Ralph Eichler is president of ETH Zurich in Switzerland, which was 15th in the Times Higher Education's recent top world universities list — the highest ranked non-US and non-UK institution.

Why are half of Switzerland's researchers from other countries?

Credit: ETH ZURICH/G.AMSTUTZ

There is an international tradition. As we are a small country we have to search for the best talent worldwide. We also fund high-risk projects. The quality of life is an added value. There is low crime, political stability, a good education system and the security that comes with a good economy. People who come to work in Switzerland tend to stay here.

How does the ETH create successful spin-out companies?

A London School of Economics study found that 88% of ETH-founded companies survive more than five years. The ETH has a programme that links students to experienced business people to help them create a business plan. The students stay in the university for two years after graduating, setting up and running companies, and then have to become independent. This process, which is about 12 years old, clearly works.

What career advice would you give young Swiss scientists?

Whether in industry or academia, you should go abroad. About 80% of Swiss industry is geared towards exports, so we have to know the culture of different countries. I would never hire a professor who has not worked outside Switzerland. Good ETH researchers should go away and prove themselves in a second, different environment.

Do you have any trouble recruiting?

The biggest difficulty is the 'dual-career' issue. The ETH offers a dual-career programme, in which the partners of prospective employees are given support to find work. But it can still be a problem.