UK & Switzerland Pen Major Deal

14th Nov 2022
UK & Switzerland Pen Major Deal

The UK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Switzerland, deepening the relationship between the two countries within the fields of innovation and research. The UK government announced the signing on 10th November.

The Memorandum of Understanding will encourage a specific focus on cooperation in deep tech and deep science. It was signed by George Freeman MP, the Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation in the UK, as well as the Head of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.

“This agreement is more than a piece of paper”

Minister of State George Freeman stated that both he and the Swiss Ministers are clear that they want to drive tangible, deeper cooperation in regulatory standards, industrial innovation, and research fellowships in new technology sectors.

He said:

“Being a Science Superpower means deepening our international relationships with leading R&D economies like Switzerland, and pursuing multi-lateral collaborations to tackle urgent global challenges like climate change, biosecurity and space sustainability.”

Mr. Freeman believes that this agreement will be another critical step in realising the nation’s objectives to improve global R&D partnerships with leading industries, countries, and laboratories around the world. 

He spoke highly of Switzerland and why this partnership is such an encouraging one:

“Switzerland is home to world-class research in life science – especially neuroscience and vaccines, quantum, space, fintech, and cleantech – and with longstanding links with the UK, it is a key strategic partner for us.”

Bringing Switzerland and the UK together

Switzerland’s Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin echoed Freeman’s elation, commenting on two world leaders coming together with scientific excellence and shared principles and values. 

He added:

“In line with Switzerland’s goal to strengthen bilateral cooperation in research and innovation with competitive countries worldwide, the MoU with the UK will provide an excellent framework to further develop our partnership.

“International scientific cooperation is key to solving many global challenges. We can go further, move faster and achieve more by working together.”

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