Applications Invited for Swiss Programme for International Research by Scientific Investigation Teams

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About the Organization:

Based on a government mandate, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports scientific research in all academic disciplines, from history to medicine and the engineering sciences.  To ensure its independence, the SNSF was established as a private foundation in 1952. Their core task is the evaluation of research proposals. In 2020, it awarded CHF 937 million to the most promising project proposals. By allocating public research money based on the principle of competition, the SNSF contributes to the high quality of research in Switzerland.

SPIRIT – Swiss Programme for International Research by Scientific Investigation Teams

The SNSF offers a wide range of international funding schemes and works closely with foreign funding organisations to promote cross-border collaboration. The SPIRIT programme facilitates knowledge exchange between Swiss researchers and researchers in selected countries that are receiving development assistance. With SPIRIT, the SNSF is giving Swiss researchers more opportunities to collaborate with partners in many countries around the world.

The programme is intended for two to four research groups, out of which one applicant must engage in research work in Switzerland, and at least one applicant must do so in an eligible partner country. Further applicants in a partner country or in Switzerland may be added. However, the total of applicants may not exceed four persons. Swiss applicants must meet the eligibility requirements applicable to SNSF project funding. These requirements apply mutatis mutandis to applicants from abroad.​

Project Funding Regulations:

The SNSF determines the eligible partner countries based on the official list of countries receiving development assistance, which is issued by the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD. Excluded are EU member states, countries associated to the European Union's 8th Framework Programme as well as countries collaborating on a bilateral call with the SNSF.

SPIRIT finances original, relevant and team-oriented research that is to the benefit of all concerned. One of its top priorities is to support young researchers. If two or more applications are deemed to be of equal quality, applications by women or applications that show better gender awareness are given preference. Twelve projects are funded per year based on a competitive funding procedure.

Assessment criteria:

The evaluation is conducted in accordance with the following criteria:

• scientific relevance of the research project;
• originality of the aims and objectives;
• suitability of the methodology, feasibility;
• track record and expertise of the researchers;
• complementarity of the research partners;
• contribution to increasing scientific capacities in the relevant research field; and
• contribution towards raising gender awareness and promoting equal opportunities.

If proposals are deemed to be equal in terms of their scientific quality, proposals submitted by female applicants, or proposals that show better gender awareness, are given priority.

Grant & Duration:

• The duration of projects is limited to 2-4 years.
• The research groups can request between 50,000 and 500,000 Swiss francs.
• At least 30% of each approved grant must be allocated to Switzerland and at least 30% to the relevant partner country/countries. In accordance with the bottom-up principle, applicants are free to choose their own research topics. Researchers from all disciplines are eligible to submit an application.

Deadline: 2 November, 17:00 Swiss local time

For more information please check the Link