CSH Synergy Grants

Enable collaboration

Fund projects that require active integration in at least one CSH Research Cluster. Integration across multiple clusters is encouraged (e.g. combining space instrumentation with biomedical research for life-support systems, or planetary science with philosophy for the ethics of space exploration).

Generate seed data

Provide resources to gather preliminary data necessary for larger external grant applications (e.g. SNSF, ERC, ESA, EU).

Strengthen the research community

Reinforce the internal network of CSH affiliated groups, ensuring that the center remains a vibrant hub of cross-disciplinary exchange.

To be eligible, a proposal must meet the following mandatory conditions:

1. Principal Investigators (Co-PIs): each proposal should be led by at least two proposers affiliated with the University of Bern. The following requirements apply for the Co-PIs:

• The Co-PIs collectively must represent at least two different faculties.
• At least one Co-PI must be affiliated with the CSH (members/affiliates)
• Eligible Co-PIs must have a PhD with a track record of research excellence in their field.
• All Co-PIs must be employed at the University of Bern and/or at Bern University Hospital for the whole duration of the project.

2. Project scope: the proposed work must demonstrate genuine thematical or methodological integration in the CSH. The proposal must articulate how the collaboration creates scientific value that neither group could achieve alone. Preference will be given to projects that cannot be easily funded through usual pathways (e.g. SNSF) due to their interdisciplinary nature.

3. Project team: the proposal should include a description of all team members. The involvement of students and postdoctoral researchers is particularly encouraged. Collaboration with external parties (other universities, industrial partners ...) who bring added value is viewed positively.

The program provides flexible seed funding to bridge gaps between disciplines. The grants range from CHF 20,000 to CHF 100,000 per project. Matching funding from participating institutes is encouraged but not mandatory.

Eligible costs

• Salary contributions for short-term research assistants, PhD students, or postdocs dedicated to the interdisciplinary interface. Partners external to the University of Bern cannot be funded.
• Travel and accommodation for consortium meetings, joint fieldwork, or access to specialized facilities.
• Consumables and small equipment essential for the joint experimental setup.
• Costs for organizing workshops or focus groups that advance the project's interdisciplinary goals.

Ineligible costs

• Salaries of permanent faculty/tenured staff.
• General overheads or indirect costs of the University.
• Contributions to infrastructure investments (unless critical and justified as a shared resource).
• Ineligible costs that are still charged to the grant will have to be reimbursed to the CSH.

Unused funding

• At the end of the grant, funding that has been unused will have to be returned to the CSH.

Project duration is up to 24 months. Projects accepted in the 2026 call will be able to start between October 1st, 2026 and February 1st, 2027.

Reporting:

• A brief progress report is due at the midpoint.
• A final report, including a summary of results, publications submitted, financial report and follow-up funding applications (e.g. to SNSF or ESA), must be submitted within 3 months of project completion.

Applicants must submit a single PDF document containing:

• Cover page: acronym, project title, coordinator name, participating Centers/Institutes/Faculties.
• Names and affiliations for all team members.
• Research proposal (max. 5 pages):
  • Scientific context: state of the art and specific gap being addressed.
  • Interdisciplinary strategy: detailed explanation of how the different clusters will collaborate and why this integration is essential.
  • Work plan: milestones, deliverables, and a timeline.
  • Impact: Expected outcomes (publications, prototypes, policy briefs) and potential for leveraging external funding.
• Budget justification: breakdown of requested funds with clear justification for each item.
• CVs: short CVs (2 pages max. per Co-PI) highlighting relevant interdisciplinary experience.

Deadline: July 31st, 2026 at 17:00 (CEST)

Submission process: send the application package via email in a single PDF file to info.csh@unibe.ch with the subject line "Synergy Grant Application".

Review committee

Proposals are evaluated by a panel appointed by the CSH Management. The panel will be supplemented by external experts if specific interdisciplinary expertise is required.

Evaluation criteria

1. Originality and potential impact of the research (40%)
2. Need for interdisciplinary approach (30%)
3. Track record of the proposing team (30%)

Notification

Applicants will be notified of the decision within 6 weeks of the deadline. Successful projects will be announced on the CSH website.

Grant recipients are invited to present their progress at CSH plenary meetings, fostering further networking. The CSH administration provides support for financial management and reporting requirements.