SNSF
Lead Agency
If SNSF is Lead Agency, calls fall on 1 April or 1 October; deadline of partner organisation is decisive when it is Lead Agency
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The SNSF Lead Agency scheme funds joint research proposals submitted by co-applicants based in Switzerland and a partner country under a bilateral agreement, evaluated once by whichever funder acts as Lead Agency. It suits researchers who already have a cross-border collaborator lined up and want to avoid duplicate review processes, since only one organisation assesses the science while both sets of national eligibility rules still apply. Trilateral consortia are not supported, though additional international partners can join for up to 20% of the Swiss budget.
Details
| Funder | SNSF |
| Deadline | 1 October 2026 |
| Consortium | Required — joint proposal with co-applicants based in a partner country (bilateral agreement); trilateral applications not supported, but project partners from further countries allowed up to 20% of Swiss budget |
| Application | Single stage: simultaneous submission to SNSF and partner organisation; if partner organisation evaluates, Swiss application must follow via mySNF within 7 days |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | CH |
Eligibility & scope
Joint research proposal scheme for researchers in Switzerland and a partner country, submitted to either the SNSF or the partner funding organisation. Applicants must meet participation requirements of both funders; research plan follows Lead Agency's guidelines; applications submitted in English.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers based in Switzerland with an established co-applicant in a bilateral partner country
- •Applicants who meet the participation requirements of both SNSF and the partner funding organisation
- •Consortia limited to two countries, with optional minor partners from further countries
- •Projects prepared to write the research plan in English following the Lead Agency's specific guidelines
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 1 October 2026 (or the partner organisation's deadline when it acts as Lead Agency)
- •Single-stage joint submission to SNSF and partner organisation simultaneously; Swiss application must follow via mySNF within 7 days if the partner organisation evaluates
- •Continuous call with recurring deadlines each 1 April and 1 October
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Confirm which organisation is Lead Agency early, since the decisive deadline and the research plan format follow that funder's guidelines, not SNSF's default.
- ✓If the partner organisation is Lead Agency, submit the SNSF-side application via mySNF within 7 days of the partner submission to avoid missing the window.
- ✓Keep any additional international partners under 20% of the Swiss budget share, since trilateral proposals are rejected outright.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Lead Agency scheme deadline work?
Deadlines fall on 1 April or 1 October, but when the partner organisation is Lead Agency, its deadline is the decisive one to follow.
Can I submit a trilateral Lead Agency application?
No, trilateral applications are not supported, though project partners from additional countries can be included for up to 20% of the Swiss budget.
Where do I submit a Lead Agency application?
You submit simultaneously to SNSF and the partner organisation; if the partner organisation is the evaluating body, the Swiss application must follow via mySNF within 7 days.
Is the SNSF Lead Agency scheme a one-time call?
No, it runs continuously with recurring deadlines of 1 April and 1 October.
Who is eligible for the SNSF Lead Agency scheme?
Researchers based in Switzerland applying jointly with co-applicants in a partner country under a bilateral agreement, meeting both funders' participation requirements.
Related on Grantsby
- SNSF writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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