New in project funding: Financing of equipment and submission deadlines

Anyone applying for a grant to the SNSF can also apply for money for equipment and material of enduring value. Conditions: The funding scheme allows budgeting of this category, and the equipment is demonstrably necessary for the project and not part of the basic equipment of a scientific institution. For a number of funding schemes, the SNSF covers such costs up to a maximum amount of 100,000 francs.

Up to 300,000 francs for equipment and material of enduring value

The SNSF is now increasing the maximum amount for project funding. In projects submitted as of the 1 October 2025 deadline, researchers can apply for up to 300,000 francs for equipment and material of enduring value. The research institution must contribute at least 50 percent of total costs in excess of 100,000 francs.

By increasing this limit, the SNSF is granting researchers more flexibility to allocate their budget as needed, within the existing global budget of maximum CHF 250,000 per year and applicant. This enables them to implement their projects more efficiently.

No deadlines on Fridays or Mondays

Another change in project funding concerns the submission deadlines. In principle, the deadline for the submission of applications will remain 1 April or 1 October at 17:00 (Swiss local time). However, the SNSF wants to prioritise the availability of technical support on the day before and the day after the deadline. If researchers encounter an issue when submitting their application on the SNSF Portal, they should receive assistance as soon as possible.

The deadline therefore will not be on a Friday or a Monday. As a result, dates may vary slightly from semester to semester in the future. The SNSF will announce the exact dates well in advance both on its website and on the SNSF Portal.