Every year the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports approximately 8,500 scientists. It is Switzerland’s foremost institution in the promotion of scientific research. One of its core tasks is the evaluation of research proposals and, every year, the SNSF awards over 700 million Swiss francs to the best applications. By distributing public research money based on a competitive system, the SNSF contributes to the high quality of Swiss research.
To ensure its independence in research, the SNSF was established as a private foundation in 1952. Mandated by the federal authorities, the SNSF supports basic science in all academic disciplines, from history to medicine and engineering sciences.
In close collaboration with higher education institutions and other partners, the SNSF works towards creating the best possible conditions for the development and international integration of Swiss research. The SNSF is paying particular attention to the support of young scientists.