"The whole is more than the sum of its parts" (Aristotle) - true to this motto, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports small networks where a synergetic approach is needed to venture into promising new research fields, tackle complex research questions and gain pioneering insights.
Its Sinergia programme offers a platform for inter-, multi- and unidisciplinary projects brought into being through the initiative and collaboration of different research groups.
For detailed information on funding terms, please refer to the Regulations on Sinergia grants. The most important conditions are as follows:
- Sinergia is aimed at established researchers (see Guidelines for selecting SNSF funding schemes);
- A Sinergia project generally consists of three to four subprojects under the responsibility of a total of three to four research groups;
- The research groups are generally based at different universities or research institutions in Switzerland; one group may be based abroad;
- The deadline for the submission of applications is 15 January (every year).
Information on how to prepare and submit an application and on the evaluation procedure can be found in the "Guidelines for applicants - Sinergia programme". Sinergia proposals are assessed according to the standard criteria as well as the following specific criteria:
- Value added by the joint research approach;
- Competence, complementarity and collaboration of the groups involved;
- Conceptual and organisational networking of subprojects;
- Promotion of young researchers.