Open call for applications to the SPIRIT, Swiss Programme for International Research by Scientific Investigation Teams, funded by the SNSF, the Swiss National Science Foundation.
SPIRIT is the facilitates knowledge exchange between researchers in Switzerland and researchers in a range of low- and middle-income countries.
Funding is awarded to research projects with clearly defined goals that are submitted by excellent research consortia from two to four countries. Researchers from all disciplines can apply for a SPIRIT grant; the topics are chosen by the researchers themselves. The grants contribute to the education of researchers in all participating countries. Special focus will be given to equal opportunities and the promotion of women scientists, as well as to raising awareness of gender-specific questions.
What is offered
Applicants can request between 50 000 and 500 000 francs in project funds for two to four years. At least 30% of each approved grant must be allocated to Switzerland and at least 30% to the relevant partner country/countries.
Approximately twelve projects can be funded per year.
Who is eligible
In Latin America and the Caribbean, the following countries are eligible to apply: Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Only partner countries included on the list of eligible countries can be part of a SPIRIT application.
Brazil is not eligible, since it participates in a bilateral call with the SNSF. There are no calls open at the moment.
The programme is intended for two to four research groups, out of which one applicant must engage in research work in Switzerland, and at least one applicant must do so in an eligible partner country. Further applicants in a partner country or in Switzerland may be added. However, the total of applicants may not exceed four persons. Swiss applicants must meet the eligibility requirements applicable to SNSF project funding. These requirements apply mutatis mutandis to applicants from abroad.
Deadline: 2 November 2023