Since August 2011, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) collects data on the output of SNSF-funded research. During and after a project, researchers are able to enter details regarding publications, research events and communication activities along with other types of research output on the internet platform mySNF. From 2012 on, the output data will be publicly accessible via the new research database P3.
By introducing this initiative, the SNSF is responding to demands from politics which call for the output of SNSF-funded research to be better visible to the public and the political realm. To simplify the lives of researchers, it is possible to import publications directly and to use project data that is already in the system. At a later stage, the SNSF will perform quantitative analyses on the output data. Together with scientific reports, project data will be used to evaluate follow-up proposals.
Difficult quantification
The first consolidated results on output data will be available in two to three years, by when sufficient data will have been collected. The SNSF is aware of the difficulties involved in identifying and accurately quantifying the SNSF-funded output. For this reason it will apply the data with the necessary care. On the one hand, direct output such as research results, publications and dissertations are often financed by more than one source. On the other hand, indirect outcomes and the eventual impact on society and business often become apparent only once they reach the national and international level.
FAQ on output data
In aid of researchers, the SNSF compiled a list of FAQs concerning the collection of output data. Please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have further questions (see Contact).