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RFPs: Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (Switzerland and India)

Deadline: 08-Apr-2026

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) invites applications for the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme, funding collaborative projects between Switzerland and India. Grants support ambitious, innovative research with clearly defined goals, budgets for both countries, and reciprocal visits, with projects lasting three to four years.

What is the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme?

This programme promotes bilateral scientific collaboration between Switzerland and India. It supports innovative, goal-oriented research projects that leverage expertise and facilities from both countries, encourage knowledge exchange through reciprocal visits, and strengthen long-term international research partnerships.

Who is Eligible?

Swiss Applicants:

  • Must be based in Switzerland and comply with SNSF Funding Regulations.

  • May hold other SNSF grants if there is no substantial thematic overlap.

Indian Applicants:

  • Must be affiliated with Government of India supported or recognised academic institutions, research organisations, or eligible not-for-profit entities.

  • Must meet specific registration and compliance requirements, including PFMS registration and, where applicable, NGO DARPAN and SIRO certification.

All proposals must be jointly prepared, submitted in English, and include accounts for all participating researchers in the SNSF system. Indian applicants must also submit a soft copy of the application to the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Focus Areas and Priorities

The programme funds projects that:

  • Demonstrate scientific ambition and innovation.

  • Include clearly defined research goals.

  • Conduct research at institutional facilities (fieldwork excluded).

  • Promote reciprocal visits and short stays between Swiss and Indian partners.

  • Leverage bilateral expertise for high-quality collaborative outcomes.

Funding Details

  • Swiss side: up to CHF 300,000 for three-year projects, CHF 400,000 for four-year projects.

  • Indian side: up to INR 2.0 crore per project.

  • Eligible costs: project staff salaries, consumables, selected equipment, mobility costs, and other research-related expenses.

  • Visiting costs are charged to the visiting side’s budget, while hosting side provides logistical and research support.

Project Duration

  • Minimum duration: 3 years.

  • Maximum duration: 4 years.

  • Earliest possible start date for approved projects: 1 April 2027.

How to Apply

  1. Form a bilateral research team with at least one partner in Switzerland and one in India.

  2. Prepare a joint proposal in English via the SNSF Portal, including separate budgets for each country.

  3. Indian applicants submit a soft copy to MoES and merge supporting documentation in the SNSF Portal.

  4. Ensure all participating researchers hold SNSF accounts.

  5. Submit the application before the programme deadline.

Evaluation Process

  • Proposals undergo international peer review and assessment by a joint evaluation panel.

  • Evaluation criteria include: scientific relevance, originality, suitability of methods, feasibility, applicants’ expertise, and quality of collaboration.

  • Only top-ranked proposals are funded, with up to ten projects expected to be supported depending on quality and budget availability.

  • Results communicated by end of 2026.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly define research goals and innovative aspects of the project.

  • Ensure feasibility and alignment of methods with project objectives.

  • Prepare well-structured, balanced budgets for both Swiss and Indian sides.

  • Demonstrate complementary expertise and strong collaborative potential.

  • Comply with all submission, registration, and documentation requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to submit joint proposals in English through the SNSF Portal.

  • Omitting required Indian government registrations (PFMS, NGO DARPAN, SIRO).

  • Submitting overlapping proposals if holding another SNSF grant with similar themes.

  • Charging visiting costs incorrectly or misallocating budgets.

  • Missing deadlines or incomplete submission of documents to SNSF and MoES.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Who can apply? Swiss-based researchers complying with SNSF regulations and Indian researchers from approved institutions or eligible not-for-profits.

  2. How much funding is available? Up to CHF 300,000–400,000 for Swiss side, INR 2.0 crore for Indian side.

  3. What is the project duration? 3 to 4 years.

  4. Are fieldwork activities eligible? No, research must take place at institutional facilities.

  5. Are reciprocal visits supported? Yes, mobility costs must be charged to the visiting side.

  6. How are applications evaluated? Through international peer review and a joint evaluation panel based on scientific merit and collaboration quality.

  7. When will results be announced? End of 2026, with project start from 1 April 2027.

Conclusion

The Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme fosters high-quality, collaborative research between Switzerland and India. By funding innovative projects, supporting mobility, and promoting bilateral expertise exchange, the programme strengthens international scientific partnerships and delivers impactful research outcomes.

For more information, visit Swiss National Science Foundation.