SNSF Starting Grants 2026
Research Service
Submission deadline: 5 May 2026
Internal deadline: 7 May, 5 September 2025 and 7 January 2026
Deadline: 5 May 2026
The SNSF Starting Grant is open to researchers who wish to lead an independent research project and direct their team in Switzerland.
Applicants must not already hold a research-leading position as group leader or university professorship and, at the same time, have received significant third-party funding.
Eligibility
Applicants must have defended their PhD thesis between 2 and 8 years prior to the call deadline. Moreover, they must have at least 2 years of research experience and a link to Switzerland, such as having completed a PhD/Master’s in CH or done research in Switzerland or holding Swiss nationality.
USI internal procedure
To obtain the institutional support letter requested by the SNSF, internal and external applicants must send their dossier (CV incl. publication list, cover letter and support letter by USI professor) for the internal assessment. Priority will be given to external candidates.
Funding and duration
Max. CHF 1 million for project-related costs + the PI’s salary (unless already covered) for 5 years.
Budget covers the PI’s salary, personnel costs, equipment and other research costs (such as travel, conferences, open research data costs).
USI internal procedure
An internal assessment is necessary to obtain the institutional support letter requested by the SNSF.
Candidates must send their dossier to the Research service ([email protected]):
- CV + publications list
- Cover letter
- Support letter from USI professor(s) supporting their application.
applicants without a professorship must send their dossier (CV incl. publication list, cover letter and support letter by USI professor(s) for the internal assessment by 7 January 2026. The internal procedure consists of an evaluation of the dossier and an interview with the dean and the institute director, as well as with members of the faculty and the rectorate. Priority will be given to external candidates.
Contact
Research Service