5.5 million Swiss francs to foster dialogue between science and society
As part of the Agora funding scheme, the SNSF is supporting 29 projects in which researchers seek to engage actively with the public. The 2025 Agora call received a record number of proposals.
This was a record-breaking year for the Agora funding scheme, with 100 proposals submitted in response to the 2025 call. The SNSF is supporting 29 projects with a total of 5.5 million Swiss francs. Around 55 percent of the funded projects are in the social sciences and humanities, 28 percent in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences and technology, and 17 percent in life sciences. However, most Agora projects are interdisciplinary, combining a number of different subject areas.
Participation and two-way dialogue
"The Agora funding scheme brings researchers and society together," says Julia Schneerson, Agora manager at the SNSF. "It supports projects that bring scientific insights and approaches to public dialogue. To do so, they use formats that enable interaction, participation and two-way dialogue." Below are three examples of funded projects:
Awareness of light pollution
Janine Bolliger from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is researching light emissions. In collaboration with artist Thijs Biersteker, she plans to present the research findings in an art installation. The exhibition will be accompanied by moderated events and workshops with the researchers. The aim is to convert scientific data into sensory experiences to raise awareness of light pollution.
Early detection of autism
Nadia Chabane from Lausanne University Hospital is working with an interdisciplinary team and affected families to develop an innovative interactive format to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim is to sensitise parents to early signs of autism and to make current research accessible through play. The cornerstone of the project is a family-friendly festival to be held in Lausanne in the summer of 2027. It will feature a trail through the early signs of autism, concerts by artists with ASD, workshops and discussions.
Women in peace processes
Agnieszka Fal-Dutra Santos from the University of Bern is highlighting the key role played by women in peace processes. Through a photo exhibition, spaces for reflection and encounters with women peacebuilders from Colombia, she shows that inclusive approaches work and result in more effective peace agreements. The aim is to promote understanding and appreciation of the contributions women make to peace processes among the Swiss public and political decision-makers.
More information on the funded Agora projects can be found in the SNSF Data Portal (see link below).
Flexible submission of proposals
Under the Agora rolling call, researchers can submit proposals for funding of up to 50,000 Swiss francs at any time until the end of 2026. Funding decisions are made and announced within four months.
The planned call for bigger projects in September 2026 has been cancelled. Instead, starting in 2027, researchers will be able to submit projects with a budget of up to 200,000 Swiss francs, also at any time and without a fixed deadline. The SNSF has made this change to align the Agora funding scheme better with the needs of researchers. Further information about the new procedure will follow in the next few months.