Information for Researchers
Research promotion by Synapsis Foundation – more than just research funding
- More than 130 Research Projects
- More than CHF 33 Mio.
- 10 Scientific Events
FUNDING POSSIBILITIES
Dementia Research Switzerland – Synapsis Foundation collects donations of private and institutional donors to support projects in the field of neurodegeneration research.
- 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
- Booster Fonds: Support of innovative projects that advance research into neurodegenerative diseases in a broader sense.
To accelerate research into neurodegenerative diseases and dementia, the Synapsis Foundation supports projects in the following areas:
- Research in genetics, molecular and cell biology to gain new insights into pathomechanisms
- Innovative clinical approaches towards
- an early diagnosis, including biomarkers
- new therapeutic interventions
- prevention studies
- Novel technological developments, including artificial intelligence/e-health, that support the diagnosis, treatment and prediction of the course of the disease
- Proof-of-principle studies
The foundation welcomes high-risk proposals and collaborative projects involving groups from different disciplines.
- 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).
- Researchers can only submit one project at a time as main applicant.
- Only one project per main applicant is funded at a time.
- Researchers can only apply if they did not receive any funds from Synapsis Foundation for at least one year at the time of application.
- For more information on eligibility and funding please read the FAQ's.
Evaluation Criteria:
The Scientific Advisory Board evaluates the submitted research proposals, supported by external experts, according to the following criteria:
- Originality and innovation
- Scientific quality
- Feasibility
- Experience and past performance
- Compliance with application requirements
Evaluation Process
- Evaluation and pre-selection of letters of intent by the Scientific Advisory Board
- Evaluation of full proposals by the Scientific Advisory Board supported by reviews and recommendations of renowned external experts
- Selection of projects to be funded by the Scientific Advisory Board
- Decision on funding of selected projects by the Board of Trustees
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
We are pleased to announce the Synapsis Foundation's 2025 call for proposals. The application process follows a two-step procedure.
Researchers are invited to submit a letter of intent by 7 April 2025. After a first pre-selection, applicants who submitted the most promising project outlines will be invited to submit a full proposal by 7 July 2025.
For more information please see the call papers, the FAQs or participate in our FAQ Call on 16 March 2025 at 15:00.
Please choose the appropriate application form. All information must be compiled in one pdf-document, following the formatting guidelines and be submitted via the online application tool.
Please select application form:
- 28 February 2025: Publication of Call for Proposals 2025
- 7 April 2025: Submission deadline for letter of intent
- 12 May 2025: Invitation to submit a full proposal for the best-rated project outlines
- 15 May 2025: Rejection letters sent to unsuccessful applicants
- 7 July 2025: Submission deadline for full proposal
- 6 November 2025: Funding recommendation by the Scientific Advisory Board
- 30 November 2025: Funding decision by the Board of Trustees
- Mid December 2024: Communication to applicants regarding funding/rejection
- January to March 2025: preparation and signing of the grant agreements
Do you have questions about your application?
Please check our FAQs or participate in our FAQ Zoom Call on 18 March 2025 at 15:00. To register for the FAQ Zoom Call please write an e-mail to hess_at_demenz-forschung.ch mentioning “FAQ Call Registration” in the subject line.
SCIENTIFIC EVENTS
In order to improve networking and the exchange of knowledge between scientists from different disciplines and institutions, Synapsis Foundation organizes events for researchers. The intention is to support the establishment of new research collaborations and to make optimal use of synergies.
CONTACT
Heide Marie Hess
Liaison Officer Research
Phone number: +41 44 271 35 11
Email address: hess_at_demenz-forschung.ch
Swiss Network for Dementia Research
Founded by Dementia Research Switzerland – Synapsis Foundation, the Swiss Network for Dementia Research aims to advance networking and collaboration across different disciplines and institutions in dementia research. With a diverse range of networking events, interdisciplinary educational programs, and an online community platform providing access to information on services, infrastructure, and research tools, it builds bridges across the field.
Building a dynamic dementia community:
- Promoting knowledge exchange and fostering new collaborations to drive new impulses in dementia research.
- Accelerating the translation of research findings into clinical practice.
- Supporting early-career scientists.
- Strengthening the research field and increasing the visibility of Swiss dementia studies.
Shaping the future of dementia research with us.