# Weave / Lead Agency / International Co-Investigator Scheme

**Funder:** SNSF
**Duration:** 1 to 4 years, depending on the partner country
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 2 researchers from 2 different countries (Swiss applicant + international partner)
**Application:** Single stage; Swiss applicants submit to SNSF Portal (SNSF as Lead Agency) or to partner agency first then mySNF within 7 days (partner as Lead Agency).
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** CH
**Official call:** https://www.snf.ch/en/j3eRKmgqIrepqJnT/funding/projects/weave-lead-agency-icis
**Last verified:** 21 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports international collaborative research projects between Swiss-based researchers and partners in countries with bilateral/multilateral agreements (Weave: Belgium, Germany, Croatia, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia, Czech Republic; Lead Agency: France, Israel, São Paulo, South Africa, South Tyrol, USA; ICIS: Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK). Budget cap of CHF 250k/applicant/year; up to 20% for project partners outside agreement countries. Proposals must meet SNSF Project Funding eligibility requirements.

## Summary

The SNSF Weave, Lead Agency, and International Co-Investigator Scheme (ICIS) fund joint research projects between Swiss-based researchers and collaborators in designated partner countries, with project budgets up to CHF 250,000 per applicant per year for 1-4 years depending on the partner country. Swiss researchers must work with a named international partner in one of the eligible countries (Belgium, Germany, Croatia, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia, Czech Republic, France, Israel, Brazil, South Africa, Italy-South Tyrol, United States, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, or UK for social sciences and humanities). This is a continuous call with multiple deadlines tied to each partner country's grant cycle.

## Who should apply

- Swiss-based researchers at universities, research institutions, or recognised Swiss research organisations
- Applicants with an identified research partner in a country with bilateral or multilateral SNSF agreements
- Projects requiring international collaboration across disciplinary and national boundaries
- Research teams across all disciplines (Weave/Lead Agency cover all fields; ICIS is social sciences and humanities only)

## Key dates

- Multiple deadlines by partner country: F.R.S. FNRS Belgium 7 July 2026, FORMAS Sweden 7 October 2026, NRF South Africa 28 August 2026, ISF Israel November 2026, SNSF as Lead Agency 1 October 2026 & 1 April 2027; FWF Austria, DFG Germany, and other partners rolling
- Single-stage written evaluation; Swiss applicants submit to SNSF Portal with parallel submission to partner within 7 days
- Project duration 1-4 years depending on partner country

## Tips for applicants

- Submission is linked to partner-country deadlines, align your Swiss application with your partner's funder's call cycle. FWF and DFG are rolling, but bilateral partners have fixed deadlines; miss your partner's date and the Swiss submission is moot.
- The consortium is mandatory and must be named in the proposal; a strong letter of commitment from your international partner, confirming their own institution's support and cost-sharing, significantly strengthens your case.
- Budget carefully: the CHF 250k/year cap applies to Swiss costs alone; check whether your partner funder shares this ceiling or has separate limits. Up to 20% may fund partners outside the formal agreement network, useful for essential third collaborators.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does SNSF Weave, Lead Agency or ICIS provide?

Up to CHF 250,000 per Swiss applicant per year, with a maximum CHF 200,000 of that dedicated to personnel costs. Duration and total budget depend on the partner country and funder.

### Which countries can I partner with for SNSF Weave/Lead Agency/ICIS?

Weave covers Belgium, Germany, Croatia, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia, and Czech Republic. Lead Agency adds France, Israel, Brazil, South Africa, Italy-South Tyrol, and the United States. ICIS covers Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK (social sciences and humanities only).

### Do I submit my application only to SNSF or also to my international partner's funder?

You submit to both: first to the SNSF Portal (or mySNF if your partner is Lead Agency), then to your partner funder within 7 days. The deadlines are staggered by partner country.

### Is the international partner mandatory?

Yes, a named international research partner in an eligible country is required for all three schemes (Weave, Lead Agency, ICIS). The partner must be formally committed to the project and submit a parallel application to their own funder.

### Can I work with a country not on the list of SNSF partners?

Not as the primary partner, but up to 20% of your budget may fund collaborators outside the formal agreement countries, provided the majority of the collaboration sits within an eligible partner country.

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