Conflicts of interests: bias and recusal

The members of the bodies and committees of the SNSF must recuse themselves from decisions and related discussions if they have a potential conflict of interest. The mere appearance that a member has an interest in the outcome of a decision is sufficient (what is often known as an "appearance of bias").

• A conflict of interest exists if the member concerned:
• has a personal interest in the matter;
• is being asked to decide on matters relating to persons or organisations close to them;
• is or has been involved in the same issue concerning another matter;
• is affected in some other way that may call into question their independence and impartiality.

A permanent conflict of interest would constitute an "incompatibility", which would preclude membership of an SNSF body from the outset.

Foundation Council and Research Council members as applicants

The members of the Foundation Council and the Research Council are generally eligible to apply for SNSF funding during their term of office.

For the duration of the evaluation procedure, they must recuse themselves from the body responsible for supervising the funding process and making the funding decision.