SNSF

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is the main institution promoting scientific research in Switzerland. Each year it supports around 7,200 researchers, almost 80% of whom are under 35 years of age. Mandated by the Confederation, it encourages fundamental research in all scientific disciplines, from philosophy to biology, including medicine and nanoscience. It also promotes research with a practical orientation in certain fields.

The main activity of the SNSF is to evaluate the scientific quality of project applications submitted by researchers. Accepted projects receive financial support from the SNSF (annual budget: approx. Sfr700 million).

To guarantee the independence necessary to promote research, the SNSF was set up in 1952 as a foundation under private law. It is committed to preparing future generations of academics and ensuring the best possible conditions for Swiss research to develop at an international level. It also encourages dialogue with society and the world of politics and the economy.

Deadlines for the submission of applications for SNSF grants and subsidies (via mySNF)

• Postdoc.Mobility fellowships (replaces Advanced Postdoc.Mobility fellowships) : 1st February and 1st August.
  The mobility grant programm offers the opportunity to researchers who have done a doctorate to live and study abroad in order to broaden their knowledge, to increase their scientific independence and improve their research profile. The opportunity to apply for a return grant to finance their initial period of research after returning to Switzerland.
   
• Doc.Mobility and Early Postdoc.Mobility mobility grants : 1st March and 1st September.
  The mobility grants programme continues to offer young researchers the opportunity to live and study abroad in order to broaden their knowledge and improve their research profile. The programme's ultimate aim is to support the next generation of researchers and academics in Switzerland.
   
• Doc.CH (SHS) subsidies : 10 March and 10 September.
  The Doc.CH (SHS) excellence award is intended for promising researchers who wish to complete a doctoral thesis in the human and social sciences on a subject of their choice. The beneficiaries are enrolled on doctoral courses at a Swiss university where they receive a salary. Subsidies are awarded for a period of two to four years.

• Subsidies for Ambizione : 1st November
   
• Subsidies for PRIMA : 1st November
   
• Subsidies for Eccellenza (replaces SNFS Professorships) : 1st February
   
• Subsidies for Sinergia projects: 1st Juny and 1st December

Other SNSF incentive programmes.

For more information concerning SNSF research finance instruments, visit the website of the Swiss National Science Foundation at the following address: www.snf.ch.