“A Swiss success story”

After a successful career in politics, you have now been elected President of the SNSF Foundation Council. What fascinates you about research?

I’m fascinated by its open-mindedness and foresight. Exploring new topics with passion, precision and creativity, and thereby benefiting society, is an enormously important task! I am happy to bring my wide experience to the SNSF to lead this smoothly running organisation into the new decade – hand in hand with the Foundation Council, the National Research Council and the Administrative Offices.

How important is the SNSF for our country?

The SNSF is unique and its research funding is a Swiss success story that deserves to be continued with the necessary farsightedness and flair. In a rapidly changing society, established organisations should not rest on their laurels but keep on developing. The SNSF is a case in point.

Do you think that international scientific cooperation is threatened by the current political situation?

No, as a neutral country Switzerland has a longstanding history as a global player and the ability to engage with different partners, both in Europe and around the world. Research will continue to champion internationality and find suitable partners. But arguments in favour of international cooperation need to be put forward in a way that is both understandabl

How do you interpret your role as President of the Foundation Council?

I am a team player and will take on this role with passion and commitment, just as I have done – or indeed am still doing – in other bodies. My role is clearly defined and doesn’t need reinventing. But it isn’t the roles and the individuals filling them who are at the heart of all of this, but rather the SNSF community as a whole! Nevertheless, it is important that everyone knows their role and respects those of the others.

How will you leverage the fact that you are very well connected?

As a conduit between the SNSF and the political realm, I will of course bring my network of contacts into play. Where I can support the SNSF and open doors on its behalf, I will do so. As a former President of the National Council, in particular, I can facilitate access to a whole host of actors.

Your election also raised a few eyebrows.

I’m used to that, and in no way does it diminish my passion for the job. Quite on the contrary, I prefer to be underrated or criticised to start with, and then deliver a good performance that convinces the doubters.