The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is Switzerland’s leading provider of scientific research funding. The SNSF annually supports some 7200 researchers, almost 80 percent of whom are aged 35 years or younger. With its federal mandate, it supports basic research in all disciplines, from philosophy and biology to the nanosciences and medicine.
The focus of its activities is the scientific endorsement of projects submitted by researchers. The best applicants are funded by the SNSF with an annual total amount equalling approximately CHF 700 million.
Established in 1952 as a foundation under private law, the SNSF has the autonomy it needs to promote independent scientific research. The SNSF is committed to promoting young scientists and works to ensure that scientific research in Switzerland has the most favourable conditions for developing internationally. It also encourages dialogue between scientists and representatives in society, politics and the economy.