Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) 

Based on a government mandate, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports scientific research in all academic disciplines, from history to medicine and the engineering sciences. At the end of 2017, the SNSF was funding 5800 projects involving 16,000 researchers, which makes it the leading Swiss institution for promoting scientific research.

To ensure its independence, the SNSF was established as a private foundation in 1952. Its core task is the evaluation of research proposals. In 2017, it awarded CHF 1037 million to the most promising project proposals. By allocating public research money based on the principle of competition, the SNSF contributes to the high quality of research in Switzerland.

In close collaboration with higher education institutions and other partners, the SNSF strives to create optimal conditions for the development and international integration of Swiss research. It pays particular attention to the promotion of young researchers. In addition, it accepts evaluation mandates in order to ensure that large research initiatives funded by third parties deliver the highest scientific quality.

Mission

Knowledge is the key to the future. Research creates knowledge.

In its mission statement, the SNSF describes how it aims to act in the best interests of researchers, political authorities, the general public and its own employees. It defines the ambitions and values informing its work.

• Quality. We promote scientific excellence. We also expect our own performance to be of a high standard.
• Independence. We operate autonomously and evaluate impartially.
• Responsibility. We are a reliable partner. We fulfil our tasks judiciously and al-ways act ethically.
• Fairness. Our decisions are well-founded and we respect equal opportunities.

On the basis of the mission statement, the SNSF derives strategic aims and specific measures for the coming years. These measures are aimed at ensuring high quality standards in research funding and at improving internal processes and organisational structures.

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