Finances

Income statement

In the WSL financial statement of 2023, the operating income amounted to CHF 102,9 million. The federal financial contribution (basic financial and accommodation contribution) amounted to around CHF 67 million, accounting for 65 % of the operating income. The income from research contributions, contracts and scientific services amounted to CHF 32,5 million, equivalent to roughly 31,6 % of WSL's operating income. The operating expenses in 2023 amounted CHF 102,3 million and firstly have been used to cover personnel expenses with a share of 76 %. The personnel expenses increased by around CHF 0,8 million. The financial annual result was CHF +1 million.


WSL income statement for 2023 and 2022:

In thousands of Swiss francs

2023

2022

Federal financial contribuition   

66'972

63'770

Research contributions, research contracts and scientific services

32'461

27'888

Other income

3'445

3'170

Operating income

102'877

94'828

Personnel expenses

78'122

77'326

Material expenses

20'705

19'966

Depreciation and transfer expenses       

3'420

3'459

Operating expenses

102'248

100'750

Financial result

354

117

Annual result

983

-5'805

Sources of funding

In 2023, the federal government provided 64 % of WSL's funding in the form of direct contributions. It also contributed a further 25,5 % via competitive research funds and federal research contracts (second-party funding). The remaining 10,5 % of income stemmed from third-party funding (projects with cantons, municipalities, or international organizations, and business-oriented research), other income, course fees, donations and bequests.