schweizerischer nationalfonds zur förderung der wissenschaftlichen forschung

What is the Swiss National Science Foundation?

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) (Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung in german and fonds national suisse de la recherche scientifique in french) is the most important Swiss institute promoting scientific research. It is mandated by the Swiss Federal government and supports all disciplines, from philosophy and biology to the nanosciences and medicine. It has a wide range of research funding programmes at its disposal.

The following programmes are open to all scientists and academics of any nationality working in Switzerland.

Possibility for individual researchers: individual fellowships

The SNSF offers a large range of opportunities for individuals careers:

Programmes in all disciplines: fellowships for prospective researchers, fellowships for advanced researchers, Marie Heim-Vögtlin Programme, Ambizione, SNF Professorships, ProDoc (Doctoral Programmes).

Programmes in humanities and social sciences: summer courses (advanced training courses), research training courses, DORE (DO REsearch) young scientists.

Programmes in biology and medicine: PROSPER (Programme for Social Medicine, Preventive and Epidemical Research), SCORE (Swiss Clinicians Opting for Research), MD-PhD programme (Dr. med and Dr. phil. programmes).

International networking: individual short visits, exchange programmes.

Funding of research projects

The SNSF finances project for scientific research. Applications must be submitted directly by researchers. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. They cover direct research costs (staff salaries, materials, travel costs etc.).

• Who can apply? Any researcher working in Switzerland is entitled to participate. Researchers are free to choose their research topics.

• Application deadline: 1st March and 1st October each year.

• Who evaluates the applications? Applications will be evaluated by the SNSF Research Council based on anonymous peer reviews by external experts working in most cases outside Switzerland. The central criteria for evaluation are the scientific quality, originality and project methodology as well as qualifications and track record of the applicants. Applicants will be notified no later than 6 months after the final date for submission of applications whether their application has been successful.

Possibilities to fund infrastructure, publications and conferences

Further funding possibilities (details can be found through the relative link):

• Infrastructure: The SNSF provides direct funding for research infrastructure.
• Publications: The SNSF provides grants towards the cost of publishing scientific projects.
• Conferences: The SNSF offers support for the realisation of scientific conferences.

National Research Programmes (NRP) and National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR)

The SNSF supports furthermore targeted research in the form of two large research programmes:

• the National Research Programmes (NRP)
• the National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR).

Both programmes provide funding for co-ordinated research with clearly defined goals for a limited time. The major objectives are collaboration with non-academic partners, knowledge and know-how transfer in education and practical work as well as the application of research results.
Finding solutions to problems is the key objective of the NRP, whereas the NCCR are mainly aimed at strengthening research structures.

Possibility to fund international collaboration

The SNSF provides various funding programmes to encourage international collaboration which strengthens the profile and competitiveness of Switzerland as a location for research.

Working at the SNF in Bern

Check out jobs offers from SNF on jobs.myScience.ch