The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is a central agency for state-funded research and is based on the principle of scientific self-governance. Its activities focus primarily on funding investigator-driven research and promoting junior scientists, for which it offers a wide range of funding schemes.
The SNSF attaches great importance to funding interdisciplinary research projects and supporting equal opportunities for women and men. The standards for equality are defined in a mission statement. In addition to national funding programmes, the SNSF is also committed to initiatives at an international level aimed at strengtheningSwitzerland's position as a research location.
Guidelines for the medium- and long-term funding policies of the SNSF are set out in the so-called multi-year programmes. In addition, the SNSF provides expert opinions on current scientific and research policy issues.