McGill University welcomed a Swiss delegation this week, building on the momentum of the Summit on Science Diplomacy held in Montreal from June 15 to 18. The visit, hosted by the Office of Global Engagement, brought together senior leaders from Switzerland and McGill to explore new avenues for collaboration in research, innovation and talent mobility.
The Swiss delegation included State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama and Switzerland’s Ambassador to Canada, Olaf Kjelsen, alongside leaders of Swiss research institutions and funding agencies. Their visit to McGill took place alongside the Summit on Science Diplomacy, co-organized by Université de Montréal, the University of Calgary and McGill, in partnership with the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), the Embassy of Switzerland in Canada and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA).
“Switzerland is an exceptional partner, and this visit reflects the strength and depth of our relationship,” said Anja Geitmann, Vice-President (Global Engagement).
“At McGill, we are committed to building long-term, impactful partnerships that connect research, talent and innovation ecosystems. Strategic gatherings such as this one allow us to connect our research communities and create the conditions for sustained collaboration that can grow over time,” said Geitmann.
McGill’s Global Engagement Strategic Framework 2026–2031 emphasizes deep, reciprocal international partnerships that advance research excellence, foster mobility and contribute to global solutions. It positions the University as a “locally anchored, globally preeminent institution,” leveraging international collaboration to address complex global challenges while strengthening Quebec’s and Canada’s innovation ecosystems.
Discussions focused on shared strengths and opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, genomics and life sciences, polar research, and the translation of research into innovation. The visit also included a tour of the McGill Genome Centre, led by Professor Vincent Mooser, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, where participants exchanged ideas on precision medicine and interdisciplinary research collaboration.
The Swiss visit underscored McGill’s role as a global convener, bringing together academic, government and research leaders to advance shared priorities. “In an increasingly complex international landscape, universities play a critical role in sustaining collaboration, building trust and enabling knowledge exchange across borders,” said Dominique Bérubé, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, who launched the conversation by situating it within the context of McGill’s Strategic Research Plan 2026-2031 and the importance of supporting Canada’s sovereign capabilities and international partnerships.
The discussions also reflected growing interest in strengthening Canada–Europe research ties, including through Horizon Europe and other multilateral initiatives. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning research strengths, supporting mobility and developing pathways from discovery to innovation.
“For McGill, the visit reinforced the value of sustained and strategic engagement with partners who share a commitment to excellence, openness and societal impact,” said Dominique Bérubé. “Events such as this, together with the broader Summit on Science Diplomacy, demonstrate the vital role universities play as catalysts for collaboration and in shaping a more connected, innovative and resilient global research ecosystem.”