SAR Switzerland

The Swiss Section (SAR Switzerland) promotes the values and work of Scholars at Risk by hosting at-threat scholars, sharing good practice and initiating joint activities. Scholars seeking placement at a higher education institution in Switzerland through the services of SAR are advised to consult this information for prospective SAR scholars in Switzerland.

SAR Switzerland comprises 40 member institutions. The Assembly is the highest authority, supported by a Steering Committee with Roger Pfister as Chair (Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences), Annie Cottier (University of Bern), Mathieu Crettenand (University of Geneva), Sara Elmer (University of Zurich), Luna Iacopini (University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland HES-SO). See also: Terms of Reference

News

Expanding SAR Switzerland

May 11, 2022

The Swiss Section of SAR prominently featured in the May 2022 SAR Newsletter. With its roots in 2008, when the first higher education institution in Switzerland joined the global SAR network, SAR Switzerland gradually grew in size and strength. The number of at-risk scholars hosted multiplied over the last few years and now stands at close to 120.

SAR Switzerland to sign "Science In Exile Declaration"

April 21, 2022

The Science in Exile initiative launched the Declaration "Supporting at-risk, displaced and refugee scientists: A call to action". The Declaration outlines key commitments necessary at global level for both immediate and long-term support and protection to scholars and scientists in exile. The Science in Exile initiative is supported by IAP (InterAcademy Partnership), ISC (International Science Council) and TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences).

Ukraine: linguist Olena Marina hosted at the University of Teacher Education Lucerne PHLU

April 7, 2022

Olena Marina found a placement at the PHLU where she can continue her work with funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Formerly Associate Professor at H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, she recounts how she fled the country with her mother and son.

Solidarity with the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian higher education

March 3, 2022

SAR Switzerland fully supports the SAR statement that expresses its solidarity with the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian higher education and greatly welcomes the funding that the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) provides to host scholars from Ukraine

Members

Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences

Paul Scherrer Institute

Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology

University of Basel

University of Bern

University of Fribourg

University of Geneva

University of Lausanne

University of Lucerne

University of Neuchâtel

University of St.Gallen

Università della Svizzera italiana

University of Zurich

Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

Franklin University Switzerland

Bern University of Applied Sciences

University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons

Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences OST

University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland

University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland

Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Zurich University of the Arts

Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training

University of Teacher Education Berne, Jura, Neuchâtel HEP-BEJUNE

University of Teacher Education Grisons

University of Teacher Education Lucerne

Thurgau University of Teacher Education

University of Teacher Education, State of Vaud

University of Teacher Education Zug

Zurich University of Teacher Education

University of Teacher Education in Special Needs

Testimonials of SAR scholars

Higher education institutions in Switzerland so far hosted some 120 SAR scholars from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Serbia, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine and Yemen.

Several of these scholars share their experiences here.

SAR Sections are groups of higher education institutions and associations, that are members of the SAR network, nationally or regionally focused and organized specifically to coordinate participation in SAR activities. Unless otherwise indicated, the views represented by a SAR section, its members, or its affiliates reflect those of the originating author or section, and do not necessarily represent the views of SAR, other SAR sections, individual members, affiliates, board, staff, or sponsors. The use of the SAR name, logo, or other identifying material is for the sole purpose of identifying the relationship of the section, its members, or its affiliates with SAR, subject to approval of such use by the SAR board, as provided in the SAR bylaws.