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British Ambassador’s Visit to UZH Strengthens Ties in Research, Innovation and Education

The visit of British Ambassador James Squire has reinforced the academic and research bonds between the UK and UZH.

UK Ambassador, James Squire in front of a plaque in UZH's auditorium ("Aula"), commemorating Winston Churchill's historic 1946 speech. Churchill, the then-former British Prime Minister, concluded his visionary address with the stirring words: "Therefore I say to you let Europe arise."

Accompanied by Science and Innovation Advisor Martina Novakova, Ambassador Squire met with UZH's President Michael Schaepman, Martin Dusinberre of the Department of Global History, Martin Mühlheim of the English Department, and Katja Durkin of Global Affairs. Together, they discussed UZH’s innovation strategies, current partnerships, and explored potential new collaborations, for example in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), aiming to further unite UK and UZH research strengths.

Strengthening research links between UK and UZH

The visit highlighted the robust academic ties between the UK and UZH, reflecting on a successful history of collaboration, and discussing prospects for expanding these research links. UZH maintains strong connections with leading UK universities such as with the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, the University College London, and the University of Oxford, and is well-connected with many other UK partner universities. Some of these collaborations are enhanced through international networks like the League of European Research Universities (LERU), Una Europa, and U21.

Talks spanned a variety of scientific disciplines, from AI, life sciences, neuroscience, innovation in healthy ageing, synthetic biology, to global history, indicative of the collaborative history and extensive scholarly work stemming from these partnerships. 

The UK Ambassador, James Squire, and Science and Innovation Advisor Martina Novakova, in front of a plaque, commemorating Winston Churchill's historic 1946 speech in Zurich. Churchill, the then-former British Prime Minister, concluded his visionary address in the university auditorium ("Aula") with the stirring words: "Therefore I say to you let Europe arise."

Although Switzerland is not currently part of Horizon Europe and Copernicus programs, the UK's participation exemplifies the extensive reach of academic collaboration. With approximately 8,000 joint publications between 2019 and 2023, over 450 active research collaborations, and a vibrant exchange of students and faculty, which includes a significant number of British nationals, UZH's academic exchange with the UK remains dynamic and productive.

Anne Nuria Boekhout

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