FAQ

Q: As I have been appointed as Professor, do you recommend that I inform the FNS in advance, or that I inform them at the moment of the interview when I present the distribution of work.

R: You might have already informed the SNSF when submitting your application via MySNF, in line with what is stated in the call document : "Please note: Any funds received or requested from the SNSF, or other funding institutions must be declared (refer to the mySNF section “Available or requested funds)”.P8/14. of the call document (PDF) .

If not yet, then letting them know now about the updated is recommanded as the SNSF Starting Grants guidelines clearly states here : "Applicants must provide information on available and requested funding for their research projects" (cf. section 3.1), and "SNSF Starting applicants and grantees must inform the SNSF about the acquisition of third-party funding" (p. 5/14).

This is also in line with Article 23 of the SNSF Funding Regulations, which states that applicants must promptly report any new or significant facts relevant to the decision-making process, even if these arose after the submission of the application. Règlement des subsides (PDF) p. 9/17.

Therefore, it would be best to inform them as soon as your appointment is official and confirmed, before the interview, rather than waiting to mention it during the presentation. Transparency at this stage is always appreciated and expected. I believe it will also help you feel more confident going into the interview. You could still use the interview as an opportunity to discuss the implications of this change in more detail, if needed.

Q: Quelle est la durée d’utilisation de crédits de démarrage SNSF Starting Grants octroyés jusqu’ici, en particulier le crédit 2024 ?

R: Tous les crédits de démarrages financés par la Direction peuvent être utiliser seulement pendant 2 ans. (SF, 30 juin 2025)

Q: Would it be possible for the SNSF Call to hire persons via the African partner universities?

R: Oui, deux options sont possibles pour recruter des membres de l’étranger dans votre projet StG FNS. (1) le contrat peut se faire sur place à l'UNILsi la personne est domiciliée et possède un permis de travail en CH. Dans ce cas, il faut suivre les normes RH en cas de financement. (2) Financer le partenaire ou le thésard localement à l'étranger avec un contrat de travail. (Réponse téléphonique du FNS datant du 20 décembre 2024).

Q : Pour remplir le Template de la lettre de soutien du FNS, quelle case faut-il cocher YES ou NO concernant le droit de diriger une thèse de Doctorat.

R: YES. car l'UNIL délivre des diplômes de doctorat. Pas besoin de mentionner le nom du prof. co-directeur de thèse.

"If NO, this is not the objective of this career funding scheme; neither was it for the former schemes at the highest level of career funding (Eccellenza or SNSF Professorships). Indeed, Universities and ETHs are expected to offer at least a position and title of assistant professor and title for the duration of the grant. This includes the right to supervise PhD candidates that are employed under their grant." FNS, 24.01.2025.