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.

SAR Switzerland comprises 40 member institutions. The Assembly is the highest authority whose work is supported by a Steering Committee. During 2024-2025, this Steering Committee is composed of Annie Cottier (University of Bern) and Florence Balthasar (Zurich University of the Arts) as Co-Chairs, as well as Marianne Halle (University of Geneva), Stefanie Rinaldi (University of Teacher Education Lucerne) and Gabriela Tejada (EPFL). See also: Terms of reference

News

Scholars at Risk: the freedom to return to research (SUPSI)

August 17, 2026

Around 25 scholars are currently hosted at higher education institutions in Switzerland. Many come from Ukraine, but also from Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, Russia and other countries. One of the 25 scholars currently hosted by Swiss higher education institutions works as a researcher at SUPSI.

SAR Anniversary Event: Defending Academic Freedom and Supporting Researchers at Risk

June 26, 2026

How to safeguard the freedom to think, teach, and conduct research was at the heart of a recent event organised by SAR Switzerland at the University of Bern on 26 June 2026 under the patronage of the Swiss Commission for UNESCO.

Swiss institutions' pledges for academic freedom

March 20, 2026

More than 100 institutions around the world have made pledges for academic freedom in the framework of the SAR’s 2025-2026 anniversary year.

Conference "Academic Freedom in Action 2025"

November 25, 2025

SAR Switzerland participated in the 2025 Conference 'Academic Freedom in Action'. Annie Cottier, Co-Chair of SAR Switzerland, participated in a panel on ‘Sanctuary and Solidarity: Defending Scholars, Upholding Democracy’ moderated by Frank Geary, Director of SAR Europe. The panel stressed out the importance of support programmes for at-risk scholars and students and showcased the collective impact of the SAR programme.

Events

Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences

Paul Scherrer Institute

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology

Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL

Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic 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

St. Gallen University of Teacher Education

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.

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