Projects in all disciplines With its project funding scheme, the Swiss National Science Foundation enables researchers to independently conduct research projects with topics and goals of their own choice. Applicants can apply for funding of research costs and staff salaries, as well as of scientific cooperation, networking and communication; however, they may not apply for their own salaries.
Sinergia Funding scheme for collaborative and interdisciplinary research that promises breakthrough research. The programme promotes collaboration between two to four research groups. Within the framework of the thematically defined programmes, the SNSF issues calls for proposals for research projects.
National Research Programmes (NRPs) Promotion of research projects that contribute to solving the key problems of today. Within the framework of the thematically defined programmes, the SNSF issues calls for proposals for research projects.
National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs) NCCRs are aimed at established researchers in Switzerland who wish to pursue a long-term research project on a theme of strategic importance. NCCRs are backed by one or more home institution.
SPARK The aim of SNSF Spark is to fund the rapid testing or development of new scientific approaches, methods, theories, standards and ideas for applications. It is intended for projects that show unconventional thinking and introduce a unique approach. The program is a pilot funding scheme of the SNF for 2019-2020.
SPIRIT The SPIRIT programme facilitates knowledge exchange between Swiss researchers and researchers in selected developing countries that are receiving Swiss development cooperation assistance. Researchers from all disciplines can apply. Funding is awarded to research projects with clearly defined goals that are submitted by excellent research consortia from two to four countries.
Innosuisse projects With various innovation project, networking, training and coaching schemes, the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse specifically promotes cooperation between universities and companies.
BRIDGE Discovery BRIDGE (a joint-initiative of the SNSF and Innosuisse) supports projects at the interface between basic research and science-based innovation. BRIDGE Discovery is aimed at experienced researchers who are keen to explore and implement the innovation potential of research results.
ERC Consolidator und ERC Advanced Grants The European Research Council (ERC) supports ground-breaking research ideas of all disciplines by established researchers with highly competitive grants (project duration: up to 6 years).
Foundations Numerous foundations in Switzerland promote basic research in various disciplines. Our Funding Finder maintains a list of selected foundations that fund scientific projects.
Multilateral Research and Innovation Cooperation Instruments SERI offers various multilateral cooperation instruments for Swiss researchers in industry, SMEs and universities to network with European countries and conduct joint research.
Federal project contributions through swissuniversities Higher education institutions may receive federal project contributions that enable them to conduct innovative projects – either jointly or individually – that are of Swiss-wide relevance in higher education policy.