SNSF
Swiss National Science Foundation
Switzerland's primary research funding body. Key career schemes: Ambizione (no later than 4 years after the PhD, ~CHF 1.4M/4yr; note the final Ambizione call opens August 2026), SNSF Starting Grants (the successor to the discontinued PRIMA and Eccellenza schemes), 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 career schemes (Ambizione, SNSF Starting Grants): 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
- ×Targeting discontinued schemes (PRIMA, Eccellenza), check the current SNSF career-funding lineup first
- ×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
- ✓SNSF Starting Grants: demonstrate you're ready to lead an independent research group at a Swiss institution
- ✓Swiss quality is expected, your proposal should be meticulous and well-structured
Frequently Asked Questions
+Who is eligible for SNSF Ambizione?
Researchers who apply no later than 4 years 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. Note that SNSF has announced the final Ambizione call, opening August 2026.
+What happened to PRIMA and Eccellenza?
Both schemes are discontinued. PRIMA and Eccellenza were merged into SNSF Professorial Fellowships, which were themselves folded into SNSF Starting Grants, the successor scheme today. Ambizione (apply no later than 4 years after the PhD) remains the earlier-career option, though its final call opens August 2026; check the SNSF website for the current career-funding lineup.
+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, SNSF Starting Grants), 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.
Useful Links
Ready to find matching grants?
Find my next grant →