Australian Ambassador Visits UZH to Discuss Future Collaboration
This week, the President of the University of Zurich (UZH) Michael Schaepman and UZH Global Affairs hosted the Ambassador of Australia to Switzerland, Elizabeth Day, for an exchange on potential research collaboration between Australia and Switzerland.
Discussions centered on opportunities to deepen research cooperation between Swiss and Australian institutions, particularly in light of Australia's potential association with Horizon Europe and UZH’s appointment as the Leading House Asia Pacific.
Recognizing the strength of existing research ties, both Ambassador Day and President Schaepman highlighted opportunities to build on these ties and expand cooperation. President Schaepman also underlined that international collaborations are essential for strengthening Switzerland’s global research presence and cited UZH’s strategic partnership with the University of Queensland as an example of how joint initiatives can generate lasting impact in science and education.
UZH and Australia maintain strong research connections through frequent exchanges. As a member of Universitas 21 (U21), UZH works closely with several leading Australian universities, including the University of Queensland, the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales and the University of Melbourne. With over 100 active research collaborations between UZH researchers and their Australian counterparts, it is clear that these partnerships play a key role in driving joint scientific output, with co-publications increasing on average by 6.6% per year over the past five years.
Illustrating this ongoing engagement, Head of Global Affairs Katja Durkin briefed the Ambassador on recent activities that took place in Australia in October, including visits to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Tina Schilbach, Leading House Asia Pacific program lead, provided an update on upcoming funding calls aimed at fostering research collaboration between Switzerland and the Asia Pacific region.
Leading House Asia Pacific funding calls
Following its appointment as the Leading House Asia Pacific, UZH continues to expand its efforts to promote joint research initiatives with partnerships across the Asia Pacific region. New funding calls will be announced later this month. To stay informed, subscribe to the Leading House newsletter, or to learn more about the Leading House Asia Pacific, please visit the website.
Sophie Nakajima
