Swiss Commission for Astronomy (SCFA)

The Swiss Commission for Astronomy (SCFA) of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) via the Platform MAP (Mathematics, Astronomy, Physics) is the board representing the Swiss professional astronomers. It is made essentially of the directors of the various Swiss astronomical institutes (cf. Members).

The SCFA represents the main link between professional astronomers and the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). The SCFA nominates delegates in international scientific organisations such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and the Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies (CRAF) and produces community roadmaps for research infrastructures and other publications.

The SCFA endorsed on 27 October 2025 the creation of the Swiss Gravitational Wave coordination Group (SGWG).

The SCFA maintains a list of all professors in astronomy in Swiss academic institutions, which constitutes the College of Helvetic Astronomy Professors (CHAPS).