Applications for support for research projects are submitted by the researchers themselves and then assessed by the Research Council. The researchers are free to choose their research topics. The assessment process considers the scientific value, originality and topicality of the project and the proposed methodology. In addition, the previous performance of the respective researcher is taken into account. Foreign experts are also involved in the examination procedure.
Any researcher working in Switzerland is entitled to participate.
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, all the competitors having an equal chance. Applications may be submitted by 1st March and 1st October every year. Applicants are informed within 6 months of the submission deadline as to whether their application has been approved or refused. Research grants constitute approximately 70 percent, i.e. the vast majority, of the funds awarded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.