Gathering experience at different research institutes, including abroad, is often a necessary step en route to a successful postdoctoral qualification and academic career. However, many academics in some EU member states are unable to undertake or complete research abroad because the cost of living is too high. The now concluded Sciex-NMS.ch fellowship program enabled young researchers from the twelve states that joined the European Union since 2004 to undertake research at a Swiss university for a limited period.

The program distributed total funds of CHF 47 million and more than 500 young researchers from more than 150 scientific institutions participated in the program.

In Hungary it is one of 37 projects, programs or funds that were approved under the Hungarian-Swiss Cooperation Program by June of 2012. This Program, in the amount of 130 million Swiss Francs, forms part of a broader Swiss Contribution in favour of all 12 EU member It assists Hungary and the other EU member states in reducing economic and social disparities domestically as well as within the enlarged European Union.

The Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Program also strengthens bilateral relationship between Switzerland and Hungary.

Approx. 20 fellows followed the invitation together with representatives from different Hungarian authorities as well as from the Swiss Federal department of Foreign Affairs.

The lively and pleasant discussion among the participants showed that from nanophysics to rock mechanics, from analytical chemistry to neuroscience, networks in a large number of research disciplines have been established, expanded and strengthened. Hungary, benefits from this fellowship program not only because science and research are important for innovation and economic development but because it increases their human capital. The Swiss representatives were glad to hear that all fellows considered their stay in Switzerland as extremely encouraging and useful for their career. In addition, the mentors and the researchers have deepened and widened the Swiss-Hungarian bilateral relations by intensifying partnerships between research institutions that could continue well beyond the period of the research placement itself.

Thanks to his successful program as well as the pleasant atmosphere only happy faces could be seen during this evening.