Synapsis Foundation | Research funding on neurodegenerative disorders

Established in Zurich in 2003, the Synapsis Foundation – Alzheimer Research Switzerland ARS supports research on Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders to find a cure in the near future, to raise awareness and to promote Switzerland as a research and economic centre.

In particular, the foundation promotes innovative basic and clinical research on Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, welcoming high-risk proposals based on sound science and truly original ideas related to the following topics:

• Research in genetics, molecular and cell biology of Alzheimer’s disease or neurodegenerative disorders.
• Innovative clinical approaches towards the pre-symptomatic diagnosis or therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases.

1. RESEARCH GRANT FOR PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

• The aim of this grant is to promote innovative research projects of established research groups.  
• Who can apply: independent principal investigators at Swiss universities and research institutions.
• Funding & Duration: max. CHF 300’000 for up to 3 years.
• Eligible costs: personnel (excl. the PI’s salary) and research-related costs. Does NOT cover overheads.
• Application: please have a look at the call guidelines and application form for basic and pre-clinical research or application form for clinical research (scientific information max. 6 pages).

2. CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

• The aim of this grant is to accelerate the transition of advanced postdoctoral researchers at Swiss universities and research institutions to a faculty position in Switzerland or other EMBO country.
• Funding & Duration: CHF 400’000 for 4 years → Phase 1: 1-2 years of PostDoc in a host laboratory in Switzerland; Phase 2: 2-3 years in a faculty/group leader position at a new institution/department in Switzerland or EMBO country.
• Eligible costs: personnel (incl. the PI’s salary only for phase 1) and research-related costs. Does NOT cover overheads.
• Application: please have a look at the call guidelines and application form for basic and pre-clinical research or application form for clinical research (scientific information max. 6 pages, excl. letter of support from head of unit confirming that you will be working independently).