Swiss Youth in Science Foundation: “Introducing young people to the world of science”
For almost 60 years, the Swiss Youth in Science Foundation has been dedicated to supporting and promoting young scientists in Switzerland. The non-profit Foundation is a national platform that offers various programmes to enable young people to gain initial experience in the world of research.
Founded in 1970 by Basel biologist Adolf Portmann, the Foundation has since pursued the goal of awakening young people’s interest in science and their enjoyment of it, helping them to build a contact network and encouraging critical reflection.
Every year, the Foundation holds a number of study weeks, during which young people work on a research project supervised by specialists, giving them a feel for day-to-day research. Another core format of Swiss Youth in Science is Switzerland’s only competition for young researchers. Motivated young researchers are invited to present their final thesis or a personal project to a jury of experts and the general public, and to receive close support from a team of experts over a period of several months. In addition, the annual International Swiss Talent Forum offers Foundation alumni and finalists of young researcher competitions around the world the opportunity to work on socially relevant topics in intercultural teams and develop global solutions.
The track record of Swiss Youth in Science in providing young people with practice-driven, quality research experience over the past several decades is unique and deserves the highest recognition. The success of the participants in international competitions, such as the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, underscores the high quality of the work of Swiss Youth in Science. By consistently supporting talented young people from all socio-economic backgrounds, the Foundation not only contributes to the personal development of the participants, but also complements the Swiss education system by motivating young people and introducing them to the world of science, thereby strengthening Switzerland as a centre of knowledge.