209 applications for SNSF Consolidator Grants 2023
International expert panels will now evaluate the applications in a single step.
Due to Switzerland's status as a non-associated third country in Horizon Europe, the federal government has mandated the SNSF to launch a new call for this transitional measure. It is aimed at researchers who want to carry out their research work in Switzerland and consolidate their scientific independence.
What is the profile of the applicants?
The 209 projects are distributed across the research areas as follows: 78 in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering, 56 in life sciences (biology and medicine) and 75 in social sciences and humanities. The average budget requested per project was 1.84 million francs.
73 female researchers submitted an application, corresponding to 35% of projects. More women applied in life sciences and in social sciences and humanities than in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering.
Approximately 69% of the researchers who submitted an application are based at a university. The others are mainly from ETHZ/EPFL (25%).
Last year, the SNSF received 183 applications for the SNSF Consolidator Grants 2022. New applicants and applicants whose projects had been rejected at the first or second stage of the SNSF Consolidator Grants 2022 evaluation were able to submit a new application in the 2023 call.
Evaluation of applications
Panels of international scientists will assess the projects in a single-stage process. The applications will be evaluated and rated on the basis of external expert reviews and interviews, then ranked comparatively.
As was the case for the SNSF Consolidator Grants 2022, a scientific Steering Committee will supervise the evaluation and funding activities for the 2023 call. Moreover, it will ensure best practices and compliance with SNSF rules regarding conflicts of interest. The same Steering Committee also supervises other transitional measures implemented by the SNSF.
In July 2024, applicants will be informed whether their project has been approved for funding.