the need for investment in infrastructures has increased further. This poses significant financial challenges for universities. Efficient and pragmatic coordination among universities in the development and operation of research infrastructures and research data infrastructures is therefore even more important. At the same time, there is a need for specific funding instruments to enable the establishment and operation of infrastructures of national relevance and interinstitutional importance. 

Swiss Roadmap for Research Infrastructures 2027 

Within the framework of the Swiss Roadmap for Research Infrastructures organised by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), swissuniversities is the body responsible for recording new research infrastructures supported by the cantonal higher education institutions – cantonal universities and universities of applied sciences 

In this context, swissuniversities has developed a process for projects supported by cantonal universities. This process consists of three phases of coordination, prioritisation and pre-selection by the vice-rectors for research at the respective universities. 

As a future coordination instrument a portal for research infrastructures and research data infrastructures is to be developed. The Swiss Portal for Academic Data and Research Infrastructures (SPADRI) will provide an inventory of the most important research infrastructures and research data infrastructures in Switzerland. The portal aims to increase the visibility of these infrastructures, facilitate access to information for researchers, university management, SERI and other national stakeholders, and strengthen coordination among universities at the national level. 

At the same time, the “Strategic Vision on National Research Infrastructures (RIs) in Switzerland”was developed. This vision is intended to provide a long-term strategic perspective for research infrastructure development in Switzerland and calls for adequate funding for research infrastructures.