Swiss National Science Foundation
SNSF Eccellenza
Professorial fellowship with salary + up to CHF 1M research budget over 5 years for prospective Swiss professors.
About the SNSF Eccellenza
SNSF Eccellenza is a professorial fellowship aimed at excellent mid-career researchers who aspire to a professorship at a Swiss higher education institution. The scheme funds the researcher's salary (at professorial level) plus up to CHF 1,000,000 in research costs over 5 years. Eligibility requires a PhD with 5 to 9 years of research experience post-PhD (extensions available for career interruptions). Applicants must demonstrate an outstanding track record, a clear vision for an independent research programme, and commitment from a Swiss host institution. The fellowship is highly competitive and is explicitly designed as a path toward a tenured professorship — many Eccellenza holders have been offered chairs at Swiss universities during or immediately after their fellowship.
Key facts
- Career stage
- 5–9 years post-PhD
- Duration
- 5 years
- Research budget
- Up to CHF 1M
- Purpose
- Path to Swiss professorship
- Success rate
- ~15–20%
Who is eligible?
- •5 to 9 years post-PhD at the call deadline (extensions for career interruptions)
- •Hosted at a Swiss higher education or research institution
- •Demonstrated research independence and international visibility
- •Host institution must commit to infrastructure and integration
Frequently asked questions
+Does Eccellenza guarantee a professorship afterwards?
No formal guarantee. However, host institutions are expected to strongly consider Eccellenza holders for tenured positions. Many past holders have transitioned into chairs, though some pursue positions elsewhere.
+Can non-Swiss nationals apply?
Yes. Nationality is not a criterion. You must be affiliated with a Swiss higher education institution for the fellowship, but Swiss residence history is not required.
+How does Eccellenza compare to SNSF Ambizione?
Ambizione (0–4 years post-PhD, ~CHF 1.4M total) supports early independence. Eccellenza (5–9 years post-PhD, salary + CHF 1M research) is a later-stage professorial fellowship with explicit career transition to a chair. Many researchers hold Ambizione first, then Eccellenza.
+Is a narrative CV required?
Yes — SNSF strongly prefers narrative CVs that explain the context and impact of your research rather than pure publication lists. Well-written narratives are a meaningful differentiator in the Eccellenza evaluation.
Looking for proposal-writing advice?
Read the Swiss National Science Foundation writing guide →Related programmes
Swiss National Science Foundation
SNSF PRIMA
Fellowship + research budget for excellent female researchers aiming for professorial careers in Switzerland.
European Research Council
ERC Consolidator Grant
Up to €2M for mid-career researchers 7–12 years post-PhD consolidating their independent research team.
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