Consortium Projects for Clinical Translation in Switzerland

Deadline: 15-Jun-2026

The Consortium Projects for Clinical Translation Programme funds multidisciplinary research teams in Switzerland with up to CHF 3 million to translate scientific discoveries into clinical applications. It supports projects in Brain Health and Immunology, focusing on early-stage clinical validation and real-world healthcare impact.

Overview

The Consortium Projects for Clinical Translation Programme supports multidisciplinary consortia in transforming scientific breakthroughs into practical healthcare solutions.

The programme aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical implementation, ensuring innovations reach patients and healthcare systems.

Key Grant Details

• Location: Switzerland
• Funding Duration: 3 years (plus optional 4th year)
• Maximum Funding:
  • Up to CHF 3 million (core funding)
  • Additional CHF 1 million (exceptional 4th year)
• Project Type: Translational research with clinical application
• Scope: National (research must primarily take place in Switzerland)

Programme Objectives

The programme focuses on:

• Advancing translational research in unmet medical needs
• Developing new or improved diagnostics and treatments
• Supporting early-stage clinical validation (Phase I/II trials)
• Driving implementation-ready healthcare innovations
• Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration

Key Concept: Translational Research

Translational research refers to the process of converting scientific discoveries into practical medical applications, such as diagnostics, therapies, or healthcare tools that directly benefit patients.

Thematic Calls

1. Brain Health

• Mental health
• Psychiatry
• Neurology

2. Immunology

• Immunology
• Infectiology
• Vaccinology

Projects must align with one of these thematic areas.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible Project Characteristics

• Hypothesis-driven research
• Clear clinical translation pathway
• Early-stage clinical trials (Phase I or II)
• Strong focus on patient outcomes and real-world impact
• Integration of multiple scientific disciplines

Additional Expectations

• High scientific and ethical standards
• Patient and public involvement (where feasible)
• Measurable outcomes within the funding period

Who is Eligible?

Consortium Requirements

Applicants must form a consortium including:

• 1 Principal Investigator (PI)
• 2 to 4 Co-applicants

Team Composition Criteria

• All members must:
  • Hold independent group leader positions
  • Be based at institutions in Switzerland
• At least one physician-scientist must be included
• Members must collaborate across institutions

Effort Commitment

• Principal Investigator: Minimum 10% effort
• Co-applicants: Minimum 5% effort each

Additional Expectations

• Complementary expertise across disciplines
• Strong collaboration structure
• Diversity in team composition

How the Programme Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Form a multidisciplinary consortium with required expertise
2. Identify a research problem in Brain Health or Immunology
3. Develop a hypothesis-driven project with clear clinical application
4. Design early-stage validation (e.g., Phase I/II trial if applicable)
5. Prepare proposal including:
   • Scientific rationale
   • Translational pathway
   • Patient impact
   • Implementation plan
   • Budget (up to CHF 3M)
6. Submit application through the official funding platform
7. Undergo peer review and selection process

How Applications Are Evaluated

Key evaluation criteria include:

• Scientific excellence and innovation
• Strength of translational pathway
• Clinical relevance and patient impact
• Feasibility within funding period
• Quality of consortium and collaboration
• Ethical and methodological rigor

Why This Programme Matters

This programme is critical because it:

• Bridges the gap between lab research and clinical practice
• Accelerates healthcare innovation in Switzerland
• Supports high-impact, patient-focused research
• Encourages collaboration across disciplines and institutions

It enables promising discoveries to move closer to real-world medical use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lack of clear clinical translation pathway
• Weak collaboration or missing expertise
• Overly theoretical proposals without implementation plans
• Insufficient patient impact justification
• Poor alignment with thematic calls

Practical Tips

• Focus on measurable clinical outcomes
• Build a balanced, interdisciplinary team
• Include a strong physician-scientist role
• Clearly map the path from discovery to application
• Ensure feasibility within 3 years

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to CHF 3 million, with a possible additional CHF 1 million for a fourth year.

2. What type of research is supported?

Translational research focused on clinical application, including early-stage trials.

3. Who can apply?

Multidisciplinary consortia of 3–5 researchers based in Switzerland.

4. Is a physician required in the team?

Yes, at least one physician-scientist must be included.

5. What are the main thematic areas?

Brain Health and Immunology.

6. Can projects include clinical trials?

Yes, Phase I and II trials are supported.

7. Why is this programme important?

It accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries into real healthcare solutions.

Conclusion

The Consortium Projects for Clinical Translation Programme offers substantial funding for ambitious, multidisciplinary teams aiming to transform scientific discoveries into clinical solutions. With a strong focus on patient impact, collaboration, and implementation, it supports high-quality translational research in Switzerland.

Consortia with clear clinical pathways, strong interdisciplinary expertise, and well-defined outcomes are best positioned to secure funding and drive meaningful healthcare innovation.

For more information, visit Horten Health Foundation.