SNSF
Swiss National Science Foundation
Switzerland's primary research funding body. Key career schemes: Ambizione (2-6 years post-PhD, ~CHF 1.4M/4yr), PRIMA (women in STEM, up to 8 years), Eccellenza (5-12 years, professorial fellowships), and general Project Funding.
Evaluation Criteria
- 1Scientific quality and significance of the proposed research
- 2Track record relative to career stage and opportunities
- 3Feasibility of the research plan
- 4Suitability of the research environment
- 5For Ambizione/PRIMA/Eccellenza: career development plan and independence
Proposal Structure
- •Research plan (max 12-20 pages depending on scheme)
- •CV and publication list (narrative CV format encouraged)
- •Budget with justification
- •Host institution confirmation and infrastructure commitment
- •Data management plan
Common Mistakes
- ×Not using the narrative CV format that SNSF prefers
- ×Ambizione: not clearly showing how you'll transition to independence
- ×PRIMA: not addressing the career interruption/advancement narrative
- ×Requesting a budget outside the expected range for the scheme
- ×Not involving Swiss-based collaborators when appropriate
Success Tips
- ✓SNSF values Open Science — include open access and data sharing plans
- ✓Ambizione: show you have a clear path toward a professorship
- ✓PRIMA is specifically for excellent women researchers — highlight barriers overcome
- ✓Eccellenza: demonstrate you're ready for a professorial position
- ✓Swiss quality is expected — your proposal should be meticulous and well-structured
Frequently Asked Questions
+Who is eligible for SNSF Ambizione?
Researchers with a PhD plus up to 4 years of research experience after the PhD (with extensions for career interruptions). You must spend the Ambizione grant at a Swiss higher education institution and have no Ambizione grant already awarded.
+What is the difference between Ambizione, PRIMA, and Eccellenza?
Ambizione funds independent research projects for early-career researchers (up to 4 years post-PhD). PRIMA targets excellent women researchers aiming for a professorship (5–9 years post-PhD). Eccellenza is a professorial fellowship (5–9 years post-PhD, ~CHF 1.8M over 5 years).
+How much funding does SNSF Ambizione provide?
Ambizione provides up to CHF 1,400,000 over 4 years, covering the researcher's salary plus research funds for personnel, equipment, consumables, and travel. The host institution must commit to providing infrastructure.
+Does SNSF require Swiss affiliation?
For career funding schemes (Ambizione, PRIMA, Eccellenza), yes — you must hold your fellowship at a Swiss higher education or research institution. Non-Swiss nationals are welcome and no residence history in Switzerland is required.
+What is the SNSF Ambizione success rate?
SNSF Ambizione success rates are typically 20–25% across disciplines, varying somewhat between life sciences, humanities, and physical sciences panels. Competition is strong but lower than ERC Starting Grant.
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