The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) offers a wide range of funding schemes. For funding purposes it distinguishes between:
- Projects
- Careers
- Programmes
- Infrastructures
- Public science communication
With few exceptions (mainly for programmes), the researchers are free to choose the topic and scope of their research projects themselves. By granting this freedom, the SNSF aims to support the innovative ideas of scientists and promote high-quality research in new fields.
The SNSF also supports junior researchers through grants and fellowships (career funding). Talented young researchers are able to benefit from these funding schemes for anything from producing their dissertations to grants for an assistant professorship.
At the SNSF, the term "Programmes" refers to funding schemes whose basic parameters are pre-defined. The National Research Programmes (NRPs) generate scientific knowledge aimed at solving Switzerland's most pressing problems. The topics are specified by the Federal Council. Another key programme is aimed at establishing National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs), which comprise long-term research projects in areas of strategic importance for Swiss science, the Swiss economy and Swiss society (nanosciences, climate etc.).
In addition, the SNSF supports several joint programmes designed to strengthen international collaboration with key partner countries.