09 December, 2024: In a major step forward for international scientific cooperation, Switzerland and the UK have updated their landmark science and research agreement, committing £16 million to support joint projects and clinical trials. The funding, announced on December 9, underscores the continued deepening of ties between the two nations in areas ranging from life sciences to quantum technology.

Of the total £16 million, £8 million will be allocated to 11 UK-Swiss research projects, covering innovative fields such as knee and hip replacements, as well as the application of quantum technology in anti-counterfeiting measures. These projects will be funded by Innovate UK and Innosuisse, the Swiss innovation authority. This partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed two years ago, which set the stage for future collaboration in research and innovation.

The remaining £8 million will be dedicated to UK-Swiss clinical trials, focusing on treatments and diagnostic tools for a wide range of diseases. These trials will be overseen by key research institutions, including the Department of Health and Social Care’s research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Swiss National Science Foundation. The trials are part of an ongoing effort to accelerate the development and delivery of life-saving medical treatments.

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR, emphasised the significance of this bilateral approach in the official press release published by NIHR, stating, “This approach of bilateral collaboration accelerates research progress, with the aim of getting effective treatments to patients faster.”

The collaboration also highlights the growing focus on cutting-edge fields such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. These areas will benefit from strengthened cooperation between the two countries, which have identified the potential for groundbreaking advancements in these disciplines.

UK Health Minister Gillian Merron hailed the updated partnership as a significant step in the UK's goal to become a global leader in life sciences, noting that it marked a key milestone in the country's mission to transform into a life sciences superpower.

The latest funding commitment builds on the success of the initial phase of the partnership, which allocated around £23 million to 39 joint research projects. This new investment marks the beginning of a new era of cross-border innovation, with the potential to drive significant advances in healthcare, technology, and scientific discovery.