Use-inspired research
Does your project increase scientific knowledge and at the same time have a clear practical relevance? If so, you can label it as use-inspired. We take this into account in the evaluation.
The SNSF primarily funds basic research. It also supports use-inspired research in order to bridge the gap between fundamental findings and their practical implementation in concrete solutions. This use-inspired research accounts for around 20 percent of our funding.
Broader impact
In principle, you can label your research project as use-inspired in any SNSF funding scheme. What does this mean for the evaluation? In such cases, we take into account not only the scientific quality of the project, but also its broader impact. This refers to its potential role in helping to solve practical, social or economic issues. If appropriate, the SNSF also involves real-world experts in the evaluation.
As part of the BRIDGE programme, the SNSF and Innosuisse jointly fund projects at the intersection between basic research and science-based innovation. Innosuisse is generally responsible for projects that are directly aimed at an application or market launch. The SNSF does not support research with an immediate commercial potential.
Is your project use-inspired?
What is considered use-inspired cannot be conclusively defined as the characteristics vary depending on the discipline and project.
Criteria indicating that your project might be use-inspired:
Aim: The project aims to produce scientific insights while also addressing a practical problem.
Cognitive/conceptual: It is grounded in basic research but can produce practical solutions.
Source of the research question: The question was developed with the involvement of users.
Implementation prospects: The results can be put to practical use in a timely manner, for example through technology transfer with Innosuisse.
Output: Both academic and non-academic publications are planned for the project.
Target audience: The results will also be shared outside the scientific community.
People involved: The research team is composed of scientists and practitioners.
If several of the above criteria are met, your project has a clear practical relevance. You can therefore label it as use-inspired in the proposal.