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Open Call for Research Partnership Grant Program (Switzerland)

Deadline: 21-Nov-2025

The Research Partnership Grant supports researchers in building or strengthening international scientific collaborations across all disciplines. It funds short-term projects that establish the foundation for long-term partnerships, offering CHF 20,000–35,000 for research activities completed within twelve months. The program is open to Swiss-based researchers who collaborate with at least one eligible partner institution abroad.

Research Partnership Grant: Purpose, Eligibility, Funding, and Application Guide

Overview

The Research Partnership Grant is designed to help researchers launch or deepen international collaborations. It supports early-stage joint activities that lead to sustainable partnerships, stronger networks, and future proposals for larger funding opportunities.

Why This Grant Matters

This grant helps researchers:

  • Build durable international research networks

  • Test new ideas with global partners

  • Prepare for future large-scale collaborative projects

  • Conduct interdisciplinary or cross-country exploration
    By offering flexible funding and a structured timeline, the program accelerates meaningful scientific cooperation.

What the Grant Supports

The funding covers a wide range of academic and creative activities, including:

  • Desk-based research and literature studies

  • Fieldwork and on-site data collection

  • Feasibility studies

  • Archival and historical research

  • Interviews and surveys

  • Artistic or practice-based research

  • Joint exploratory activities across institutions
    The goal is to enable teams to initiate or deepen cross-border collaboration.

Funding Amounts

Applicants may request one of the following amounts:

  • CHF 20,000

  • CHF 25,000

  • CHF 30,000

  • CHF 35,000
    The flexible range allows researchers to tailor their project scope, whether they are starting a new collaboration or expanding an existing one.

Project Duration

  • All funded projects must be completed within 12 months of approval.

  • The limited timeframe encourages precise planning, efficient coordination, and meaningful engagement among partners.

Who Is Eligible?

Swiss-Based Researchers

To qualify, the primary (Swiss) applicant must:

  • Be affiliated with a Swiss university, university of applied sciences, teacher education institution, or recognized research center

  • Hold at least a 40% employment position extending at least six months beyond project completion

  • Have a minimum of three years of relevant research or practical experience

  • Hold a role such as:

    • PhD candidate

    • Postdoctoral researcher

    • Professor

International Collaboration Requirement

Each application must include at least one eligible partner institution located in a participating country, ensuring structured cross-border scientific cooperation.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Confirm Eligibility
    Ensure you meet employment, experience, and institutional affiliation requirements.

  2. Identify an International Partner
    Select at least one institution in a participating country with mutual research interests.

  3. Define the Joint Project
    Outline the collaboration goals, activities, methodology, and expected outcomes.

  4. Select the Funding Amount
    Choose CHF 20,000–35,000 based on project needs.

  5. Prepare the Application Package
    Include:

    • Project description

    • Budget and justification

    • Timeline within the 12-month limit

    • CV of applicants

    • Confirmation of institutional affiliation

  6. Submit Through the Official Platform
    Follow all formatting, deadline, and documentation requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing the requirement for a partner in a participating country

  • Applying with insufficient employment duration beyond the project end

  • Underestimating the 12-month project limit

  • Submitting vague or overly broad project plans

  • Choosing a funding amount misaligned with the project’s scope

FAQ

1. What disciplines are eligible?

All scientific disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and arts-based research.

2. Can PhD candidates apply?

Yes, if they meet the employment and experience requirements.

3. Do I need an international partner?

Yes. At least one eligible partner institution in a participating country is mandatory.

4. What is the maximum project duration?

Projects must be completed within 12 months of approval.

5. How much funding can I request?

You may request CHF 20,000, 25,000, 30,000, or 35,000.

6. Can the Swiss applicant have part-time employment?

Yes, as long as the position is at least 40% and extends six months beyond project completion.

7. What types of activities are supported?

Fieldwork, feasibility studies, archival research, interviews, surveys, artistic practices, and other joint exploratory activities.

Conclusion

The Research Partnership Grant is a strategic funding opportunity for Swiss-based researchers aiming to establish impactful international collaborations. With flexible funding, broad disciplinary eligibility, and a clear 12-month structure, the program helps teams test new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and build a strong foundation for future collaborative research.

For more information, visit ZHAW.