This is translated with DeepL
The launch of the national network for scientific advice has received media attention in recent days. The instrument for crisis anticipation and scientific advice to the authorities by the scientific associations is an important step for Switzerland. As part of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, the SATW is involved in this important network and contributes to its work with its expertise.
The institutions of the Swiss ERI sector have jointly established the National Network for Scientific Advice (NNWB). The aim is to identify potential crises at an early stage and support authorities at federal and cantonal level with well-founded, interdisciplinary scientific analyses. The Covid-19 pandemic has impressively demonstrated how crucial access to qualified scientific expertise is in crisis situations. Authorities are better positioned in crises if a relationship of trust between science and politics has been established beforehand
The network pursues a two-pronged approach: on the one hand, it acts preventively through continuous scientific observation and an ongoing dialogue with the authorities. On the other hand, in the event of a crisis, it aims to quickly provide experts who can be involved from the Federal Administration's crisis team. This dual strategy should make it possible to establish and consolidate processes preventively rather than having to build up structures in an emergency.
The network focuses on four strategic areas that are of the utmost importance for Switzerland's security: Public health, cyber security, disinformation and international challenges. A cluster has been created for each of these areas. Each has a steering committee that works closely with the Federal Administration to set priorities, liaise with the authorities and propose suitable experts where necessary.
As part of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, the SATW is involved in the network and also makes contributions. The SATW can contribute its expertise particularly in technology-intensive clusters such as cyber security or in questions relating to technological risks. As a bridge builder between science, business and politics, it has many years of experience in presenting complex technological issues in an understandable way and bringing together different perspectives.
In recent years, the SATW has already demonstrated on several occasions that it is capable of producing scientifically sound and at the same time practical analyses. This expertise is valuable for the new network. Ultimately, it is not just about developing theoretical knowledge, but also about the ability to communicate this knowledge in such a way that it is relevant to decision-makers.
A decisive factor in the work of the network is its role as an "Honest Broker", i.e. as a mediator of scientific knowledge. The participating scientists are committed to presenting the current state of knowledge in a neutral manner, openly communicating existing uncertainties and highlighting possible scenarios. The SATW does not interfere in the political decision-making process. This impartiality, independence and transparency are set out in a joint code of conduct drawn up by the ERI institutions and the federal government.
The network implements a Federal Council decision from November 2022 and is based on a cooperation agreement that the Federal Council signed together with the ERI institutions in December 2023. The project is coordinated by the Federal Chancellery. Operational support, coordination and management of the scientific secretariat are the responsibility of the institutions of the ERI sector, which include the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, the ETH Board, swissuniversities, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Science Board and Innosuisse. Yves Flückiger, President of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, says: "This network enables a continuous dialogue between science and the authorities, not only in times of crisis. It is an investment in trust and in the quality of our collective decisions."
Further information on the network, its members and its working methods can be found at: www.netzwerk-wissenschaftliche-beratung.ch
