Organisation profile - Building Southern Research Capacity Project

Swiss Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (KFPE)
Contact:	Dr Jon-Andri Lys, Executive Secretary
Address:	Barenplatz 2, CH-3011, Bern, SWITZERLAND
E-mail:	lys@sanw.unibe.ch
Tel:	0041 31 311 0601
Fax:	0041 31 312 1678
HTTP:	www.kfpe.ch
Type:	Coordinating Agency
Sector:	development
Geography:	in developing countries
Activities:	networking, training, institution-building and policy development
Budget:	not available
Profile:	The Swiss Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (KFPE) is a Commission of the Council of the Swiss Scientific Academies. Its overall aim is to contribute to sustainable development at the global level through research partnerships. Its activities are based on the following premises: i) research is an integral part of development - it can be used as a tool to help solve urgent problems from the international to the local level; ii) above all, basic research capacity needs to be developed and firmly anchored in economically disadvantaged countries; iii) this can be accomplished through long-term development-oriented research partnerships.
Approach:	The Commission focuses on persuading the Swiss scientific community and Swiss authorities of the importance of building up and consolidating research capacities in developing countries, and of contributing actively in meeting this challenge by: i) collaborating closely with circles that have a decisive influence on Swiss research policy; ii) networking with Swiss institutions that have long experience of research partnerships with developing countries; iii) supporting members of this network in efforts to expand, strengthen, and implement research partnerships; iv) creating links between the Swiss research community and politicians, the business community and the public, in order to foster such partnerships; v) cultivating and maintaining important international linkages and vi) functioning as a "window" on the South and as an information centre. In particular, KFPE seeks to promote implementation of the "Swiss Strategy for the Promotion of Scientific Research in Developing Countries", and in 1998, formulated "Guidelines for Research in Partnership with Developing Countries: 11 Principles". In addition KFPE arranges contacts, disseminates information, and compiles documentation. It provides advice to grant applicants and assessing agencies who seek help when planning or assessing research projects involving partnerships. KFPE organizes and participates in lecture series, seminars and other events aiming to raise public consciousness of the value and importance of cooperation between the North and the South in the field of research.
Finance:	Budget information not included in Annual Report.
Notes:	KFPE's book Enhancing research capacity in developing countries (KFPE 2001) based on the proceedings of a wrkshop in Berne in September 2000 covers most of the issues of research capacity buildng. See the web site for more information.