SNSF Consolidator Grants

The doctorate/PhD/equivalent qualification must have been awarded between 1 January 2011 and 16 October 2016.

Any requests for an extension of the eligibility window (beyond the maximum; due to maternity/paternity leave, clinical training or other career break) should be explained and adequately documented in the CV.

The time window for submission of an SNSF Consolidator Grant proposal can be extended if the applicant has suffered a delay due to one of the reasons stated in Clause 1.11 of the General implementation regulations for the Funding Regulations (PDF).

The academic age indicates how much time has passed since the doctorate. It is relevant for calculating the time window in accordance with the personal requirements (see Call document). On the other hand, the net academic age (calculated automatically in the new CV format) indicates how much time you have been able to spend doing research since your doctorate; it is taken into account in the evaluation. Hence the net academic age cannot be used to calculate the eligibility window. The reasons for exceptions to the time window stated in Clause 1.11 of the General implementation regulations for the Funding Regulations (PDF) do not cover all of the deductions that can be claimed in terms of the net academic age (see SNSF_net-academic-age.pdf (PDF)). In addition, proof is required for the deductions that can be claimed in order to extend the eligibility time window (exceptions: maternity (18 months) and paternity (actual duration)). If the PhD/doctorate/equivalent qualification was obtained seven years ago, the eligibility criteria are met even if the net academic age is less than seven years.

Applicants whose project was rejected at the first or second evaluation stage for SNSF Consolidator Grants 2022 can apply for an SNSF Consolidator Grants 2023. Previously submitted and evaluated proposals, however, will not be regarded as resubmissions but as new applications.

The earliest possible start date is 1 August 2024. The project start date can be postponed by up to 12 months after receipt of the decision.

If you want to transfer your grant to another institution, including the funds covering your salary, contact the SNSF explaining the reasons for the move as well as its added value for your project. A written request submitted by the grantee should include the following documents: Like the initial research institution, the new research institution must provide confirmation letters. The original research institution submits a written statement on the change. The SNSF evaluates the request by taking into account the project’s feasibility in the new institution.

You must inform the SNSF accordingly. If the professorship is in Switzerland, you may generally continue to use the project funds. Any surplus from your salary must be refunded to the SNSF.

Applications to transfer project funds from an SNSF Consolidator Grant to move abroad (see also https://www.snf.ch/en/cwEW5KbgFWs6YNmW/funding/supplementary-measures/money-follows-researcher ) are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Salary components of the grantee are not remitted abroad. As a rule, such applications can only be submitted to the SNSF two years after the start of the grant.

Yes, holders of an SNSF CoG 2023 can submit proposals under other SNSF funding schemes (such as project funding), as long as the proposals address different topics and have different aims and methodologies.

Researchers can now hold up to three grants from project funding for the same funding period when at least one of these grants is a Lead Agency/Weave, International Co-Investigator Scheme or European consortium project. The topics addressed by the individual projects must clearly differ from one another. Be aware that the SNSF transitional measures grants are not considered as part of project funding.

If you, as an employee, are entitled to family allowances paid by your employer that were granted before you submitted your application, the family allowances are not included in the maximum amount of CHF 1.75 million. Family allowances can be added to this cap.

If you become a parent during the evaluation or in the course of the grant, the SNSF will, upon written request, settle the negative balance at the end of the grant that arose due to the payment of the family allowance.