Strategy

Research as well as its context and funding are constantly evolving. The SNSF aims to anticipate and help shape these changes. We have defined four priorities in the Strategic Framework for the 2021–2032 time period:

  • We promote Diversity in Research
  • We shape the Future of Research
  • We convey the Value of Research
  • We strengthen the Competence of the SNSF

Our Multi-Year Programmes 2021–2024 and 2025–2028, as well as the respective Action Plans, are based on these strategic priorities. Binding objectives for each period are also set out in a Service level agreement with the federal government.

The SNSF promotes scientific research of high quality in Switzerland. By the same token, it expects its own performance to meet high standards. External evaluations facilitate quality assurance and help to assess the SNSF's goal achievement.

  • External evaluations of the SNSF

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    External evaluation: UEP and CV

    The SNSF adapted its evaluation procedures in 2022 to ensure they are more transparent and fairer and introduced a new, standardised CV format. The SNSF commissioned an external analysis of the evaluation procedures (UEP) and the new CV format at the beginning of 2024 to determine the effectiveness of these changes and the possible need for revisions. Following a public call, a consortium of international experts from CultureBase, SIRIS Academic and Different Angles was selected to carry out the evaluation. The evaluation team spoke to applicants, external experts and panel members in surveys and interviews and conducted data analyses as part of its assessment.

    The final report shows that the innovations introduced in 2022 - such as increased transparency, fairness, and the DORA principles - have been well received. However, further optimisation is possible during implementation. Key recommendations for the SNSF include better communication regarding the evaluation process and setting clearer expectations for the new CV format.

    Evaluation of the Spark pilot

    Commissioned by the SNSF, the Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education (NIFU) conducted an evaluation of the Spark pilot in 2021/2022. Spark was introduced as a funding instrument for a pilot phase of two years in 2019, with the goal to fund the rapid testing or development of novel and unconventional scientific approaches, methods, theories, standards or ideas for application. The proposals were evaluated in a double-blind reviewing process (i.e. applicants do not know who is evaluating their proposal and the identity of the applicant is not disclosed to the evaluators) to ensure that the evaluation was focused on the project idea. The evaluation report concluded that the Spark pilot overall worked according to its intentions and achieved major goals. It recommended a continuation of Spark as a funding instrument dedicated to unconventional research and proposed some adjustments. In particular, it suggested to ensure risk-tolerant seed funding for unconventional research by keeping success rates high or by introducing an element of random selection.

    Evaluation of the BRIDGE programme in its pilot phase 2017–2020

    The SNSF and Innosuisse – the Swiss Innovation Agency – have been successfully conducting the BRIDGE funding programme since 2017. An external evaluation of BRIDGE during its pilot phase from 2017 to 2020 confirms that the programme meets a great need and closes an existing gap between basic research and science-based innovation. Recommendations from the evaluation team, e.g. better outreach to all stakeholders, are helping to develop the programme going forward. Some of these recommendations are already being implemented in the 2021-2024 period. The results of the evaluation show that BRIDGE is an important strategic instrument in the partnership between Innosuisse and the SNSF.

    Careers cohort study

    How do the careers of postdocs who submitted an application for SNSF funding progress? In October 2018, the University of Bern started a cohort study on behalf of the SNSF. The study, which looks at a ten-year period, is expected to provide insights into factors and processes that influence career progression. One of the study's initial findings is that early-career postdocs find more time to do research work than more advanced researchers.

    Evaluation of the impacts of NRPs 59, 60 and 61

    The mission of the National Research Programmes (NRPs) is to contribute to solving pressing problems of our time. An analysis of three NRPs in February 2018 highlighted the impact of the NRP funding scheme as a whole. According to the study, the NRPs produce an impressive degree of high-quality science. The study also shows that no general overhaul of the NRP scheme is necessary for the time being. As regards the "broader impact" of NRPs, a number of measures are recommended to enhance this key aspect.

  • External overall evaluation of the SNSF

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    Overall evaluation of the SNSF by the Swiss Science Council

    On behalf of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the Swiss Science Council (SSC) carried out an institutional overall evaluation of the SNSF. The final report and the Annexes (Annexes I - IVExternal Link Icon (incl. self-evaluation by the SNSF in Annex II), Annexes V - VIIIExternal Link Icon and Annexes IX - XIIIExternal Link Icon (incl. Statement by the SNSF in Annex XI)) were published in 2022.

    The focus lay in particular on the role and impact of the SNSF in the Swiss ERI system as well as on the SNSF’s funding portfolio and key funding schemes.

  • SNSF evaluations archive

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