The Swiss National Science Foundation

The Swiss National Science Foundation has a federal mandate to promote research and young scientists in Switzerland. It also runs National Research Programmes and National Centres of Competence in Research.

A set of nine images showing different types of research: people working with data, exploring caves, measuring outdoors, studying ice and soil samples, working in laboratories, driving a snow vehicle, and using medical equipment.

Core tasks of the Swiss National Science Foundation

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) was established in 1952 as a private foundation to safeguard independent research. Its main activity is the evaluation of research proposals. The SNSF promotes researchers in all scientific disciplines, with particular emphasis on fundamental research. The SNSF funds projects, careers, programmes, research infrastructures and international cooperation.

Funding programmes

The SNSF runs National Research Programmes (NRPs) and National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs) on behalf of the federal government. NRPs conduct research aimed at solving specific economic and social challenges, while NCCRs focus on long-term research projects of strategic importance for Switzerland.

Goals and service level agreement

Every four years, SERI and the SNSF conclude a service level agreement that sets out clear goals and performance indicators. Achievement of these objectives is jointly reviewed on a regular basis.

The federal government will provide the SNSF with a maximum of CHF 4.9 billion in the 2025–2028 funding period.

Documentation

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI

National Research
Nicole Schaad