Request for Proposals: SPI Exploratory Grant Program (Switzerland)

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The SPI Exploratory Grant Program 2026 supports established researchers and postdoctoral scientists based at Swiss public research institutions to undertake innovative, short-term research in the Arctic, Antarctic, and selected high-altitude regions. Grants of up to CHF 75,000 per project can fund fieldwork, scientific equipment, sample and equipment transport, remote-sensing data, local research partnerships, and preliminary data analysis.

About the SPI Exploratory Grants

The Swiss Polar Institute (SPI) Exploratory Grants are designed to help established Swiss-based researchers launch exploratory research activities in challenging polar and high-altitude environments. The program supports projects that can generate new scientific knowledge, test innovative research approaches, develop collaborations, or provide additional fieldwork and data collection. Although the program has a strong focus on polar research, comparative studies in high-altitude regions such as the Andes and Himalayas may also be supported when they contribute directly to understanding polar-related scientific questions. What Does the Program Support? The grants are intended for short-term exploratory research activities rather than long-term research programs.

Supported activities may include:

Fieldwork in the Arctic or Antarctic. Research activities at polar scientific stations. Comparative research involving high-altitude regions such as the Andes or Himalayas. Collection of scientific data and samples. Innovative methods for data and sample acquisition. Purchase or rental of scientific equipment. Shipment of research equipment and samples. Acquisition of remotely sensed data. Fieldwork conducted by local research partners. Preliminary data analysis. Development of new interdisciplinary research collaborations. Collaboration with international research teams and local partners. Projects are encouraged to use innovative approaches and strengthen cooperation between different research groups and disciplines. Research Areas and Scientific Scope The SPI Exploratory Grant Program is open to researchers from all scientific fields. Applicants do not need to traditionally identify as polar scientists. Researchers from disciplines outside conventional polar science can apply if their proposed research has a clear polar context. The strongest proposals are expected to demonstrate why the proposed exploratory work is scientifically important and how it can contribute to broader polar research. Why It Matters Polar and high-altitude environments are difficult and expensive locations for scientific research. Researchers often need specialised equipment, transportation, field partners, and access to remote research stations. The SPI Exploratory Grants help researchers overcome these barriers by providing flexible funding for short-term activities that can generate preliminary evidence, establish collaborations, and develop new research directions. The program also encourages researchers to minimise the environmental footprint of their research activities. Applicants should explicitly explain how their proposed work will reduce environmental impacts. Funding Available The SPI Exploratory Grant Program provides:

Maximum grant: CHF 75,000 per successful proposal

Total annual budget for the 2026 call: CHF 200,000 Funding can be used for eligible research-related expenses directly connected with the proposed exploratory project. Transportation of researchers and research materials. Shipment of scientific equipment and samples. Purchase or rental of scientific equipment. Acquisition of remotely sensed data. Fieldwork undertaken by local partners. Preliminary analysis of collected data. Other directly research-related exploratory costs justified in the proposal. Costs That Are Not Eligible

The grant does not generally support:

Overhead costs. Salaries for permanent positions. Activities that are not directly related to the proposed research. General institutional operating expenses. Applicants should therefore ensure that their budgets clearly distinguish eligible research costs from institutional or routine expenses. Who Is Eligible? The program is intended for established researchers and postdoctoral researchers based in Switzerland.

Applicants must:

Be established researchers or postdocs. Be at least three years post-PhD. Be employed by a Swiss public research institution. Propose research conducted in a polar context or a qualifying comparative high-altitude context. Demonstrate a credible research plan and scientific rationale. Researchers from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply. Who Should Consider Other Funding? The SPI Exploratory Grant is aimed at established researchers rather than very early-career scientists. Researchers who are seeking funding specifically for fieldwork and are still at an earlier career stage should consider the Polar Access Fund, which is intended to address the needs of early-career researchers. How to Apply Applicants should develop a concise but scientifically convincing proposal demonstrating the value of the exploratory research.

1. Develop a Relevant Research Idea

Define a research question that clearly relates to polar science or to comparative high-altitude research supporting polar understanding.

2. Explain the Exploratory Nature

Describe why the project requires exploratory funding. Explain whether it will: Test a new research idea. Generate preliminary data. Enable additional fieldwork. Develop a new collaboration. Test innovative data collection methods. Establish a foundation for a larger research project.

3. Prepare a Detailed Work Plan

Explain what activities will take place, where they will occur, who will conduct them, and what scientific outputs are expected.

4. Build a Justified Budget

Request funding only for eligible expenses that are directly connected to the research.

5. Address Environmental Impact

The environmental footprint of the research m