SNSF Starting Grants 2026

The SNSF Starting Grants 2026 call is aimed at researchers interested in leading their own research project and team in Switzerland. These grants represent the SNSF's highest level of career funding.

The call will be launched on 1 February 2026 and is open to all disciplines and research topics. Applicants must have several years of research experience following the completion of their doctorate, equivalent qualification or medical degree. However, individuals who have already achieved the objective of this call are not eligible. Applicants must also have a link with Switzerland.

Applications for an SNSF Starting Grant 2026 will, for the first time, be submitted in full via the SNSF Portal. Applicants whose project was rejected in a previous SNSF Starting Grants call may submit a second application regardless of the topic and evaluation of the first project.

For applicants who need to finance their own salary, the grant will comprise the project funds (max. 1 million francs) in addition to their salary. For applicants whose salary is already secured, the grant will cover the project funds (max. 1 million francs).

Parallel submission of the same or a similar project to funding schemes that are not funded by the SNSF is permitted. These include, for example, the ERC Starting Grants. However, double funding for thematically similar projects is not allowed. This restriction already applies while the SNSF evaluation process is in progress: If a similar project receives a positive decision from another funding scheme during this period, applicants must choose between accepting the funding offer or continuing with the SNSF evaluation.

The SNSF is organising an online information event for researchers interested in this call on 19 February from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Swiss local time). Register now at the link below.