Researchers at the ZHAW have been participating in the EU’s Research and Innovation Framework Programme Horizon Europe with remarkable success. 

What are the technological and ethical challenges that arise when humans interact with artificial intelligence? ZHAW researchers are exploring interactions between humans and AI-based solutions for critical infrastructures such as power grids, railways and air traffic control systems as part of the EU project AI4REALNET. Alongside several international universities and industry partners from eight countries, the researchers prevailed in a highly competitive European call for proposals. And their success is no fluke: in 2023, ZHAW researchers signed contracts for eleven projects, with eight more projects soon set to follow after positive evaluations. This is by no means a given, considering that Switzerland was downgraded to third-country status in mid-2021. This led to considerable uncertainty among researchers in Europe regarding the involvement of Swiss partners in Horizon Europe.

Networks and support are in demand

Transitional measures, including direct funding from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), helped mitigate this uncertainty. Five projects with ZHAW involvement achieved initial breakthroughs in 2022. Yet, it was not until 2023 that ZHAW researchers regained almost the same level of success as during Switzerland’s full association with Horizon 2020. This points to the quality of research and the perseverance of many researchers at the ZHAW. However, according to Patrik Ettinger from the Research and Development Unit, only researchers with strong networks are generally able to gain access to European project networks. “Enhancing researchers’ awareness of the possibilities of Horizon Europe and supporting them in their networking activities are clear goals for the ZHAW.” Moreover, recent negotiations with the EU may open the door to returning Switzerland to the status of full association with Horizon Europe.