a1. COVID-19. I hold a fellowship for a stay abroad or have applied for one, or plan to apply for one in the future. However, the location abroad lies in a region where there is a risk of infection by the coronavirus. What should I do?

(Situation on 04.02.2021; first version: 11 March 2020)

Researchers planning or conducting a stay abroad must follow the advice issued by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), as well as by the responsible authorities in the countries in question.

Fellowship holders who are already in an affected region must respect the directives issued by the local authorities. In the event that they need to return to Switzerland, they must inform the responsible cantonal authorities in Switzerland and follow their instructions, including with regard to quarantine measures.

Besides respecting the recommendations issued by the responsible authorities, the fellowship holder should monitor the situation in the areas in question and take appropriate measures should the risk level go up or their personal safety be threatened. The SNSF must be informed without delay.

Options to be weighed by researchers

We all know that conditions in Switzerland and abroad could change rapidly. Therefore, fellowship holders and candidates - whose personal situations may vary - should take into consideration the following possibilities with a view to finding a solution:

Extension of mobility fellowships

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many researchers have needed to interrupt their work or are faced with unexpected obstacles. The SNSF expects that projects are organised or adapted to ensure completion by the date that was originally set. As a special measure and this for the fellowships ending until 31 July 2021, fellowship holders can request a prolongation of up to two months if necessary. They can apply for this extension on mySNF as a supplementary grant with the reference "COVID-19". The grant should be requested via mySNF using the form "supplementary grant". It needs to be submitted two to four months before the end of the project. Regarding the fellowships ending after 31 July 2021, it will no longer be possible to apply for a supplementary grant "COVID-19".

For holders of a Postdoc.Mobility return grant, duly engaged in Switzerland, the general provisions of the SNSF apply. These holders have to refer to the FAQ valid for the other SNSF funding schemes.

Scientific reports

Fellowship holder can extend the deadline for scientific reports for up to two months. All they need to do is send a message to fellowships@snf.ch. Any changes to the research plan that are a result of the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic should be mentioned in the scientific report.

Any questions? Problems?

In case of questions or problems, fellowship holders and candidates can contact fellowships@snf.ch.

fellowships@snf.ch

b) Is it possible during the stay abroad of a Doc.Mobility fellowship to return or stay in a research location that is the same as the place where one was educated?

A further stay or return at the institution of education, where the bachelor's or master's degree (or equivalent) was obtained, is formally not possible. Doctoral students matriculated abroad must move to a new institution for the fellowship. However, a research stay at the same geographic location (e.g. city) but at a different institution (other than the institution of education or institution of matriculation as a doctoral student) is formally possible. In this context, it should nevertheless be noted that the expected extent of mobility represents an important evaluation criterion. It is a primary aim of the mobility fellowships to promote the mobility and related aspects (promotion of the scientific independence, improvement of the scientific/academic profile).

c) What administrative concerns and possible additional costs must be borne in mind when choosing a host institution for an SNSF mobility fellowship

You should clarify as early as possible whether a stay at the host institution is subject to any conditions. For example, some host institutions ask fellowship holders to contribute a sum of money towards the institution's overhead. The SNSF does not cover any overhead costs incurred at host institutions abroad, however. The host institution may also ask for funds to cover the research costs. The SNSF can contribute a maximum of CHF 3,000 per year towards research costs if certain requirements are met. Fellowship holders who bring their own financial contribution for covering living costs should generally receive adequate support from their host institution; this support should encompass, among other things, infrastructure as well as any consumables. In this context, please take note of the "Information set SNSF mobility fellowships". Please also clarify your status at the host institution. Some host institutes, especially in France, demand that fellowship holders be officially employed at the institution and that the SNSF directly transfers the fellowship to the host institution. In such cases, it is possible that a large portion of the fellowship is spent on social security contributions. The amount that ought to be available to the fellowship holders to cover their living costs is therefore reduced. Another solution, which may enable to keep the fellowship’s amount unchanged, would be that the beneficiary of the fellowship considers with the host institution the possibilities of signing a “hosting agreement for volunteer researchers” (“convention d’accueil pour chercheur/chercheuse bénévole”, similar status as for Researchers Emeritus).

Some host institutes, especially in the USA, also require minimum rates for their researchers, which may depend on the academic age after the PhD. Please clarify this with the responsible offices at the host institute as early as possible. The fellowship rates defined by the SNSF are binding for the year of approval. If the host institution increases the financial requirements, the SNSF will not be able to adjust the fellowship accordingly. In such a case, the SNSF expects the host institution to cover any financial gap.

d) Where can I find information on insurance and tax issues?

​The information set "SNSF mobility fellowships" gives you detailed information on tax and insurance issues as well as on other administrative matters.

e) Until when is it possible to postpone the beginning of the fellowship?

The mobility fellowship must be started no later than twelve months after the date of the ruling. Upon request, it may be possible to postpone the beginning for a further twelve months in case of important reasons such as an illness, an accident or family duties. The grantee must submit with her/his justified request a new confirmation letter from the host institute and eventually an updated research plan. Other funds received, for example another fellowship, do not represent a valid reason to postpone the beginning for more than twelve months.

f) My host institution has increased its minimum funding requirements. Does the SNSF cover the difference between the granted fellowship and the minimum requirement of the host institution?

No, the fellowship rates defined by the SNSF are binding for the year of approval. If the host institution increases the financial requirements, the SNSF will not be able to adjust the fellowship accordingly. In such a case, the SNSF expects the host institution to cover any financial gap. ​