# Lead Agency Process – Project Funding

**Funder:** SNSF
**Consortium:** Required — bilateral: Swiss applicant + partner-country applicant (trilateral not supported)
**Application:** Single stage (simultaneous submission to both national funders); if SNSF is Lead Agency, submit via SNSF portal; if partner is Lead Agency, submit to partner first then mySNF within 7 days
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026-10
**Eligible countries:** CH
**Official call:** https://www.snf.ch/en/Shcb21B7T7hmJBwM/funding/projects/lead-agency-process
**Last verified:** 22 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Joint bilateral research proposals between Switzerland and one of six partner countries/regions. Swiss subproject governed by SNSF Project Funding rules; proposals must be in English. Max 2 simultaneous project funding grants per researcher; one must be a Weave/Lead Agency/ICIS project. No more than 20% of Swiss budget for project partners from non-agreement countries.

## Summary

SNSF Lead Agency Process, Project Funding supports bilateral collaborative research between Swiss and partner-country researchers, with the Swiss subproject governed by standard SNSF Project Funding rules. Consortia must include one Swiss applicant and one partner-country applicant, with submissions timed to the lead funder's deadline (SNSF accepts on 1 April or 1 October; if the partner is lead, submit there first and to SNSF within 7 days). Researchers may hold a maximum of two simultaneous SNSF Project Funding grants, one of which must be a Weave, Lead Agency, or ICIS project.

## Who should apply

- Swiss researchers leading a bilateral project with a partner from an eligible country
- Researchers willing to co-coordinate with a named partner investigator from outside Switzerland
- Applicants holding no more than one other simultaneous SNSF Project Funding grant
- Teams proposing research in English and compliant with SNSF Project Funding scope

## Key dates

- Annual deadlines 1 April and 1 October (SNSF as Lead Agency); partner's deadline is decisive if partner is Lead Agency
- Single-stage evaluation; simultaneous submission to both national funders required
- If partner is Lead Agency, submit to partner first, then SNSF within 7 days of partner deadline

## Tips for applicants

- Timeline synchronisation is critical: if the partner organisation is Lead Agency, their deadline governs your SNSF submission window, build a 7-day buffer into your planning.
- The Swiss subproject must comply with SNSF Project Funding eligibility and scope rules; verify partner-country eligibility and funder rules in parallel to avoid misaligned proposals.
- Document the lead funder status clearly in your submission; simultaneous deadlines require coordinated logistics with your partner team.

## Frequently asked questions

### What are the submission deadlines for SNSF Lead Agency Process?

When SNSF is Lead Agency, deadlines are 1 April and 1 October annually. If the partner organisation is Lead Agency, submit to them first, then to SNSF within 7 days of their deadline.

### Can I apply to SNSF Lead Agency Process as a solo Swiss researcher?

No; the call requires a bilateral consortium with one Swiss applicant and one partner-country applicant. Trilateral proposals are not supported.

### How many SNSF Project Funding grants can I hold while applying to Lead Agency?

You may hold a maximum of two simultaneous SNSF Project Funding grants, and one of them must be a Weave, Lead Agency, or ICIS project.

### In what language should I submit my SNSF Lead Agency proposal?

Proposals must be submitted in English.

### Are trilateral consortia allowed in SNSF Lead Agency Process?

No; only bilateral consortia (one Swiss applicant and one partner-country applicant) are supported.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/snsf-lead-agency-process-project-funding-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.