[ SNSF Spark - Rapid funding of unconventional ideas | Research funding ]

The SNSF just launched Spark, a new program aimed to fund projects that show unconventional thinking and introduce a unique approach. Spark is designed to fund pilot projects, with the focus lying on promising and highly original ideas that are not reliant on preliminary data or that require only a small amount of such data. Researchers are encouraged to take risks. Even unclear or negative results add to existing knowledge.
 
Applicants can request between 50,000 and 100,000 CHF for a project duration of six to twelve months. The SNSF will make a funding decision within three months of receiving the application.
 
Spark is open to all researchers from all disciplines. As the focus lies on the project idea, researchers who think outside the box also get a chance. A double blind process ensures that evaluators assess the project and not the applicants. Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent qualification (at least 3 years of research work).
 
Proposals can be submitted by 17 July 2019 via mySNF. 
 
For further information, concerning applicants eligibility, restrictions etc, please have a look at the call webpage and EPFL Toolkit. If you are an external candidate and don’t have access, please contact the Research Office (with your Host Professor in copy). Please take advantage of the SNSF presentation of this programme included in the toolkit as well as the budget calculator.