SNF: SOR4D Programme

The SNSF and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) are launching the new Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D) programme.

The overarching goal of the SOR4D programme is to open up new ways for advancing sustainable development (in line with the 17 SDGs) and reducing poverty in the least developed, low and lower middle-income countries. For this aim, SOR4D supports international transdisciplinary research that provides solutions and innovation by needs-driven.

The SOR4D programme is open to all disciplines from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health and life sciences.

Thematic fields

• Contributing to sustainable economic growth, market development and the creation of decent jobs (economic development).
• Addressing climate change and its effects and managing natural resources sustainably (environment).
• Saving lives, ensuring quality basic services, especially in relation to education and healthcare, and reducing the causes of forced displacement and irregular migration (human development).
• Promoting peace, the rule of law and gender equality (peacebuilding and governance).

Eligibility of the consortium

Pre-proposals and invited full proposals must be submitted by a consortium of researchers and development actors. The minimum requirements for an eligible consortium are:

• One responsible applicant research partner holding a position at a Swiss higher education or research institution (employed for the entire duration of the project);
• At least one co-applicant research partner holding a position at a higher education or research institution located in a least developed, low and lower middle income country (list of DAC of OCDE);
• At least one co-applicant development actor of a practitioner organisation located in the country/countries where the transdisciplinary research is being conducted

Project length and budget frames

• ca. CHF 500,000 to 1,000,000 for 3 years
• In their third year, funded projects will be invited to submit proposals for 1-year Transformation Accelerating Grants (TAGs) of at least CHF 100,000.

Find out all details on procedures and selection on the call document available on FNS website.