As far as possible, the research activity should be organised in a way that enables you to keep to the schedule and the budget of the SNSF grant. Should your project nevertheless be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, you can of course apply for an extension.
Researchers whose project ends before 31 December 2020 will get a cost-neutral extension of a maximum of six months. You can simply inform us about such an extension using the "Messages/Requests" form in your project on mySNF. Transmitting the message is sufficient, you do not need to submit an application.
For projects that end after 31 December 2020, please transmit an application for a cost-neutral extension two to four months before the end of your project.
Detail
If your project ends before 31 December 2020, you can apply for a supplementary grant for project completion, based on Article 36 of the Funding Regulations of the SNSF. This rule applies provided the project cannot be completed in the context of another SNSF project. To submit the application, go to your project in mySNF and fill in the form "Supplementary grants". We will approve the grant swiftly. It will cover a period of up to two months.
If your project ends after 31 December 2020, you should organise and modify your research activity in a way that allows you to finish the project on time. For this purpose, you can change your research plan where necessary without informing the SNSF.
If you should later require a supplementary grant in spite of the changes to the research plan, you will need to submit an application giving reasons. Make sure to highlight the measures you have taken to lower costs and, if applicable, any further adaptations to the research plan. Alternatively, you may explain why it was not possible to adapt the research plan. Applications should be submitted 2 to 4 months before the end of the project.
Detail
Not necessarily, although it is generally the case. Written assurance of employment at a research institution in Switzerland is enough. Subject to certain conditions, researchers working abroad or at institutions with international sponsors may submit a proposal. Self-employed researchers are also eligible [see FAQs 2) and 3)]
Detail
A research project can include legal commentary. If the project's direct output is a legal commentary, it will need to be published in an open access format. According to the SNSF's open access policy, results of the research projects can be used in a printed commentary that is not freely accessible, provided an open access version of the results had previously been made available.
Detail
The changes are in Chapter 7 "Employment of staff" and in Annex 12 "Salary ranges, guidelines for employees in SNSF-funded projects and blanket amounts for social security contributions". The respective provisions have been made simpler and clearer, allowing more flexibility for researchers and institutions. In addition, the obligations of grantees and institutions vis-à-vis their employees are now explicitly set out in the Implementation Regulations.
Detail