183 applications for SNSF Consolidator Grants 2022

International expert panels will now evaluate the applications in two steps.

The SNSF launched the call for researchers who planned to apply for an ERC Consolidator Grant in 2022. Due to Switzerland's current status of non-associated third country in Horizon Europe, the SERI had mandated the SNSF to launch this transitional measure. It is aimed at researchers who want to carry out their research work in Switzerland and consolidate their scientific independence.

The SNSF received 183 applications. This figure is higher than the average number of applications from Switzerland submitted to the ERC Consolidator Grants in recent years (110 applications).

Applicant profiles

The projects are distributed across the research areas as follows: 74 in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering, 64 in the social sciences and humanities, and 45 in life sciences. The average budget requested per project is 1.74 million francs.

70 women researchers submitted an application, corresponding to 38% of projects. More women applied in the social sciences and humanities than in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering, or in life sciences.

More than two thirds of the researchers who submitted an application were based at a university (62%). The others are mainly from ETHZ/EPFL (28%).

Evaluation of applications

In a first step, the proposals will be evaluated and given a grade based on expert reviews. A number of them will be selected for the second step, involving an interview. Subsequently, the evaluation panel will generate a ranking list of the step 2 proposals.

A scientific Steering Committee will supervise the evaluation and funding activities for the SNSF Consolidator Grants 2022.

In January 2023, the SNSF will let applicants know whether their application has been selected for funding.