The SNSF and the SDC renew their partnership

The two institutions are joining forces to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. To this end, they have signed a new ten-year agreement.

T he SNSF and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) have renewed their partnership for a further ten years. Their joint objective is to promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. This move is a response to the UN’s call to launch a "decade of action" with the aim of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. "By combining the complementary strengths of both institutions, we can help overcome real-world challenges in low- and middle-income countries through the application of high-level scientific knowledge", explains Patricia Danzi, Director General of the SDC.

Cross-border research

The partnership comprises three areas aimed at promoting and supporting cross-border research. "The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change demonstrate the necessity of overarching a​​pproaches in resolving development issues and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals", explains Matthias Egger, President of the National Research Council of the SNSF.

The SPIRIT programme, which was launched in 2019, supports scientific cooperation with low- and middle-income countries. A new thematic programme promoting transdisciplinary, solution-oriented research is currently being developed. It will help drive sustainable development and the combating of poverty in developing countries, and promote partnerships between Swiss and local researchers. Lastly, the SNSF will develop implementation networks to encourage cooperation between researchers and potential research users. The aim is to encourage the practical application of research results: achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is dependent on such joint initiatives.

Funded projects in 50 countries

The SNSF and the SDC have worked together in the areas of international development and research cooperation for over 30 years. For instance, as part of the r4d programme running from 2012 to 2022, they have invested CHF 97.6 million in more than 80 projects – thus supporting around 300 research groups in 50 countries. As a result, a number of initiatives have already been established, including the use of new feedstuff sources on poultry farms in West Africa and the development of boards made of coconut fibre for use in housing construction in the Philippines.