75 years of the CSRS: a history of science, partnerships and impact in the service of development!

The Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire (CSRS) celebrated its 75th anniversary yesterday in the prestigious setting of the residence of His Excellency Mr Dominique Favre, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Côte d’Ivoire.

The celebration was attended by a number of prominent figures, including members of the Ivorian Government, ambassadors accredited to Côte d’Ivoire, representatives of international organisations, technical and financial partners, and many friends of the CSRS.

Beyond its commemorative aspect, this event provided a wonderful opportunity to highlight 75 years of research dedicated to serving communities and promoting development.

The Director-General was pleased to share some concrete examples of the CSRS’s contribution across four key areas:

- Action research, to provide scientific solutions to development challenges; - Supporting public decision-making by generating knowledge and evidence to inform public policy; - Training through research, to prepare the next generation of scientists and innovators; - Serving the community, to bridge the gap between science and the real needs of the population.

The CSRS wishes to express its deep gratitude to His Excellency Mr Dominique Favre for his renewed confidence in the CSRS, his belief in our institution’s potential to bring about lasting change in people’s living conditions, both in Côte d’Ivoire and across the sub-region, and for his constant and multifaceted support.

Sincere thanks also go to the members of the Ivorian Government, the ambassadors, the representatives of international organisations and all the partners who honoured us with their presence and commitment.

This celebration was not merely a look back at 75 years of history. It was also an invitation to work together to shape the coming decades of scientific impact.

The discussions and prospects for collaboration that are emerging reinforce the CSRS’s ambitions: to expand its reach, strengthen its capabilities, scale up its operations and amplify the impact of research on African societies.

For the value of science is not measured solely by the knowledge it produces, but also by its ability to bring about positive change in societies.

Long live the CSRS!

Long live scientific cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Switzerland!

Long live collaborative research, working towards sustainable, inclusive and shared development!