The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) provides a wide range of funding programmes most of which are clearly for research projects . It also supports innovative ideas in new areas through funding for free or open-ended research.
The SNSF also supports junior researchers through bursaries and fellowships (individual fellowships and grants). Junior researchers can apply for financial support through these funding programmes for anything from producing their dissertations to sponsorships for an assistant professorship.
The SNSF also supports applied research through the National Research Programmes (NRP) which aim to solve current problems facing Switzerland. The National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) focuse on areas underpinning existing research structures and that reinforce the position of the country in strategically important areas such as nanosciences or climate research.
In addition, the SNSF supports several joint programmes designed to reinforce international collaboration with key partner countries.