# Investigator Initiated Clinical Trials (IICT)

**Funder:** SNSF
**Budget:** Not specified (PPI Preparatory Grant up to CHF 5,000 separately available)
**Deadline:** 3 November 2026 (Full proposal due 3 November 2026, 17:00 Swiss local time. Letter of intent due 26 May 2026, 17:00 Swiss local time (past). PPI Preparatory Grant application also due 26 May 2026.)
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** Required — research group of up to 5 persons in a multicentric setting; recruiting centres must confirm participation in writing
**Application:** 2-stage: letter of intent (26 May 2026) → full proposal (3 November 2026)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** CH
**Official call:** https://www.snf.ch/en/hyaJhBlfsmd618fO/funding/programmes/iict
**Last updated:** 2 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of high scientific quality addressing unmet medical/societal needs, not in industry focus. Applicants must be natural persons meeting SNSF eligibility requirements, affiliated with Swiss institutions, forming a research group. Excludes pilot, proof-of-concept, observational, and preclinical studies. Patient and public involvement (PPI) is required. A PPI preparatory grant of up to CHF 5,000 is available alongside the letter of intent.

## Summary

The SNSF Investigator Initiated Clinical Trials programme funds randomised controlled trials (RCTs) addressing unmet medical and societal needs, with project duration up to five years plus an optional one-year preparation phase. Applicants must be based at eligible Swiss institutions and lead a multicentric trial with a research team of up to five persons. The call requires patient and public involvement documentation and excludes pilot studies, observational designs, and industry-driven trials.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at eligible Swiss institutions
- Clinical investigators leading or co-leading a multicentric RCT
- Trials addressing unmet medical or societal needs with patient relevance
- Research teams of up to five persons with commitment to patient and public involvement

## Key dates

- Letter of intent due 26 May 2026, 17:00 Swiss time (two-stage application)
- Full proposal due 3 November 2026, 17:00 Swiss time
- Project duration up to five years, with optional 12-month preparation phase

## Tips for applicants

- Patient and public involvement (PPI) documentation is mandatory, plan and budget this explicitly in your proposal.
- The multicentric requirement is gating; single-site trials are ineligible regardless of design quality.
- Industry cannot be the driver of the research question, but industry partnerships on defined terms are permitted; clarify roles upfront.

## Frequently asked questions

### What types of clinical trials does SNSF support under this call?

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) addressing unmet medical or societal needs. Pilot, proof-of-concept (phase I/IIa), observational, and industry-driven studies are excluded.

### How long can an SNSF Investigator Initiated Clinical Trial project last?

Up to five years, with an optional preparation phase of up to 12 months.

### Do I need a multicentric setting for SNSF Investigator Initiated Clinical Trials?

Yes, a multicentric setting is a mandatory requirement for all proposals.

### Can non-Swiss researchers apply for SNSF Investigator Initiated Clinical Trials?

No, applicants must be based at eligible Swiss institutions to be eligible.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/snsf-investigator-initiated-clinical-trials-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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