About us

Mandated by the federal government, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports basic science in all academic disciplines, from history to medicine and the engineering sciences. The SNSF is Switzerland’s foremost research funding organisation and supports approximately 8,500 researchers every year.

To ensure its independence, the SNSF was established as a private foundation in 1952. Its core task is the evaluation of research proposals. Every year, the SNSF awards approximately CHF 750 million to outstanding researchers. By awarding public research money based on a competitive system, the SNSF contributes to the high quality of Swiss research.

In close collaboration with higher education institutions and other partners, the SNSF strives to create optimal conditions for the development and international integration of Swiss research. It pays particular attention to the promotion of young researchers. In addition, it accepts evaluation mandates to ensure that large Swiss research initiatives funded by third parties deliver the highest scientific quality.​