Applications open for the Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation
Institutional Communication Service
6 May 2026
The Board of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) recently opened applications to join the Research Council as of April or October 2027, for a four-year term. In a continuing process of restructuring and development, the SNSF invites scholars and professionals who wish to influence the future of research in Switzerland to submit their applications by 14 June 2026. USI invites its researchers interested in participating in this remarkable opportunity to apply and to contact the USI Rectorate.
The Research Council is organised into five programme committees and a policy committee, each focusing on different aspects and areas of research. These committees are essential for the scientific assessment and the selection of research proposals, as well as the development of SNSF policies and funding programmes. To reach their individual target sizes that range from 10 to 25 members, each of the committees is seeking between two and five new members.
The call is open to researchers from all disciplines, including those with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary backgrounds. The SNSF welcomes applications from candidates affiliated with all types of research institutions and from all regions of Switzerland.
Applications must be sent by email to [email protected] by June 14, 2026.
It is essential that candidates have an excellent academic background and a thorough understanding of the dynamics of research funding. The mandate requires a 20% time commitment and lasts four years (renewable only once). Candidates must have specific expertise depending on the committee(s) to which they wish to apply. Experience in grant evaluation, leadership or decision-making roles, such as chairing evaluation panels or committees, is considered an asset. Candidates will be invited for an interview on October 2026 at the SNSF.
The election of new members is scheduled for December 2026.
For further details on how to apply and the specific mandates within the Research Council, please refer to the documentation on the dedicated Research Council mandates website (snf.ch).
Researchers interested in applying are invited to contact the USI Rectorate.