Spark 2024: 157 out-of-the-box projects approved

The Spark funding scheme encourages applicants to submit unconventional research projects based on out-of-the-box ideas and methodologies. Projects can involve high-risk research, distinguishing the Spark funding scheme from other funding opportunities. The evaluation process is entirely double-blind in order to make sure that evaluators focus only on the scientific merits of the project idea.

557 Spark proposals were submitted by the 4 March 2024 deadline, with a total of 54 million francs requested in funding. Of the submitted proposals, 133 (24%) were in the social sciences and humanities, 170 (30%) in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences and technology (MINT) and 254 (46%) in the life sciences.

Many projects submitted by researchers under 40

This year, a budget of just over 15 million francs enabled the funding of 157 projects, corresponding to a success rate of 28.2%. Projects in the life sciences had the highest success rate: 78 of the 256 submitted proposals were approved (30.5%). In the social sciences and humanities, 33 out of 132 submitted projects were approved (25.0%), and in the MINT fields, 46 out of 169 (27.2%). Similar to last year, the majority of the applicants (66%) were 40 years of age or younger at the time of submission. They were once again slightly more successful than older researchers, with 110 approved out of 369 submitted proposals.

Examples of funded projects

The following three examples represent a small selection illustrating the wide variety of supported projects:

• Dorian Kessler (BFH) plans to test a new method in the field of social sciences. He will combine linked register data and advanced machine learning methods to develop a precise, unbiased, and practical model for forecasting social assistance pathways. The goal is to improve social workers' choices in personal social assistance, and ultimately, to reduce long-term dependency, lower public expenses, and promote better mental health for clients.
• At EPFL, bioengineer Adrien Méry is aiming to develop biological actuators (i.e. devices that control a mechanism or system). Spun as threads of active biomaterials, they could be weaved on or wrapped around structures. Such devices, which are inherently biocompatible and biodegradable, could revolutionise the field of autonomous robotics. They have the potential to unlock new miniaturisation possibilities and may even find their way into our bodies one day as implantable devices for regenerative medicine.
• At the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Cristina Tocchini is analysing a novel quality control mechanism that ensures the integrity of apical junctions in epithelia (body tissue). These junctions form a continuous belt-like structure between neighbouring cells, ensuring the function of epithelia as a protective barrier. This quality control is essential for maintaining organismal function and protection.

Proposals for the next call can be entered in mySNF as of 31 January 2025. The submission deadline is 4 March 2025 at 17:00 Swiss local time.