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SNSF Starting Grants 2026
Independent Research Leadership Funding in Switzerland

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)

Location
Switzerland

Eligibility Criteria • PhD, medical degree, or equivalent qualification • Several years of postdoctoral research experience • Strong record of scientific excellence and independence • Proven ability to lead an original research project • At least ~2 years of research experience in Switzerland by the deadline (minimum workload requirement applies) • Must not already hold equivalent senior competitive funding • Support confirmation required from a Swiss host institution

The SNSF Starting Grants 2026 support outstanding early-career researchers who are ready to lead an independent research project in Switzerland. The program enables scholars to establish their own research team, develop an original research agenda, and build academic independence. It is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious research funding schemes and is open to all scientific disciplines. Projects are hosted by accredited Swiss universities or research institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

• PhD, medical degree, or equivalent qualification

• Several years of postdoctoral research experience

• Strong record of scientific excellence and independence

• Proven ability to lead an original research project

• At least ~2 years of research experience in Switzerland by the deadline (minimum workload requirement applies)

• Must not already hold equivalent senior competitive funding

• Support confirmation required from a Swiss host institution

Funding / Coverage

• Up to CHF 1,000,000 total project funding

• Project duration: up to 5 years

• Research staff salaries (PhD students, postdocs, technicians)

• Equipment and research costs

• Applicant salary (if not already secured)

• Team building and leadership support

• Additional support measures for excellent women researchers

5 maart 2026

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