Given an evaluation mandate, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) monitors scientific quality in large research initiatives that are not financed and not always administered by the SNSF. On behalf of the federal authorities, the SNSF is currently evaluating the research initiatives SystemsX.ch (systems biology) and Nano-Tera.ch (engineering sciences) as well as bilateral international co-operation programmes.
Evaluation mandates
The SNSF is Switzerland's only independent national evaluation body in the area of scientific research. In 2007, the SNSF defined the principles governing the acceptance of external mandates alongside its core activity of funding scientific research. On the one hand, the SNSF wishes to be consulted at an early stage when the course of the research is outlined. On the other hand, the SNSF defines quality criteria and evaluation procedures to maintain its scientific independence. Evaluation results need to be binding.
In 2008, the SNSF for the first time provided evaluation services for research initiatives which were not funded through its own budget.
Evaluations for third parties and programmes conducted together with partners: Principles set out more precisely (PDF, 163 KB) in GermanThe SNSF provides evaluation services to third parties and conducts joint programmes together with external partners. Based on the experiences gained up to now, the SNSF set out the principles and requirements for the assumption of such tasks more precisely in mid-December. They apply with immediate effect to all new mandates or partnerships as well as to extensions of contracts.
SystemsX.ch
The aim of SystemX.ch is to bring systems biology in Switzerland to world class level. Between 2008 and 2011, SystemsX.ch projects have benefitted from a federal budget of CHF 100 million. Proposals are evaluated by the SNSF on behalf of the Federal Council. Bearing the name SystemsX, the research initiative was launched by the ETH Zurich and the universities of Basel and Zurich in 2003. As of February 2006, SystemsX began to accept other partners and has since been called SystemsX.ch. All interested researchers in Switzerland may now participate.
Systems biology attempts to understand the dynamic networks of biological processes in cells, tissues and organisms as a whole. Its aim is to quantify the interactions taking place between these elements. This is to be achieved by combining know-how from a wide variety of disciplines as well as concepts from biology, information technology and systems science. The long-term objective is to be able to simulate entire living systems on the computer and to understand and predict their reactions to changes in the environment.
Nano-Tera.ch
The cooperation project Nano-Tera.ch pursues ambitious aims in the area of health and safety for people and the environment. Cooperative projects based on the engineering sciences are to investigate and develop innovative systems containing extremely small components ("micro" and "nano") as well as systems with extremely large data volumes ("tera"). The research focuses on advanced technology in micro and nano electronics, electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) as well as the development and system integration of (bio) sensors and actuators. Technological realisations (demonstrators) devised in the scope of the programme will combine these technologies in various areas of application.
Parliament approved a federal contribution of CHF 60 million for Nano-Tera.ch, which also benefits from university and third-party funding. An initial series of RTD projects (research, technology, development) got underway in mid-2009 after passing an evaluation procedure conducted by the SNSF.
Research Programmes with Bulgaria and Romania
Bulgaria and Romania are partner countries for the Swiss enlargement contribution aimed at reducing economic and social disparities in the new countries of the enlarged EU. Alongside other topics, both countries wish to support joint research projects to be carried out in conjunction with research groups in Switzerland. The SNSF will be responsible for the evaluation of applications and for all other programme management tasks in collaboration with the relevant partner organisations in Bulgaria and Romania.
The two programmes will run from 2011 to 2016 and enable a number of Joint Research Projects. The budget amounts to CHF 10.4 million for Romania and CHF 4.2 million for Bulgaria. For the call with Romania, the topics "Research on major diseases", "Impact of waste and pollutants on environment and climate", "Sustainable energy" and "Economic growth and social disparities" are envisaged; for Bulgaria "Ecological forestry/farming and waste management", "Social disparities and regional differences", "Drug development" and "Innovative building methods and materials".
Bulgaria
Romania
Joint Research Projects of the Federal Administration’s bilateral programme to promote research co-operation with priority countries
The Federal Council Dispatch on the Promotion of Education, Research and Innovation for 2008-2011 mentions, among others, China, India, Russia, and South Africa as potential partners with whom Switzerland would like to establish broader and deeper bilateral research co-operation ties.
Corresponding framework agreements have been signed with the governments of most of these countries. Research co-operation programmes between Swiss universities (the Leading Houses) and partner institutions in the various countries mentioned have therefore been established and provide a range of funding instruments for researchers based in Switzerland who wish to collaborate with researchers from the above mentioned priority countries.
Joint Research Projects are one of the instruments offered by all four countries. Funded projects last up to three years and the Swiss contributions can reach CHF 250,000. The SNSF was mandated to conducted the Swiss scientific evaluation of these proposals. Until now, the SNSF has participated in six such calls. A parallel evaluation was conducted in the partner country and, based on these two evaluations, the final decision was taken by a Joint Working Group.