Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences

What Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences does

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz a+) is the largest scientific network in Switzerland, headquartered at Haus der Akademien in Bern. Founded in 2006 under a federal mandate, it functions as an umbrella association federating six member academies (SCNAT for natural sciences, SAGW for humanities and social sciences, SAMW for medical sciences, SATW for technical sciences, JAS for early-career researchers, and Science et Cité for science-society dialogue) plus two foundations (TA-SWISS for technology assessment). The network coordinates 125+ specialized platforms, commissions, and working groups addressing climate, biodiversity, energy, cybersecurity, AI, autonomous mobility, food systems, healthcare sustainability, open science, and scientific integrity. Its core products include the MINT Switzerland STEM promotion program (7.3M CHF allocated for 2025-2028 across 26 projects), the quarterly Horizonte research magazine co-published with SNSF, the Swiss Academies Series publication line, the MINT-Nachwuchsbarometer periodic survey, the Science@Noon hybrid event series, the Science et Politique à table! parliamentary dialogue format, and digital platforms including Open Research Data (ORD), td-net, the Swiss Platform Ageing Society, educamint.ch, Schweiz forscht, and SAIROP for AI outreach. The organization operates as a non-commercial, federally mandated scientific advisory body rather than a product or service company, with all publications, events, and program participation provided free of charge through institutional channels. Its primary beneficiaries are Swiss federal and cantonal policymakers, researchers and higher education institutions, STEM educators and children/youth aged 4-20, science journalists and communicators, and the broader Swiss public. Funding flows principally from the Swiss federal government via the BFI Mandate administered through the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SBFI), with no commercial pricing disclosed.

Name

Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences

Legal name

Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz

Website

https://akademien-schweiz.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences is the largest scientific network in Switzerland, headquartered in Bern, federating six member academies and 125+ thematic platforms to advise federal policymakers, coordinate national STEM education for youth, and uphold scientific integrity under a federal BFI mandate.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Science Policy Advisory and Research Network Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro primary industry

Science, Technology & Innovation Administration (National R&D Policy) (BPAIAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA), STEM Research & Inquiry Programs (Research Mentorship, Science Fair Prep) (EDAMABAC)

Keywords

• Scientific policy advisory
• STEM education promotion
• Open science coordination
• Research integrity standards
• Science policy dialogue

Headquarters

HQ city

Bern

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences is the largest scientific network in Switzerland, an association of six member academies operating under a federal BFI mandate. It advises politics and society on evidence-based, interdisciplinary questions, coordinates the national MINT (STEM) promotion program for children and youth aged 4-20, advances research integrity and open science, and runs dialog formats, publications, and digital platforms connecting science with policymakers, educators, researchers, journalists, and the public.

Product overview

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz a+) is a network organization serving as the largest scientific network in Switzerland. It does not offer a unified software product but rather coordinates activities across member academies and operates programs and publications. Key offerings include the MINT Switzerland program for STEM promotion, the Science@Noon event series, the Horizonte research magazine (published quarterly with SNSF), the Swiss Academies Series publications, annual reports, and position statements. The MINT Nachwuchsbarometer tracks youth interest in STEM fields. Member academies (SCNAT, SAGW, SAMW, SATW, JAS, Science et Cité, TA-SWISS) each operate their own initiatives, platforms, and publications under the umbrella of the network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Science@Noon: Regular discussion events where network members discuss scientific and science policy topics
• MINT Schweiz
• Swiss Platform Ageing Society
• Open Research Data ORD
• Prix Média
• td-net

Products and services

• Science@Noon (Science after Noon) Hybrid discussion series where network members discuss scientific and science policy topics, with events held at the Haus der Akademien and online. Recordings are published on YouTube.
• MINT Schweiz (MINT Switzerland) National competency center for MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology) promotion mandated by the Swiss federal government, funding projects for children and youth aged 4-20, supporting teachers, and coordinating stakeholders.
• Horizonte Magazine Swiss research magazine published quarterly jointly by SNSF and the academies, covering latest findings across all scientific disciplines for a broad interested public. Subscription is free.
• MINT-Nachwuchsbarometer Schweiz Periodic survey conducted under the SBFI mandate assessing youth interest in MINT subjects, career and study choices, and experiences in MINT everyday life.
• Science et Politique à table! Event series bringing together National and Council of States parliamentarians with leading researchers to discuss current topics, held during parliamentary sessions with briefing dossiers.
• Educamint Online database presenting approximately 1,200 MINT offerings for schools and leisure activities from over 500 providers across Switzerland in three languages.
• Schweiz forscht – tous scientifique Bilingual online platform showcasing citizen science projects in Switzerland, operated by Science et Cité as the national citizen science office.
• Swiss Academies Series Publication series containing reports and fact sheets on topics such as seasonal energy storage, PFAS chemicals, and other scientific policy issues.
• SAIROP (Swiss AI Research and Outreach Plattform) Platform connecting AI experts with industry and strengthening Switzerland's competitiveness in the global AI context.

Quantifiable outcome

• The MINT Promotion Program 2025-2028 funds 26 projects totaling approximately 7.3M CHF across categories A1, A2, and B2, reaching children and youth ages 4-20 with STEM programs.
• +3 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Akademie der Naturwissenschaften Schweiz (SCNAT)coreOthersOne of six member academies of the Swiss Academies network. SCNAT covers natural sciences, coordinates sustainability research, biodiversity, climate (ProClim), and STEM teacher training. It contributes platforms, commissions, and expert networks to the umbrella organization.
• Schweizerische Akademie der Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften (SAGW)coreOthersOne of six member academies of the Swiss Academies network. SAGW represents humanities and social sciences, funds approximately 80 open-access academic journals, and leads the Swiss Research Ethics Network (Schweizerisches Netzwerk Forschungsethik).
• Schweizerische Akademie der Medizinischen Wissenschaften (SAMW)coreOthersOne of six member academies of the Swiss Academies network. SAMW covers medical ethics, clinical research funding, personalized health (SPHN), and sustainable healthcare systems. Recognized by the federal government as a research funding institution under RIPA.
• Schweizerische Akademie der Technischen Wissenschaften (SATW)coreOthersOne of six member academies of the Swiss Academies network. SATW focuses on technology foresight (Technology Outlook), AI, cybersecurity, autonomous mobility, digital self-determination, and food systems. Operates the national MINT (STEM) promotion platform.
• Junge Akademie Schweiz (JAS)coreOthersOne of six member academies of the Swiss Academies network. JAS represents early-career researchers across disciplines, addressing topics including AI, science policy, academic career paths, and science communication. Hosted the European National Young Academies Meeting (ENYA) 2025 in Bern.
• Science et CitécoreOthersOne of six member academies of the Swiss Academies network. Science et Cité specializes in science communication, citizen science coordination (national platform 'Schweiz forscht - tous scientifique'), science cafés, and youth outreach projects (WuDu!, Skills Kiosk, Science and You(th)).
• Stiftung für Technologiefolgen-Abschätzung TA-SWISScoreOthersA foundation within the Swiss Academies network. TA-SWISS conducts technology assessment studies examining societal impacts, opportunities, and risks of new technologies across areas including digitalization, AI, biotechnology, energy, and climate. Provides evidence for political decision-makers.
• Swiss Platform Ageing SocietymajorOthersA multi-stakeholder platform coordinated by the academies that brings together scientific, policy, and practice perspectives on aging. Published a 2026 report with ZHAW on the future of aging policy in Switzerland, addressing mental health, integrated care, loneliness, and social isolation.
• Network for Transdisciplinary Research (td-net)majorOthersA thematic network coordinated by the academies that supports and networks transdisciplinary research in Switzerland. Publishes a newsletter and facilitates knowledge exchange on sustainability-oriented research approaches.
• Open Research Data Switzerland (ORD)majorOthersThe ORD initiative is coordinated by the academies as part of the national Open Science strategy. The academies contribute to the Strategy Council for ORD and support competency development for open research data practices across Swiss research institutions.
• ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerETH Zürich commissioned the MINT-Stimmungsbarometer 2025 survey on STEM perception in Switzerland, conducted by gfs.bern with funding from the Hirschmann Foundation. The academies' MINT Nachwuchsbarometer program team participated in presenting results.
• Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation (SBFI)coreOthersThe Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation provides the federal mandate under which the academies coordinate the national MINT promotion program (BFI message periods) and the ORD strategy. SBFI is the primary government commissioning body for the academies' policy advisory work.
• Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)majorOthersThe academies signed the CoARA Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment in January 2023. Together with SNSF, they co-chair the Swiss National Chapter for CoARA, with five additional Swiss organizations participating: BFH, ZHAW, HES-SO, SwissRN, and University of Fribourg.
• Schweizerischer Nationalfonds (SNF / SNSF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Swiss National Science Foundation co-chairs the Swiss National Chapter of CoARA with the academies. Both organizations jointly published the Code of Scientific Integrity (2021). SNSF and the academies co-publish the Horizonte magazine.
• swissuniversitiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe rectors' conference of Swiss universities is a partner in the development of the Code of Scientific Integrity (2021) and participates in ORD strategy implementation. It represents the higher education institutional perspective across the academies' advisory work.
• InnosuissemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Innovation Agency was a partner in developing the Code of Scientific Integrity (2021). It represents the innovation and startup ecosystem perspective within the academies' science-policy interface.
• UNESCOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe academies support the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science through the ORD strategy and citizen science coordination. UNESCO's framework informs the academies' open science policy positions.
• Pädagogische Hochschule FHNWmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPH FHNW leads the MINT-Nachwuchsbarometer project (Susanne Metzger and Laura Villardita) and participates in multiple MINT program projects including PhysikSPIEL 2, MINT-Roteco 4, and SWiSE Plus. A key academic partner for educational research in STEM promotion.
• Verkehrshaus der Schweiz (Swiss Museum of Transport)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe transport museum in Lucerne is a key partner in the MINT-Roteco 4 project (for teacher training in coding and robotics), the MIRA space education project, and the Autoscooter 2.0 autonomous driving exhibit. It is part of the Swiss Science Exploration Network.
• Swiss Science Center TechnoramamajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTechnorama in Winterthur is a key partner in MINT Nachwuchsförderung projects including MINT durch die 4K stärken (Advanced Manufacturing), PhysikSPIEL 2, and SWiSE Plus. Member of the Swiss Science Exploration Network.
• Swiss Science Exploration NetworkmajorOthersAssociation of major hands-on science museums in three language regions of Switzerland: L'Ideatorio (Lugano), Espace des inventions (Lausanne), Verkehrshaus der Schweiz (Lucerne), and Swiss Science Center Technorama (Winterthur). The network exchanges best practices and collaborates on joint projects.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• British Academy: The British Academy is the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences, operating under a Royal Charter to advise government, fund research, and promote scholarship. It is comparable in mission structure and policy-advisory function, though with a narrower disciplinary scope.
• German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina: The Leopoldina is Germany's national academy of sciences and a direct counterpart providing interdisciplinary scientific policy advice to government and society. It is the closest European peer in mandate, scale, and function to the Swiss Academies network.
• Académie des sciences (Institut de France): The French Académie des sciences is France's national academy, advising government on science matters, awarding prizes, and publishing. Direct European peer in mandate and national policy-advisory role.
• Royal Society: The Royal Society is the UK's national academy of sciences, providing independent scientific advice to government, publishing research, and running major fellowship and grant programs. Functionally analogous to the science-policy advisory and convening role of the Swiss Academies network.

Others

• Science Europe: Science Europe is an association of European public research funding and research performing organizations, including SNSF and the Swiss Academies network. Comparable as an umbrella body coordinating science policy positions at the European level, but supranational rather than national.
• ALLEA (All European Academies): ALLEA is the federation of European academies of sciences and humanities. Comparable as an umbrella network of national academies, of which the Swiss Academies is a member.
• European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC): EASAC provides independent science advice to European policymakers through member academies. Comparable in function as a science-policy interface operating at supranational scale, complementing the national advisory role of the Swiss Academies.
• Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF): The SNSF is Switzerland's main research funding body and a co-publisher of Horizonte magazine with the academies. Comparable as a Swiss federally mandated science institution but with a complementary rather than competing role (the SNSF funds research; the academies advise policy).
• International Science Council (ISC): The ISC is a global umbrella organization that promotes science as a global public good and works with national academies worldwide. Comparable in mission as a science-policy convening body, though at a global rather than national scale.

Broad incumbents

• National Academy of Sciences (NAS): The U.S. National Academy of Sciences is a federally chartered, congressionally-mandated scientific advisory body that convenes expert committees to advise government on science policy. It is highly comparable as a national academies network performing policy advisory, publication, and standards-setting functions under public mandate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCPmtdF_V_sDAmKwQh9ncLKQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/showcase/mint-suisse
• Xx.com/academies_ch
• Facebookfacebook.com/academies.ch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences