KFPE is engaged in Swiss scientific policies and is committed to promoting the interests of researchers and their affiliated institutions on both a national and international level. It furthers innovative and development-oriented research and designs concepts for research strategies. In this context, KFPE ensures that partnership principles are followed, the quality of research is assured, and the interests of all partners are respected. KFPE is a commission of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT).

• convincing the scientific community, politicians and the general public of the urgency and importance of carrying out research in partnerships with developing and transition countries;
• elaborating research-strategic concepts, and publishing criteria and basic principles for the implementation of projects in partnership, trying to ensure that projects are of high quality, that ethical principles are observed, and that the interests of all partners are taken into consideration;
• organising events and publications on partnership in research, encouraging the interest of younger scientists, offering a forum for the exchange of information, and supporting the members in their efforts to disseminate and consolidate the idea of research in partnership, and put it into practice;
• building bridges between North and South, and between research scientists and people working in development.

Its members have a wide experience of scientific research partnership with developing and transition countries.

At present, the associate members include about 70 Swiss institutions active in scientific research, in the promotion of scientific research or in development, Departments of the Federal Government, and Foundations.

The Commission’s affairs are conducted by an executive committee. It has an office in Bern.