Following the recommendations of the GRIPS Gender Report, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) has implemented various specific measures targeting women researchers to promote equality.
Marie Heim-Vögtlin Programme
Marie Heim-Vögtlin (MHV) Programme are aimed at doctorands and postdoctoral students. They are designed to support well-qualified women scientists who are or have been forced to accept an interruption or reduction of their research activities due to family obligations or to a change in domicile due to the relocation of a partner for career reasons. The purpose of MHV-subsidies is to facilitate the professional integration of recipients at a Swiss university or technical university. According to an evaluation of MHV-subsidies conducted by the SNSF Equal Opportunities Commission for the period 1991 to 2002, the MHV program is achieving its objectives.
MHV network: Present and former recipients of MHV-subsidies can exchange news and views via a networking service to facilitate resumption of career, organisation of work and career planning in science. The MHV platform is based at the Gender Campus.
Maternity leave
The SNSF is committed to operating a pro-active social policy for women. This is achieved for example via benefits offered during maternity leave in the context of SNSF-funded research projects. In practice, this means that the SNSF applies the regulations of the host institute for maternity leave. In certain circumstances, an application may be submitted for extension of the project term or for the appointment of a replacement. Relevant Divisions are glad to answer any questions relating to funding by designated applicants.
Maternity leave for recipients of fellowships for prospectiv and advanced researchers: SNSF fellows are entitled to a four-month period of paid maternity leave, if maternity occurs during the term of a research fellowship.
Fellowships for prospective and advanced researchers: Implementation of academic age limits
The abrogation of the age limits for women from 2002 to 2007 has augmented the proportion of female applicants and recipients of a fellowship keeping the quality criteria. In terms of equality between women and men the academic age limit has newly been implemented starting from 1 January, 2008. Accordingly, prosepctive researchers can submit a proposal until 3 years after obtaining the doctorate and advanced researchers until 5 years after. Exceptions can be allowed under justified circumstances, e.g. due to family duties or by reasons of gender-based disadvantages, in particular for women.
Part-time work
The SNSF accepts that funding recipients may engage assistants for their projects, also on a part-time basis.