SCIEX: Scientific Exchanges between Switzerland and Bulgaria

The SCIEX Fellowships cover the grantee’s salary, including social security contributions. More information concerning the guidelines on the salaries for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers can be found in the following document:

Annex 12: Salary ranges, guidelines for employees in SNSF-funded projects (PDF)

In addition to the grantee’s salary, the SCIEX Fellowships cover project funds, including research costs directly linked to the implementation of the project as well as expenses for open research data, training, networking, conferences and travel. In addition, the costs of short-term research visits (STV) by the supervisors are covered. A maximum of three total short-term research visits by either the Swiss or Bulgarian supervisors can be requested.

One of the overarching goals of SCIEX is to strengthen the scientific networks between Switzerland and Bulgaria, thus the duration of the SCIEX Fellowships should be dedicated to achieving this objective. Consequently, under the SCIEX Fellowships, it is not possible to conduct short research stays at other universities abroad.

SCIEX Fellowships are deemed to be conducted in Switzerland at higher education institutions or at non-commercial research institutes outside the higher education sector that are domiciled in Switzerland and whose basic financing is predominantly Swiss, in accordance with the SNSF Funding Regulations (PDF).

Researchers of any nationality are eligible to apply for SCIEX Fellowships as long as they are permanent residents in Bulgaria and meet the eligibility criteria specified in the call document.

A maximum of three total short-term research visits by either the Swiss or Bulgarian supervisors can be requested to the Bulgarian and Swiss institutes, respectively.

In the case that researchers exceed the eligibility window, an extension may be requested. Researchers must explain their reasons for applying for an extension to the SNSF. Maternity (see below) and the following reasons for delays are acceptable (see Article 1.11 para. 2 of the General implementation regulations for the Funding Regulations (PDF)):

a. paternity, adoption or parental leave

b. inability to work due to illness or accident

c. care duties

d. services that benefit the general public, particularly military or civilian service

e. continuing education in connection with the applicant’s research activities, particularly internships or clinical work

f. preparatory activities connected to the dissertation, e.g. participation in classes at a doctoral school

The weeks during which the research activity was interrupted, reduced or not increased for an acceptable reason (as defined in the list above) will be considered for the extension. The difference in percentage between the actual work-time percentage and 100% is recognised. If the research work is interrupted, the relevant weeks will be recognised for the extension in full (100%).

In the event of maternity, the relevant period is extended by 18 months per child. If the applicant can prove that the delay exceeded 18 months, the additional time will be added to the said period.

Important note: The SNSF will only perform the eligibility assessment after the submission deadline based on the whole dossier. In other words, an eligibility check prior to the call deadline is not possible.

Eligible applicants are applicants of any nationality, who are permanent residents and domiciliated in Bulgaria at the time of the submission deadline. Permanent residency for foreigners is defined under Art. 25 in the Republic of the Bulgaria Act (PDF). See also 4.1.4 of the call document (PDF).