Pairing Scheme: NRP 80 explores a new form of dialogue between science and politics

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges involved in the dialogue between science and politics. Switzerland has taken note, and in 2023 introduced a Code of Practice on scientific policy advice and a formalised system for involving advisory groups before and during a crisis.

Swiss première

NRP 80 also aims to promote dialogue between researchers and politicians on the pandemic and its social consequences. It has therefore set up a pairing scheme in which pairs of researchers and Parliament members at the federal and cantonal level are formed. This format has been practised in the UK for 20 years and has also recently been launched in Luxembourg. The NRP 80 pairing scheme is the first of its kind in Switzerland.

Dialogue and insights into each other’s work

The pairing scheme enables the participants to gain a better understanding of one another’s working realities and is intended to create a mutual understanding and trust. It provides researchers with a space in which they can directly communicate their scientific knowledge to policymakers. In turn, the politicians can familiarise themselves with the current state of research. The participants will dedicate a total of two days to each other, which will give them sufficient time to develop a high-quality exchange.

First wave started in November 2024

The pairs are formed on the basis of both partners’ interests, geographical locations and native languages. Overall, the aim is to have a balanced representation of genders and of different political parties. Thirteen NRP 80 researchers are currently taking part. The first pairs have been meeting since November 2024, for example Professor Valéry Bezençon (University of Neuchâtel) and National Councillor Fabien Fivaz (Green Party/Neuchâtel). The latter is a biologist and former President of the National Council’s Science, Education and Culture Committee. The topics for discussion include the role of the media in communicating data during a pandemic – the subject of Valéry Bezençon’s research in NRP 80 – and the possibilities of “nudging”, a concept that aims to bring about behavioural changes in a political, economic and social context. The first meeting took place at the University of Neuchâtel, and the following one at the Parliament building in Bern.

Coaching for researchers

The participating researchers were prepared by NRP 80 for their discussions with the politicians in a one-day training course. In addition to receiving an introduction to the Swiss political system and scientific policy advice, they were able to practise communicating their research work. They received feedback from a former secretary of a parliamentary committee. A representative of the Royal Society also reported on her experience with the pairing scheme in the UK.

Xavier Pilloud, Head of Knowledge Exchange of the NRP 80, will collect all the participants’ experiences and impressions and draw up conclusions.