Space Instrumentation Development (PRODEX)

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Programme de Développement d'Expériences Scientifiques (PRODEX)

The Swiss space science community develops, provides and operates first-rate science instruments or sub-systems for space missions. Such development projects as well as the scientific operations are implemented within the framework of the Programme de Développement d'Expériences Scientifiques (PRODEX) of the European Space Agency (ESA).

Evaluated and approved project proposals are implemented under the lead of a scientist based at one of Switzerland’s research institutes, e.g. universities, ETH-domain, universities of applied sciences or others. Through PRODEX the projects have access to the competence and expertise of ESA, be it in technical, industrial, contractual, legal or managerial aspects.

Swiss research institutions and national industry cooperate closely on PRODEX projects. This collaboration fosters a mutually beneficial transfer of knowledge and competences, which will boost education, innovation, and competitiveness.

How to apply for PRODEX funding

According to the national guidelines for PRODEX (see below) researchers at Swiss research institutions can submit project applications to the Space Division at SERI. Applications are evaluated at national level and by ESA’s PRODEX Office. If approved, they are funded by the Swiss contributions to the PRODEX Programme and implemented via ESA and its PRODEX Office.

For more information on the eligibility criteria, applicants are invited to carefully read the national guidelines for PRODEX provided below (available in four languages).

Exchange rate

PRODEX projects are carried out according to ESA guidelines and specifications. Budgets and accounts have to be prepared in euros.

The applicable exchange rate to be used in PRODEX-requests is 0.95 CHF/EUR. Applicants are invited to check the current information for an updated value before submitting the proposal to SERI.

Submission deadlines for PRODEX applications

PRODEX applications must be submitted in a two-stage procedure:

In a first step, a letter of intent must be submitted to SERI. Applicants may use any format or use the optional template 1 that is provided below.

In a second step, a full proposal shall be submitted in English using template 2 provided below.

Submission deadline Letter of intent PRODEX application
(Full proposal)
3rd trimester 2023: 15 August 2023 1 November 2023
1st trimester 2024: 15 November 2023 1 February 2024
2nd trimester 2024: 15 March 2024 1 June 2024
3rd trimester 2024: 15 August 2024 1 November 2024

All PRODEX-related applications should either be submitted electronically to:

space@sbfi.admin.ch

or sent to:

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI
Space Division
PRODEX
Einsteinstrasse 2
3003 Bern

Further useful information about PRODEX can be found on the ESA website.

Documentation

Guidelines for submitting PRODEX proposals

Contact

SERI, Valerie Koller
T +41 58 460 51 06

https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/content/sbfi/en/home/research-and-innovation/space/informations-for-experts/prodex.html