SNSF Starting Grants 2027: Up to CHF 1 Million for Independent Research in Switzerland

The SNSF Starting Grants 2027 call is aimed at researchers interested in leading their own research project and team in Switzerland. These grants represent the SNSF's highest level of career funding.

The call will be launched on February 1, 2027 and is open to all disciplines and research topics. Applicants must have several years of research experience following the completion of their doctorate, equivalent qualification or medical degree. However, individuals who have already achieved the objective of this call are not eligible. Applicants must also have a link with Switzerland. The career level and research experience expected of applicants are described in more detail in the call document (section 1.1).

Applicants whose project was rejected in a previous SNSF Starting Grants call may submit a second proposal regardless of the topic and evaluation of the first project.

For applicants who need to finance their own salary, the grant will comprise the project funds (max. 1 million francs) in addition to their salary. For applicants whose salary is already secured, the grant will cover the project funds (max. 1 million francs).

Researchers who submit a proposal to the Ambizione call with the submission deadline of November 3, 2026 are excluded from applying.

Parallel submission of the same or a different project to other R3-level funding schemes, for example, the ERC Starting Grants, is permitted. If another R3-level application is approved during the evaluation of the SNSF Starting Grants, the SNSF must be informed immediately. The applicant must then decide between the funding offered and continuing with the SNSF evaluation (section 1.3 of the call document).

In February 2027, the SNSF will host an online information event for researchers interested in this call. The exact date of the event will be announced once the call opens on February 1, 2027, at which time registration will be possible via a link on the SNSF Starting Grants website.