Conscious travel: The SNSF strengthens its commitment to sustainable research

Travel is an integral part of researchers’ daily lives: for fieldwork, conferences and international collaboration. But it is also one of the main sources of CO₂ emissions generated by the science and research community. In 2023, air travel associated with projects funded by the SNSF generated more than 18 kilotonnes of CO₂. This is why the SNSF is introducing incentives for more sustainable travel choices and environmentally friendly modes of transport.

Fewer journeys, more alternatives

For the SNSF, sustainable travel is primarily about reducing and combining journeys. Researchers are encouraged to consider alternatives such as online meetings. Where travel is indispensable for a project, more sustainable modes of transport or travel options should be chosen whenever possible.

In practical terms, the SNSF is updating its Implementation Regulations concerning eligible travel expenses in funded projects. It is introducing incentives to promote more sustainable travel choices. Researchers are now encouraged to choose more climate-friendly travel options, such as rail travel, even when this may involve higher costs for an equivalent journey by plane. Additional costs associated with a night train or an overnight stay during a longer train journey may also be claimed. These changes come into effect on 1 September 2026.

In this way, the SNSF is setting minimum standards. Higher education institutions’ own travel or expense regulations continue to take precedence if they specify stricter requirements.

A clear message of support for higher education institutions

Many higher education institutions in Switzerland have already taken steps to reduce emissions from work-related travel. "For the SNSF, it is important to send a clear message that we support the sustainability goals of Swiss higher education institutions," says Torsten Schwede, President of the Research Council. "Taking sustainability into account is an integral part of scientific practice today."

Sustainability: much more than just a travel issue

These new travel rules are part of a broader initiative. The SNSF supports the United Nations 2030 Agenda – the internationally recognised framework for sustainable development – and contributes to the Swiss federal government’s 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy. At the same time, it is aligning its actions with Switzerland’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

Taking into account sustainable development across society, the economy, and the environment is not merely an ambition, but also a legal obligation. The SNSF also emphasises the central role of research in addressing major societal and environmental challenges.

Multiple levels of action

The SNSF’s commitment operates on three levels. Firstly, the SNSF funds research on various sustainable development issues across all its funding schemes. Secondly, it is developing incentives and measures designed to support researchers in making their projects progressively more sustainable. Finally, in terms of its own operations, it is constantly and systematically improving its resource management.

The objective is clear: Swiss research should retain its strong international links, but be more mindful of how it uses natural, social and financial resources. Through these new rules, its overall strategy and its collaboration with higher education institutions, the SNSF aims to play an active role in shaping the future of science.