Research grants for Swiss researchers

For early-career independent investigators (lab established 3–8 years prior to Dec 31, 2026; appointment start 2018–2023) at non-profit academic/research institutions worldwide. Supports high-impact, high-risk cancer research distinct from the applicant's current portfolio. Single PI only; no co-investigators. Applicants must have multi-year independent funding active in 2027. All materials must be submitted in English.

For early-career clinicians with a medical degree and previous experience in cancer research or treatment. Fellowship funds research experience abroad. Requires two support letters and proof of sponsorship from an eligible host organisation. Applications must be submitted online via the GAP portal.

Open to independent scientists at Swiss research institutions. Covers basic, clinical, epidemiological, psychosocial and health services cancer research. Only industry-independent projects with clear cancer relevance are eligible. Maximum one ongoing project per main applicant. Submissions must be made online via the GAP portal.

SNSF Postdoc.Mobility funds researchers with a strong link to Switzerland (Swiss degree or research at a Swiss institution) to do a postdoc abroad, with an optional funded return phase to Switzerland. Outgoing-mobility scheme.

For researchers with a completed doctorate (or within 6 months of defence) wishing to conduct a research stay abroad. Applicants must be Swiss nationals, hold a Swiss C-permit, or be married/partnered to a Swiss national; OR hold a Swiss doctorate/state exam and have had no prior postdoctoral position abroad. Host institution must be outside Switzerland. Subsistence grant, travel flat-rate, and optional research/conference costs included.

Joint Transnational Call (JTC) 2026 — joint transnational call by the BE READY NOW European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

Part of SNSF Project Funding (Weave/Lead Agency). South African partner must be affiliated with a recognised public higher education or research institution in South Africa. Proposals must be submitted in English. Max 2 simultaneous project funding grants per applicant; at most one may be a Weave/Lead Agency project. Project must start on the same date in both countries; max duration 36 months.

For postdoctoral researchers with <5 years mentored research experience at award activation, working at the intersection of cancer immunology and computational biology/data science. Must be conducted at a non-profit institution (US or abroad); no citizenship restrictions. Sponsor must hold assistant professor or higher rank. Proposals must be hypothesis-driven in basic or translational cancer immunology.

Supports postdoctoral researchers in immunology and cancer immunology at non-profit institutions worldwide (no citizenship restrictions). Applicants must hold a doctoral degree by award activation and have <5 years of mentored research experience (M.D.s exclude residency years). Research must be hypothesis-driven and mechanistic, relevant to the immune system's role in cancer. Only 1 fellow per sponsor per round.

Supports outstanding early-career postdoctoral scientists seeking dual expertise in immunology and data science at the intersection of cancer immunology and bioinformatics/computational methods.

Postdoctoral researchers of any nationality, max 8 years full-time research experience post-PhD at deadline. Mobility rule applies: researcher must not have resided/worked in the host country for >12 months in the 3 years before deadline. Full-time commitment required. Host must be an eligible organisation in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Restricted to nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, max 8 years post-PhD. Outgoing phase at a non-EU/non-Associated Country organisation, with mandatory return phase to an EU/Associated Country host. Full-time commitment required; mobility rules apply.

Horizon Europe RIA under the EU Cancer Mission supporting development of validated microbiome tools for early cancer prediction before disease onset, including AI risk modelling, longitudinal cohort studies, and comparison with liquid biopsy tests. Proposals must address multiple cancer types where possible and collaborate with large cohorts/registries. Lump sum grant; one grant expected.

Horizon Europe RIA under the EU Cancer Mission call HORIZON-MISS-2026-02. One indicative grant of approximately €15M. Full topic description available in the Work Programme. Consortia must include eligible entities from at least 3 EU member states or associated countries.

Horizon Europe Innovation Action under the EU Cancer Mission call HORIZON-MISS-2026-02. One indicative grant of approximately €7M. Full topic description available in the Work Programme. Consortia must include eligible entities from at least 3 EU member states or associated countries.

Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action under the EU Cancer Mission call HORIZON-MISS-2026-02. One indicative grant of approximately €5M. Full topic description available in the Work Programme. Consortia must include eligible entities from at least 3 EU member states or associated countries.

Horizon Europe RIA (lump sum) for academic investigator-initiated pragmatic clinical trials on immunotherapeutic interventions for refractory cancer patients. Proposals must include a clinical studies annex, disaggregate data by sex/gender/age, and engage patients in endpoint definition. Applicants must include diverse stakeholders and plan to join the EU Cancer Mission 'Diagnosis and Treatment' cluster. ~3 grants expected.

Horizon Europe RIA under the Cancer Mission. Requires development of multiscale AI-integrated Virtual Human Twins for cancer onset, progression and personalised treatment. Proposals must include clinical study annex if clinical studies are envisaged. Interdisciplinary consortia including healthcare professionals, patient representatives, AI experts and SMEs expected. Open science principles mandatory; data must be shared via UNCAN.eu and Advanced VHT Platform.

Consortia apply to develop an EIT Label-certified micro-credentials programme for advanced Master's students and PhD candidates in life sciences, medical technologies, and biotechnology, focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and project management in healthcare. Applicants must register in the EU Funding & Tenders portal to obtain a PIC number before applying. Open to members and non-members of EIT Health.

Open to European SMEs (≥4 FTE employees) with ≥€2M total equity investment closed in the prior 36 months. Requires 50% co-funding from other sources. Scope: biotech (IML≥5), medtech (IML≥6), digital health/AI (IML≥7), biomarkers/diagnostics (IML≥7). Applicants must register in the EU Funding & Tenders portal to obtain a PIC number before applying.

Funds mature digital, data-driven and AI-powered healthcare solutions ready to scale across European markets. Led by a Commercialising Entity (SME or industry player). Applicants must be legal entities established in eligible Horizon Europe countries (EU Member States, associated countries, or eligible third countries). 50% co-funding required. Covers commercialisation pilots, market adaptation, health economics analysis, and reimbursement pathway development.

Shaping the Future of Animal Health and Welfare — joint transnational call by the EUPAHW European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funder

Funds design and delivery of an EIT Label-certified Biotech pathway (personalised learning courses) within the Certified Innovation Path portfolio. Consortium must include ≥2 HEIs in ≥2 eligible Member States (at least one in an EIT RIS region) and ≥1 industry/non-academic partner. At least one HEI must be authorised to award ECTS credits. Focus on health biotech innovation, entrepreneurship, and translation to market-ready solutions across Europe.

Consortium of ≥2 HEIs in ≥2 eligible EU Member States (at least one in an EIT RIS region) plus ≥1 industry/non-academic partner. Funds design and delivery of EIT Label-certified personalised learning courses in health biotechnology (innovation, entrepreneurship, regulatory/translational expertise). At least one HEI must be authorised to award ECTS credits.

Global Health EDCTP3 Calls for proposals 2026 — joint transnational call by the GH EDCTP3 JU European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating fu

RAMP Joint Transnational Call 2026 — joint transnational call by the Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the cal

For postdoctoral researchers with a PhD in a biological discipline moving to a new country and new research area. Must be ≤3 years post-PhD at Full Proposal deadline (24 Sep 2026). Applicants cannot work in their country of nationality or PhD country. 100% FTE commitment required. For-profit host institutions ineligible. Basic life sciences research only; applied/clinical projects excluded.

For postdoctoral researchers holding a doctoral degree from a non-biological discipline (physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computer science) with no or little life sciences experience, moving to a new country. Must be ≤3 years post-PhD at Full Proposal deadline. Cannot work in country of nationality or PhD country. 100% FTE required. For-profit host institutions ineligible.

For postdocs with a PhD in a biological discipline moving to a new country and new research area. Must be ≤3 years post-PhD at Full Proposal deadline (24 Sep 2026). Applicants cannot work in their country of nationality or PhD country. For-profit host institutions ineligible. 100% FTE required. Basic life sciences research only; applied/clinical projects excluded.

For postdocs with a PhD in a non-biological discipline (physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computer science) with no/little life sciences experience, moving to a new country. Must be ≤3 years post-PhD at Full Proposal deadline. Cannot work in country of nationality or PhD country. For-profit host institutions ineligible. 100% FTE required. Basic life sciences research only.

Annual call for cancer research projects with Nordic collaboration. Norwegian Cancer Society contributes annually to this Nordic Cancer Union initiative. Applications via NCU's own portal. Nordic collaboration required.

PRIMA Call 2026 Section 2 — joint transnational call by the PRIMA European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

Annual call for cancer research projects with Nordic collaboration. Total pool of €950,000. Applications submitted via NCU's own portal. Questions to ncu@kreftforeningen.no.

Annual call for cancer research projects with Nordic collaboration, funded by Nordic Cancer Union with Norwegian Cancer Society contributions. Total budget €950,000. Information and application portal on NCU's website. Questions to ncu@kreftforeningen.no.

Annual call for cancer research projects with Nordic collaboration. Total budget €950,000. Applications submitted via NCU's own portal. Nordic cross-country collaboration is required.

Bilateral Weave collaboration between Switzerland (SNSF) and Croatia (HRZZ) under the SNSF project funding instrument. Swiss applicants apply as Lead Agency; projects must start on the same date in both countries and run for the same duration (max 48 months). Applicants may hold up to 3 simultaneous SNSF grants if one is a Weave/Lead Agency/International Co-Investigator or European Partnership project.

Bilateral Switzerland–Luxembourg collaborative research projects under the Weave Lead Agency procedure. Limited to FNR's CORE multi-annual thematic programme on the Luxembourg side. Applicants may hold max 2 simultaneous SNSF project grants; one must be a Weave/Lead Agency/ICS project. Non-English proposals possible only in certain humanities/social sciences disciplines, requiring prior agency agreement.

Bilateral Switzerland–Poland collaborative research projects under the Weave framework. Swiss applicants must be based at Swiss institutions (SNSF project funding rules apply); Polish partners apply via NCN OPUS or Weave-UNISONO. Applicants may hold max 2 simultaneous SNSF project funding grants, one of which must be a Weave/Lead Agency project. Budget in EUR and PLN must be consistent across both submissions.

Swiss researchers can fund up to 50% of the SNSF budget for co-applicants in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, or the Netherlands (or 30% for UK subprojects in humanities/social sciences via ESRC/AHRC). No thematic overlap with ongoing SNSF projects allowed; applicants may not exceed two projects total, one of which must be a Weave/Lead Agency/International Co-Investigator Scheme project.

Bilateral Switzerland–Slovenia joint research projects under the Weave Lead Agency procedure. Swiss applicants must be hosted at a Swiss institution and apply under SNSF project funding rules. Applicants may hold max 2 simultaneous SNSF project grants; one must be a Weave/Lead Agency/International Co-Investigator project. Topics of concurrent grants must be clearly distinct. Project start date must be the same in both countries.

Bilateral Switzerland–Austria collaborative project funding under the Weave framework. Swiss applicants must be based at a Swiss institution (SNSF project funding). Max 2 simultaneous SNSF project grants; one must be a Weave/Lead Agency/ICS project. Non-English submissions possible in some humanities/social sciences disciplines with prior agency agreement. Duration identical in both countries, max 48 months.

Bilateral Switzerland–Czech Republic collaborative research projects under the Weave procedure. Swiss applicants submit to SNSF as Lead Agency; Czech partners submit to GACR. Project must start on the same date in both countries. Applicants may hold max two simultaneous SNSF project funding grants, one of which must be a Weave/Lead Agency project; topics must be clearly distinct.

Bilateral Switzerland–Germany project funding under the Weave/Lead Agency procedure. Swiss applicants must be hosted at a Swiss institution; proposals must be submitted in English. Max 2 simultaneous SNSF project grants allowed (one must be Weave/LA/ICS). Also open for Priority Programmes (max 36 months) and Research Units (max 48 months, up to 2 Swiss subprojects).

Bilateral Switzerland–Sweden Weave call under SNSF project funding. Swiss applicant applies to SNSF as Lead Agency; Swedish partner applies to Formas (environment, agricultural sciences, spatial planning). Max 2 simultaneous SNSF project grants; topics must be clearly distinct. Project start date must be the same in both countries.

Bilateral Weave/Lead Agency call between SNSF (Switzerland) and F.R.S.-FNRS (Wallonia-Brussels, Belgium). Belgian applicants must be based at one of six eligible universities (UCLouvain, ULB, ULiège, UMons, UNamur, USL-B). Projects must run for the same duration in both countries (max 48 months). Proposals in languages other than English (possible in some humanities/social sciences disciplines) require prior agreement with all agencies.

Bottom-up collaborative project funding for researchers from 2–3 European countries embedded in SNSF Project Funding. Lead Agency evaluates the joint proposal; aims to fund top 20% of submissions. Proposals must be submitted in English (exceptions for Austria and Luxembourg). Trilateral projects with France, Israel, São Paulo, South Africa, South Tyrol, or the US are not possible under Weave.

Bilateral project funding under the Weave framework between SNSF and Sweden's Formas (environment, agricultural sciences, spatial planning). Swiss researchers must be hosted at Swiss institutions; max 2 simultaneous SNSF project grants, of which one must be Weave/Lead Agency/ICS. Topics of concurrent grants must be clearly distinct. Project start date must be the same in both countries.

Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship funds ambitious basic biomedical PhD projects. Europe-wide: EU citizens anywhere, or non-EU citizens whose PhD is at a European host. Experimental basic biomedical research only.

Bilateral project funding under the Weave procedure between SNSF (Switzerland) and GACR (Czech Republic). Applicants must be based at Swiss or Czech institutions. Max two simultaneous SNSF project grants allowed; one must be a Weave/Lead Agency project. Projects must start on the same date in both countries and run for the same duration (max 36 months).

Bilateral Swiss–US research collaboration under the Weave Lead Agency procedure. Swiss applicants must be hosted at Swiss institutions eligible for SNSF project funding; US partners at NSF-eligible institutions. Proposals must be submitted in English, declared as use-inspired, and address broader impact. Project must start on the same date and run for the same duration in both countries (max 48 months).

Weave bilateral project funding between Switzerland (SNSF) and Slovenia (ARIS). Swiss applicants apply to SNSF as Lead Agency (max 48 months); Slovenian-led projects go via ARIS (max 36 months). Applicants may hold max two simultaneous SNSF project grants, one of which must be a Weave/Lead Agency project. Topics of concurrent grants must be clearly distinct.

Collaborative bottom-up project funding for researchers from 2–3 European countries via the Lead Agency principle. Proposals must be submitted in English (exceptions for Austria and Luxembourg). Each applicant must meet eligibility criteria of their national funder. Swiss sub-project budget submitted via SNSF portal; aims to fund top 20% of proposals in the relevant evaluation round. Trilateral projects with France, Israel, São Paulo, South Africa, South Tyrol, or the US are not possible.

Joint bilateral research proposals between Switzerland and a partner country (6 countries/regions with Lead Agency agreements). Swiss subproject governed by SNSF project-funding rules; proposals must be in English. Max 2 simultaneous project-funding grants per researcher; max 20% of Swiss budget for additional project partners. Evaluation may take longer than regular SNSF projects due to coordination.

Bilateral project funding under the Weave framework between SNSF and Sweden's Formas (environment, agricultural sciences, spatial planning). Swiss applicant must be hosted at a Swiss institution; max 2 simultaneous SNSF project grants, of which one must be Weave/Lead Agency/ICS. Topics of concurrent grants must be clearly distinct. Project start date must be the same in both countries.

Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds MD Fellowship funds medical students (primarily enrolled in Germany) for an experimental basic-biomedical research project in a leading lab away from their home institution.

PRIMA Call 2026 Section 1 — joint transnational call by the PRIMA European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

Directly funded by the European Union and fully managed by the PRIMA Foundation. Supports transnational research and innovation projects among Mediterranean countries. Focuses on water management, agricultural systems, and the agri-food chain (water-energy-food-ecosystems nexus). Consortium of partners from Mediterranean/EU countries required.

Funds next-generation AMR diagnostics for lower respiratory tract infections. Open to established research leaders / professors internationally. Two-stage process with results announced December 2026 (Stage 1) and June 2027 (Stage 2).

IHI Call 13 — joint transnational call by the Innovative Health Initiative European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

CETP Joint Call 2026 — joint transnational call by the CETP European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

Achieving open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging en — joint transnational call by the Made in Europe European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for

Open to researchers of any nationality, 0–10 years post-PhD (extensions possible for parental leave, illness, etc.), proposing frontier research in any field. Host institution must be a public or private research organisation in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe associated country. Single PI applies; no consortium required.

6+ (SSH) call for at least one new NCCR in social sciences and humanities. Director must have SSH background; majority of team of directors and PIs must be active in SSH. Proposals must be in English. Director must hold a permanent position at a recognised Swiss home institution. Home institutions must match SNSF funding. Decision expected late 2027; selected NCCR(s) start first half of 2028.

Open to experienced researchers based at Swiss higher education/research institutions (ETH domain, accredited universities, UAS, UTE, or research facilities of national importance). NCCR director must hold a permanent position, have an SSH background, and commit for at least 4 years. Majority of directors and PIs must be SSH-active. Home institutions must co-fund matching SNSF contribution. Proposals must be submitted in English via mySNF.

EIC call (HORIZON-EIC-2026-STEP-DEFENCE-01): HORIZON EIC Equity Only

EIC call (HORIZON-EIC-2026-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01): HORIZON EIC Grants

EIC call (HORIZON-EIC-2026-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01): HORIZON EIC Grants

EIC call (HORIZON-EIC-2026-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01): HORIZON EIC Grants

ERDERA Clinical Trial Call 2026 (pre-announcement) — joint transnational call by the ERDERA European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating fun

Invite-only full application stage for NERC Large Grants. Applicants must be based at UK research organisations eligible for NERC funding. Associated studentships may be available. Proposals must align with NERC's environmental science remit.

SNSF Ambizione lets early-career researchers run an independent project at a Swiss host institution (salary + project funds, up to 4 years). Requires a Swiss link (Swiss nationality/degree or 12+ months research in Switzerland).

Supports randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of high scientific and societal value, not in industry focus. Applicants must be based at Swiss institutions and form a research group of up to 5 persons with a strong track record. Multicentric setting generally required. Excludes pilot, proof-of-concept (phase I/IIa), observational, and commercially-driven studies. Patient and public involvement (PPI) is mandatory. CV must be submitted in the language of the research plan.

Supports investigator-initiated randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) addressing unmet medical/societal needs, not in industry focus. Applicants must be based at Swiss institutions and meet SNSF eligibility requirements. Excludes pilot, proof-of-concept (phase I/IIa), observational, and preclinical studies. Patient and public involvement (PPI) is mandatory. A PPI preparatory grant of up to CHF 5,000 is available alongside the letter of intent.

Novel ecosystems: biodiversity, socio-ecological consequence — joint transnational call by the Biodiversa-plus European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page fo

Water4All 2025 Joint Transnational Call - Sustainable Water — joint transnational call by the Water4All European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for parti

Supports early-stage, pre-development concepts with potential to transform cancer immunotherapy. Targets bold, innovative technology ideas at the pre-development stage in cancer immunotherapy.

Supports early-stage, pre-development technological innovations in cancer immunotherapy (computational, profiling, visualization, culture systems, novel therapeutics). Applicants must hold a tenure-track position at a not-for-profit research institution. Co-PIs encouraged. Does not fund clinical trials or continuation of existing technologies. Proposals must be submitted in English.

DUT Call 2026 — joint transnational call by the DUT European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

M-ERA.NET Joint Call 2026 — joint transnational call by the M-ERA.NET 3 European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

MSCA Doctoral Networks fund collaborative doctoral training programmes across a consortium of academic and non-academic organisations. Doctoral candidates (early-stage researchers) must not have a PhD and must comply with MSCA mobility rules (not resided/worked in host country >12 months in last 3 years). Proposals submitted in English.

Improved system design for innovative PV applications — joint transnational call by the EUPI-PV European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating

Supports innovative investigations at the intersection of laboratory discovery and clinical application in cancer immunology, accelerating translation of immunological discoveries into cancer therapies. Requires integration of clinical and laboratory components.

Supports pioneering immunotherapy clinical trials designed and led by academic researchers. Requires a clinical trial focus; applicants must be academic investigators leading immunotherapy trials.

Open to tenure-track assistant professors or higher at non-profit medical schools and research centers worldwide (US or abroad); no citizenship restrictions. Funds translational cancer immunology research bridging lab discovery and clinical application. For-profit institutions are ineligible. A chordoma-focused sub-track is co-funded with the Chordoma Foundation.

Funds investigator-initiated phase I/II or phase II immunotherapy clinical trials led by academic PIs. Open to researchers at medical schools or research centers in the US or abroad; no citizenship restrictions; for-profit institutions ineligible. Emphasis on novel immunotherapy, mechanistic insights, and biomarker discovery. Up to 10% indirect costs provided in addition to award. Co-funding available for chordoma-focused proposals (with Chordoma Foundation).

Open to leading laboratories, organisations, or collaborative projects dedicated to fighting blindness and visual impairment, primarily in developing regions, and/or developing new technologies to assist the visually impaired (odd-year focus). Candidates may span multiple disciplines or institutions. Award funds may be used without restrictions except for commercial purposes.

Open to laboratories, organisations, or collaborative projects focused on fighting blindness and visual impairment, primarily in developing regions, and/or developing innovations/technologies for the visually impaired (odd-year focus). Candidates may span multiple disciplines or institutions. Award funds unrestricted (except commercial use); no individual researcher eligibility.

Supports the transition of distinguished postdoctoral researchers into independent tenure-track investigators in cancer immunotherapy. Aimed at researchers at the postdoc-to-faculty transition stage.

For mid-career scientists (tenure-track assistant professors with ≥3 years or associate professors with ≤3 years in role) with MD, PhD, or MD/PhD. Minimum 80% time commitment to research. Open globally; host institution must be a non-profit medical school or research center (US or abroad). For-profit institutions ineligible. Adjunct/acting positions not eligible. Funds high-risk, high-reward cancer immunotherapy research.

Supports mid-career scientists pursuing high-risk, high-reward research at the leading edge of cancer immunotherapy. Targets established investigators with bold, transformative research directions.