Swiss National Science Foundation

**Profile** Based on a government mandate, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports scientific research in all academic disciplines – from physics to medicine to sociology. At the end of 2022, the SNSF was funding 5500 projects involving more than 20,000 researchers. This makes us the leading Swiss organisation for the promotion of scientific research. To ensure its independence, the SNSF was established in 1952 as a private foundation. Its core task is the evaluation of research proposals. In 2022, it awarded 910 million francs to the most promising project proposals under its regular funding schemes. We allocated a further 173 million for the Horizon Europe transitional measures. By awarding public research money based on the principle of competition, the SNSF contributes to the high quality of research in Switzerland. In close collaboration with higher education institutions and other partners, the SNSF strives to create the best possible conditions for the development and global interconnectedness of Swiss research. It pays particular attention to the promotion of early-career researchers. In addition, it accepts evaluation mandates to help ensure that large third-party-funded research initiatives deliver the highest scientific quality. **Knowledge is the key to the future. Research creates knowledge.** In its mission statement, the SNSF describes how it aims to act in the best interests of researchers, political authorities, the general public and its own employees. It defines the ambitions and values informing its work. - Quality. We promote scientific excellence. We also expect our own performance to be of a high standard. - Independence. We operate autonomously and evaluate impartially. - Responsibility. We are a reliable partner. We fulfil our tasks judiciously and al-ways act ethically. - Fairness. Our decisions are well-founded and we respect equal opportunities. On the basis of the mission statement, the SNSF derives strategic aims and specific measures for the coming years. These measures are aimed at ensuring high quality standards in research funding and at improving internal processes and organisational structures.