Sinergia Grants Program 2020, Swiss National Science Foundation, Switzerland

Interdisciplinary research is defined as research across disciplinary boundaries. In order to achieve the research objectives, it is necessary to integrate elements (theories, methods, concepts, etc.) from two or more disciplines. All disciplines are considered to be equally important.

Breakthrough research calls into question or goes beyond existing models, theories, doctrines, research approaches, methods, etc. It may be of a high-risk, high-reward nature.

Collaborative proposals that involve only one discipline or one main discipline supported by auxiliary disciplines should be submitted in SNSF project funding.

Personal and formal requirements for the submission of proposals

1 Natural persons are eligible to submit applications if they meet the general eligibility requirements for the submission of applications pursuant to Article 10 of the Funding Regulations of the SNSF. The requirements set out in Article 13 of the Funding Regulations with regard to the proposed research must also be met. 

2 Applicants with a doctorate must have obtained the latter at least four years before submitting the application. Applicants without a doctorate must generally have completed three years of research work as their main source of income since obtaining their higher education degree.

3 Researchers who attain an independent research position less than four years after obtaining the doctorate may submit a Sinergia application as soon as they attain the said position.

4 Applicants must be in a position to carry out research projects under their own responsibility and to lead project staff both scientifically and as employees.

5 Applicants must make a substantial contribution to the proposed research and must be able to work independently without relying on instructions from third parties.

6 In addition, the provisions of Chapter 4 of these Regulations must be met. 

Other personal requirements

1 Applicants must be able to show that

a. they are conducting their research along with any scientific teaching activities to an extent equivalent to at least 50% FTE. Researchers devoting less than 50% of their time to scientific activities are eligible if their scientific research and teaching activities are usually carried out in the context of another professional activity;

b. they are employed at least for the duration of the project at a research institution eligible to receive research funding from the SNSF or have been given assurance of such employment in writing; and

c. the necessary research infrastructure is at their disposal.

2 The Sinergia consortium must have experience of organising and conducting research projects that is appropriate to the size and complexity of the proposed project.

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.