SNSF evaluations archive

Evaluation of Doc.CH

Each year since 2013, the SNSF has awarded a grant to around 50 doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. Doc.CH is an efficient funding scheme for which there is a clear need. This was the conclusion drawn by a study of the University of Bern in April 2019. On average, doctoral students with a Doc.CH grant need less time to complete their thesis. But the study also pinpoints some aspects where there is room for improvement.

Analysis of use-inspired basic research

In 2016/2017, the SNSF commissioned the consulting firm Technopolis to conduct a study of the funding category "use-inspired basic research". The study emphasises the complexity of use-inspired proposals due to their dual nature as both basic and applied science. It makes a number of proposals to facilitate better evaluation of use-inspired research.

Impact analysis of the National Centres of Competence in Research NCCRs (first series, 2001-2013).

Following the completion of the first NCCR series, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) commissioned an impact analysis of the 14 NCCRs concerned. It was carried out by the Swiss Science and Innovation Council (SSIC) in 2015. The SSIC rates the overall structural impact of the centres of competence very highly. In its opinion, NCCRs are special in that they pursue both structural and ambitious scientific goals at the same time. The report recommends a number of low-key measures but does not see a need for any fundamental changes.

Researcher survey

In October 2013, the Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education (NIFU) conducted a survey among researchers in Switzerland. The survey provides the SNSF with information on the researchers funding situation and their opinion on two key funding schemes – Project Funding and Sinergia. This input complements an internal analysis and will help the SNSF to adjust the design and handling of the two instruments.