The SPI Exploratory Grants support Swiss based scientists active in polar regions (including remote high- altitude regions such as the Andes and the Himalayas) by allowing them to launch short-term new ideas (for example pilot projects), fund additional fieldwork or launch new collaborations with financial support for logistics.
To maximise the scientific output of a project whilst minimising its environmental footprint, grants can also be used for the acquisition of polar data and samples through innovative methods. These methods can for instance involve reinforced collaboration between research groups or with other projects, enhanced cooperation with local partners, or the acquisition of remotely sensed data.
Collaboration with new teams or across disciplines are particularly encouraged, as well as participation in larger/international activities. The grants can be used to complement the funding of initiatives supported by larger funding schemes (e.g. SNSF, EU, etc.).
The grants are destined to cover costs for up to CHF 75,000.- per successfully evaluated project. A detailed budget will be requested from each applicant. For this year (2025), the total budget allocated to SPI Exploratory Grants will be capped at CHF 150,000.-.
The SPI Exploratory Grants are complementary to the Polar Access Fund (specifically focused on early-career scientists) and to the SPI Technogrants (focused on technology developments). Consequently, eligibility will be limited to established researchers or post-docs (at least 3 years after PhD graduation). The grants are open to all researchers employed by a Swiss public research institution.
Researchers from all fields, also fields considered as “non-typical” for polar sciences (e.g. engineering, materials, medicine, humanities and social sciences, etc.), are encouraged to apply if they have a project to be conducted in a polar context.
For fieldwork funding for early-career scientists, please consider the Polar Access Fund.
For eligibility, financial support, and application details, see the full call on the official SPI website.
Deadline for application is 9 October 2025.