The International Short Visits of the SNSF allow for researchers working in Switzerland to go abroad or for researchers from elsewhere to come to Switzerland. The visits can last between one week and three months and are limited to one person (the visiting fellow) going to one institute (the host institute). Both the visiting fellow and one person from the host institute (the host) are co-applicants of the proposal.
The main aim of this funding instrument, which is open to all fields of research, is to initiate or to consolidate international collaborations. To reach this aim, short research projects between the host institute and the visiting fellow should be carried out during the stay. There should be an exchange of knowledge that is beneficial to both co-applicants and their institutions.
The attendance of congresses, conferences, workshops or seminars is not foreseen. Salaries for researchers on scientific sabbaticals are also not funded.
The International Short Visits have no geographical limitations. Swiss researchers can go to any other country or researchers from any country can come to Switzerland.
Eligibility criteria
The visiting fellow must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Hold a doctorate (or an equivalent degree);
- be employed as a researcher in his/her country of origin before, during, and after the visit;
- aim to initiate or consolidate, thanks to his/her visit, a continued collaboration between both labs/institutes;
- not already have received support for this funding instrument within the last three years. Even after this period, applications can be subjected to restrictions.
General eligibility criteria for the host:
- Have the approval from the director of the host institute to invite the visiting fellow;
- hold a research/faculty position at the host institute;
- guarantee having the needed capacities (e.g. working space) to welcome the visiting fellow;
- must not have had a guest financed by this funding instrument within the last two years.
All relevant information on this funding instrument and on the procedure for submission of proposals can be found in the Guidelines for International Short Visits.