David Matthews

Commission welcomes Swiss parliament’s decision to pay overdue contributions to cohesion funding, but insists it will not lead to association without broader agreements first

The UK government trumpets the move as an advantage of Brexit, and plant scientists are supportive. Some researchers believe it could prefigure similar moves to ease rules in the EU

With association now linked to the EU’s wider relationship with Switzerland and the UK, the parliament wants a formal position in talks. Research programmes have increasingly become ‘strategic instruments’ tied to the ‘general political agenda’

The country could take months to form a government. But here is the Science|Business guide to the research policy priorities and personalities in play

It is some months later than expected, but announcement pair are signed up signals end to Brexit, COVID-19 and tech sovereignty-induced delays. But impasse over Swiss association goes on

Unlike the EU’s proposed regulations, the UK’s new strategy is focused on the growth potential of the technology. There is little discussion of ethics or reining in abuses

With its promise of emissions-free, abundant power, fusion energy could play a key role in reaching zero carbon targets. But critics say the technology won’t arrive in time and the money would be better invested elsewhere

Expert advisory council says liberalising research and cultivation of gene edited crops could create export barriers to the EU. But the risk is worth it, given the EU seems likely to soften its rules too

Global dividing lines are taking shape over quantum science, with questions over when and how to collaborate, and at what stage of development.

With the European parliament and the Council about to examine the proposed AI act, there is some concern the EU will squander the current high level of confidence it will regulate in the public interest