The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) accepts applications for project funding on 1st April and 1st October each year. Applications must be submitted directly by researchers.
Any researcher working in Switzerland is entitled to participate. Researchers are free to choose their research topics. Both basic research and use-inspired research are eligible for funding. Applicants will be notified no later than 6 months after the final date for the submission of applications whether their application has been successful.
SNSF project funding grants cover direct research costs (staff salaries, materials, travel costs etc.).
The SNSF Research Council evaluates applications based on peer reviews by external reviewers working in most cases outside Switzerland. The central criteria for evaluation are scientific quality, originality and project methodology as well as the applicants' qualifications and track record. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis.
Depending on the discipline and research topic, applications will be evaluated by one of the three divisions or a Specialised Committee of the National Research Council.
- Division I: Humanities and Social Sciences
- Division II: Mathematics, Natural and Engineering Sciences
- Division III: Biology and Medicine
- Specialised Committee International Co-operation
- Specialised Committee Interdisciplinary Research
Information on funding opportunities for postgraduates can be found under Careers > ProDoc.