There are two annual submission deadlines for project funding applications: 1 April and 1 October. Applications must be submitted online via mySNF by the relevant deadline. The Administrative Offices examine whether the submitted applications meet the submission requirements based on the Funding Regulations, and whether the rules of scientific integrity have been complied with. If this is the case, the SNSF decides to consider the application and forwards it to the Research Council for evaluation; if the requirements have not been met, the application will not be considered.
The Administrative Offices of the SNSF check whether the application complies with the rules of scientific integrity. In particular, it uses specially designed software to compare texts and analyse suspected cases of plagiarism. A number of universities have made such programs available to their students and employees. Should there be any indications of scientific misconduct, all processing of the application is suspended until such time as the application is cleared of suspicion through an investigation. If the suspicion is confirmed, the SNSF may impose sanctions.
Prior to and during the submission of applications, applicants may address queries and requests for information to the Administrative Offices of the SNSF. After receipt of the submission and when checking submitted proposals, the Administrative Offices may contact applicants in order to clarify issues relating to the proposal. Before, during and after the evaluation, applicants are required to:
- provide any information requested by the SNSF
- cooperate in clarifying facts
- inform the SNSF about any new facts that may be relevant to the funding decision
The SNSF does not provide any information concerning applications while the evaluation is in progress and until the decision has been communicated in written form.
The SNSF informs applicants about its the final decision by means of a ruling approximately six months after the relevant submission deadline. Approved projects may not be initiated before 1 April or 1 October, as the case may be.
The evaluation procedure for project proposals is described in detail under “Evaluation procedure in project funding”.