Every year, Synapsis Foundation issues a public call for proposals. Researchers are invited to submit their applications mid July of the respective year.

Topics

The thematic priorities of the calls for proposals are:

• Basic research in genetics, molecular and cell biology of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
• Innovative clinical approaches for the pre-symptomatic diagnosis or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Funding instruments

The following funding mechanisms are currently being offered:

• Principal Investigator Grants: Support of innovative projects of established research teams
• Career Development Awards: Support advanced postdoctoral researchers at Swiss Universities and Research Institutions seeking to establish themselves as independent researchers in the field of neurodegenerative disorders

Eligibilty criteria

Applications can only be submitted by scientists working at a university or other research institution located in Switzerland. In the case of Career Development Awards, funding in an EMBO Member Country is possible, but only in a second phase (following the first phase at a Swiss institution).

Only one project per main applicant is funded at the same time.

Evaluation criteria

The Scientific Advisory Board evaluates the submitted research proposals, supported by external experts, according to the following criteria:

• Originality of the project proposal
• Scientific quality
• Feasibility
• Experience and past performance
• Compliance with application requirements

The final decision for funding of selected projects lies with the Board of Trustees.

Timetable

• End of March: Publication of Call for Proposals
• Mid July: Deadline for submission of project proposals
• End of November: Decision of the Board of Trustees on projects to be funded
• Mid December: Communication to applicants regarding funding/disapproval of projects
• January to March of the following year: preparation and signing of the grant agreements