Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)

Mandated by the federal government, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports basic science in all academic disciplines, from history to medicine and the engineering sciences. The SNSF is Switzerland’s foremost research funding organisation and supports approximately 8,500 researchers every year. To ensure its independence, the SNSF was established as a private foundation in 1952. Its core task is the evaluation of research proposals. Every year, the SNSF awards approximately CHF 750 million to outstanding researchers. By awarding public research money based on a competitive system, the SNSF contributes to the high quality of Swiss research. 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 to ensure that large Swiss research initiatives funded by third parties deliver the highest scientific quality.

Mission Statement

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.