1,800 new research projects generate knowledge for the economy and society

How can self-driving cars or care robots be made safer? A research project funded by the SNSF is exploring this question, while another project aims to determine in which instances quantum computing could outperform classical calculations. In a separate project, researchers are collaborating with the agricultural sector to develop biological agents to combat fungi.

These are just three of approximately 1,800 new research projects that the SNSF decided to fund in 2024. It also approved financing more than 380 fellowships abroad, giving Swiss researchers the opportunity to deepen their expertise abroad for two years after completing their doctorates.

Ensuring the highest international standards

"All approved projects have undergone rigorous competitive procedures in line with the highest international standards," says Torsten Schwede, President of the SNSF Research Council. "This guarantees that only the projects with the best research outcomes receive funding and underlines the SNSF’s commitment to scientific research of the highest quality in Switzerland."

As part of its regular research funding activities, the SNSF invested 960 million Swiss francs in new projects last year. The largest share was allocated for basic research, while another portion was used to fund use-inspired research. The SNSF also provided 189 million Swiss francs to support transitional measures, as Swiss researchers were excluded from some parts of the EU's Horizon Europe programme in 2024. These transitional measures will be discontinued from 2025.

The SNSF also approved 120 million francs for the second phase of the National Centres of Competence in Research, which have been running since 2020. They bring together research teams from all over Switzerland to pursue innovative approaches in strategically important areas such as automation, antibiotic resistance and quantum technology.

Demand outweighs budget

Despite the considerable number of projects funded, the SNSF was still unable to fund many excellent projects last year due to limited resources. This problem is likely to worsen if the Federal Council implements the proposed budget cuts. The SNSF would lose some 270 million Swiss francs in funding in 2027 and 2028 and would have to reject some 500 additional research projects.

"The damage to the economy, society and politics would be significant," says Torsten Schwede. "Basic research funded by the SNSF provides the foundation for innovation and technological progress."

6,000 projects in progress

At the end of 2024, around 6,000 SNSF-funded projects were in progress, involving 22,000 researchers from higher education institutions and other facilities. Women represent 40 percent of the participating researchers, with 33.7 percent of them holding leadership positions.

In addition to evaluating projects, the SNSF also offered significant incentives for impactful Swiss research last year (see box for examples). More information is available in the 2024 Annual Report. Key figures and information on all funded projects can be found on the SNSF Data Portal.