Climate change, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical tensions also impact Switzerland. Research helps to understand these developments and find solutions. "Strong research is crucial for our country to manage crises and remain economically competitive," says Torsten Schwede, President of the SNSF Research Council.
In the multi-year programme 2029-2032, the SNSF showcases how it intends to direct its funding in the future. The majority of the budget continues to be invested in proven instruments. Currently, it finances over 6,000 projects with around 24,000 researchers at universities and other institutions. For 2029 to 2032, the SNSF has set three focal points:
1. Strengthening Synergies in the Research Landscape
Medium-sized infrastructures such as test facilities, measuring stations, or data platforms are indispensable for research but require significant investments. Through its funding, the SNSF aims to create incentives for research institutions to develop infrastructures in a coordinated manner and use them collectively. This way, the financial resources of the scientific system can be used more efficiently.
Furthermore, the SNSF aims to strengthen synergies through its national partnerships. Together with Innosuisse, it is advancing the joint programme BRIDGE at the interface of science and innovation. Additionally, it plans to pool funding and expertise with other public institutions and private foundations to increase the effectiveness of invested resources and supported research.
The SNSF is also expanding its international network. Stable partnerships with other countries are more important than ever. Only cross-border, well-networked Swiss research can remain at the global forefront.
2. Enhancing Switzerland's Competitiveness
Switzerland remains competitive when bold research ideas are given a chance. Their benefits often become apparent only in the long term, for instance in the form of effective medications, secure digital systems, or well- founded political decisions. Therefore, the SNSF strengthens exploratory research and gives unconventional ideas more room in its funding portfolio.
The SNSF aims to provide targeted support to researchers at the beginning of their careers and facilitate transitions between career stages. Additionally, it wants to better consider their diverse career paths. As the highly qualified professionals of tomorrow, they are essential for universities, companies, and authorities.
3. Strengthening the Resilience of Research and Society
Pandemics, natural hazards, or misinformation demonstrate the centrality of reliable knowledge. Research can explain connections and suggest new solutions. At the same time, researchers increasingly rely on diverse perspectives from practice. Therefore, the SNSF intends to promote exchanges with politics, business, and the public more consistently.
It seeks to identify and address new developments early, such as technological disruptions or impending crises. It also advocates for a responsible research culture, which includes careful use of AI in research and safeguarding scientific integrity. This strengthens trust in research and its results.
The Best Ideas Count
Even with these focal points, the core of SNSF's funding remains unchanged: Researchers pose their own questions and compete with their best ideas in a tough but fair competition for project contributions. The SNSF allocates over 80 percent of its budget to open-topic funding instruments, as scientific progress begins with curiosity. From this, technologies, therapies, or educational models later emerge.
Ensuring Prosperity and Welfare
Switzerland remains at the forefront internationally in research and innovation. However, it has been overtaken in recent years by other countries that have systematically increased their spending on science.
"If Switzerland wants to maintain its leading position, it needs stable long-term investments in excellent research," emphasizes Torsten Schwede. "With the budget requested for 2029 to 2032, the SNSF can continue to support the best researchers in competition. Their work lays the essential foundations for prosperity and welfare."
Investments for Swiss Research
In the multi-year programme 2029-2032, the SNSF is requesting 5.4 billion francs from the federal government for this period. This corresponds to annual budget growth of 3 percent compared to 2028. Due to the Relief Package 27, the long-term annual growth rate remains limited, averaging 1.6 percent between 2024 and 2032.
The additional funds will allow the SNSF to address the focal points envisaged in the multi-year programme 2029-2032. Particularly, it intends to expand investments in research infrastructures and international collaboration.
The text of this press release and further information are available on the Swiss National Fonds website: https://www.snf.ch/de/xkcuY0xUhgctT5Ks/news/forschung-fuer-die-schweiz-von-morgen
Press Contact:
Swiss National Fonds
Department of Strategic Processes
E-Mail: strategieprozesse@snf.ch