SNSF
Lead Agency Process
Cut-offs 1 April, 1 October
Last seen in a scan/import: .
Catalog updated: .
These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.
The SNSF Lead Agency Process funds bilateral research projects between Switzerland and one partner country (Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, South Tyrol, or another SNSF Lead Agency agreement nation) through simultaneous submission to both national funders. The Swiss subproject is funded under SNSF Project Funding rules, while the partner subproject follows the partner funder's rules. This mechanism is open to researchers across all disciplines and career stages hosted in Switzerland.
Details
| Funder | SNSF |
| Deadline | 1 October 2026 |
| Consortium | Required — joint application with a co-applicant based in a partner country (bilateral agreement) |
| Application | Simultaneous submission to SNSF and partner organisation; if SNSF is Lead Agency, submission via SNSF portal on 1 April or 1 October |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Next round | 2026-10 |
| Eligible countries | CH |
Eligibility & scope
Joint research proposal by researchers in Switzerland and a partner country under a bilateral Lead Agency agreement; either the SNSF or the partner organisation evaluates. Applications must meet participation rules of both funders and be submitted simultaneously; max 20% of Swiss budget for third-country project partners.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers based at Swiss institutions with an established collaborator in a partner country
- •Projects requiring joint scientific expertise across Switzerland and Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, South Tyrol, or another SNSF Lead Agency agreement country
- •Teams submitting simultaneously to both the SNSF and the partner national funder
Key Dates
- •If SNSF is Lead Agency: submission deadlines 1 April or 1 October
- •If partner organisation is Lead Agency: submit via mySNF within 7 days of the partner's submission deadline
- •Annual call
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Both the Swiss and partner subproject teams must submit simultaneously to their respective funders; staggered submission delays processing.
- ✓Up to 20% of your Swiss budget may support additional project partners beyond the main bilateral collaboration, but trilateral lead-agency applications are not eligible.
- ✓Confirm which funder is Lead Agency for your research area, SNSF or the partner funder, as this determines your submission deadline and administrative home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to the SNSF Lead Agency Process without a partner from a Lead Agency country?
No, a bilateral collaboration with at least one researcher from Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, South Tyrol, or another SNSF Lead Agency agreement country is mandatory.
Do I submit my application twice, once to SNSF and once to the partner funder?
Yes, the Swiss team submits to SNSF and the partner team simultaneously submits to their national funder using the same project proposal.
When are the submission deadlines for the SNSF Lead Agency Process?
If SNSF is Lead Agency, deadlines are 1 April or 1 October; if the partner organisation is Lead Agency, you submit via mySNF within 7 days of the partner's deadline.
Can I have more collaborators beyond the main bilateral partnership?
Yes, up to 20% of your Swiss budget may support additional project partners, but the call does not support trilateral lead-agency applications.
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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