CHARLES KLEIBER (09 décembre 1942 - 14 janvier 2025)

The Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) is deeply saddened to learn of the death, on January 14, 2025, of Mr. Charles Kleiber, former Swiss Secretary of State for Education, Research and Innovation. We have lost a great man who played an important role in promoting scientific research partnerships between Switzerland and the rest of the world, and with Côte d'Ivoire in particular.

Born in Moutier, the architect by training and doctor in health economics passed away at the age of 82. He headed the Vaud Cantonal Hospices Service from 1990 to 1997. He was then appointed by the Federal Council as State Secretary for Science and Research, and subsequently became Director of the new State Secretariat for Education and Research (SEFRI) until his retirement in 2007.

He is an eminent figure who has known and visited the CSRS twice. Our Centre has benefited from his visionary ideas, his benevolence and his sympathy. Charles Kleiber was at the side of the CSRS at various key stages in its history: from his role in establishing the historic collaboration agreements between Switzerland and Côte d'Ivoire, to his personal participation in the CSRS 50th anniversary celebrations in 2001, where he stood alongside the President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire.

With the departure of Charles Kleiber, the scientific community worldwide, in Switzerland and in Côte d'Ivoire, has lost one of its key players. He will have left his mark on the world of collaborative research.

The CSRS expresses its deepest condolences to his family, to all those close to him, to his friends and to the many grieving people.

Prof. Inza KONE, CSRS CEO