With Ambizione, Ambizione-PROSPER, Ambizione-SCORE (hereinafter Ambizione), the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) would like to promote junior researchers in all disciplines. The programme is geared for young researchers who would like to conduct, manage and lead an independently planned project at a Swiss university. Ambizione is aimed at qualified researchers from Switzerland who are spending a stay abroad or have returned after a stay abroad, e.g. within a fellowship for advanced researchers. Moreover, Ambizione would like to attract the best, next-generation foreign talents to carry out research work in Switzerland.

Researchers will be subsidised for a maximum of three years with a salary (research associate level) and project funds. The duration of the grant can be extended by a maximum of two years in justifiable cases. Project funds may also be used to employ support personnel. Candidates with sufficient experience may apply to appoint a PhD student with good reason and under specific conditions.

The approval of applications is always dependent on the agreement of the host institute. A requirement for submitting an application to Ambizione is that confirmation must be received from the host institute, giving the applicant adequate support in the funding of research expenses (e.g. material, equipment, personnel, travel, etc.).

Conditions of participation

• Doctorate
• At the time of the submission deadline: Application submitted not later than 5 years after doctorate
• At the time of the submission deadline (for medical scientists): At least three years of postgraduate clinical/practical activity (qualification as specialist desired). Application submitted no later than 9 years after the state examination
• Publications at a high level
• At the time of the submission deadline: Research activities of at least 12 months after conferral of doctorate at a university other than where the candidate obtained the doctorate. These activities will have usually been taken place abroad.

Selection procedureThe selection procedure takes place in two phases. In the first phase, the National Research Council of the SNSF makes an initial selection based on the documents submitted. In the second stage, candidates are invited to an interview to present their research project and career plan. The target figure for the proportion of female candidates is 35 %. Each year, 40 – 50 subsidies will be granted.

Call for applications and submissionAll application documents should be submitted electronically via the web platform mySNF. Submissions will only be accepted in response to a specific call. Applications received outside the application period will be processed during the next application period.

Next call for applications: 15 November 2010
Next submission deadline: 15 February 2011
Start of the subsidy: 1 October 2011 at the earliest

mySNF: To meet the submission deadline a mySNF user account must be requested two weeks before the submission deadline at the latest.

Follow-up proposals

These proposals must be submitted at least six months prior to expiry of the grant.