SNF: SPIRIT

SPIRIT, the Swiss Programme for International Research by Scientific Investigation Teams strengthens cross-border research that involves researchers in Switzerland and in partner countries in the global South (see eligible partners). No thematic limitations apply. SPIRIT is focused on equal opportunities and aims to raise awareness of gender-specific questions.

New evaluation process for SPIRIT: pre-proposal is no longer required. Researchers can submit their project proposals directly. The deadline is 2 November every year.

SPIRIT grants

• Duration: 2-4 years
• Maximum grant amount: CHF 500,000; minimum grant amount: CHF 50,000
• At least 30% of each grant must be allocated to Switzerland and at least 30% to the relevant partner country/countries.
• The salaries of applicants in Switzerland or abroad cannot be charged to the grant.

Applicants

• A SPIRIT pre-proposal or full proposal can be jointly submitted by a minimum of two and a maximum of four applicants, at least one of whom must be based in Switzerland and one in a partner country
• Researchers can submit a SPIRIT application even if they are already receiving an SNSF project funding grant. There needs to be a substantive thematic difference between the projects, however.
• The funding periods of SPIRIT grants must not overlap with those of other SPIRIT grants, or of Ambizione or PRIMA grants.
• Eccellenza grantees and SNSF professors may submit a SPIRIT application two years after starting the Eccellenza grant or SNSF professorship at the earliest.
• Swiss applicants must meet the eligibility requirements applicable to SNSF project funding. These requirements apply mutatis mutandis to applicants from abroad.

See Project regulation, Evaluation procedure and FAQ on FNS SPIRIT website.