SNSF: Programme 2021 - 2024, two new instruments and clarification of common misunderstandings

The SNSF has set four priorities in its multiannual programme 2021 – 2024:
1. Foster excellence through diversity
2. Strengthen international leadership through collaboration
3. Support data infrastructures and services for an open science system
4. Enhance the value of research for society

Details can be found as of page 17 of the multiannual programme on the right.

The Swiss Programme for International Research by Scientific Investigation Teams promotes team-oriented cross-border research
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.
Applicants can request between 50,000 and 500,000 francs in project funds for two to four years. At least 30% of each approved grant must be allocated to Switzerland and at least 30% to the relevant partner country/countries.
The evaluation process comprises two phases: pre-proposals can be submitted all year round, full proposals only by invitation after approval of the pre-proposal.

The aim of Spark is to fund the rapid testing or development of new scientific approaches, methods, theories, standards, ideas for applications, etc. It is intended for projects that show unconventional thinking and introduce a unique approach. The focus is on promising ideas of high originality, relying on no or very little preliminary data. Taking risks is very welcome, but not a requirement in itself. The focus is on projects or ideas that are unlikely to be funded by other available funding schemes.
The proposals are evaluated in a double-blind reviewing process (i.e. the identity of the applicant will not be disclosed to the evaluators). In this way, the SNSF aims to ensure that the evaluation will focus on the idea for the project. A decision within three months after the submission will ensure rapid funding.
Applicants can request between CHF 50,000 and CHF 100,000 for a project duration of six to twelve months. The project must start within three months after the decision. Applications from all research fields are welcome, applicants from SSH are especially encouraged to apply.

Submission Deadline: Juli 17th 2019

The SNSF confirms that the “One PI one Grant” rule applies only and only to a given call in project funding.  Researchers can have a second project if the topic is significantly different. Also, additional funding from program funding schemes is possible.
Further common misunderstandings concern projects with more than one applicant, employment categories, use-inspired research and the Data Management Plan. Details can be found in the presentation.