Basic research

The core mission of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is to select and fund the best basic research projects.

Basic research …

… generates scientific insights into humans and the natural world.
… is impartial and does not pursue any commercial interests.
… relies on public funding.
… paves the way for both technical and social innovation and is therefore essential for social prosperity in the long term.
… starts a process that continues with use-inspired research and ends with the development of real-world applications.
… accounts for the majority of SNSF-funded projects.