SNSF and ERC Starting Grant Application with the Department of Physics of the University of Zurich

The Department of Physics at the University of Zurich supports applications for competitive individual funding schemes, including:

• SNSF Starting Grant

• ERC Starting Grants

• SNSF Ambizione

Important: Institutional support is required before submission. An internal evaluation process applies.

Applicants must follow the steps below:

1. Identify and contact a group close to your research at the Department
   Contact group leader and discuss your project at the Department of Physics.

2. Submit initial documents
   Send the following documents to Katharina Mueller

   • Academic CV
   • Short project summary (1–2 pages)

3. Internal evaluation
   The department evaluates:

   • Scientific quality and originality
   • Fit with the department’s research profile
   • Feasibility and infrastructure requirements
   • Budget realism

4. Invitation to proceed
   Selected candidates receive support to prepare a full proposal.

5. Institutional approval
   Applications must be submitted via the UZH AVA system.

6. Submission to funding agency
   Final submission via SNSF or ERC portals.

• Early contact is mandatory
  Contact a group adjacent to your area of research and discuss your project at least 3 months before the deadline.

• Internal selection applies
  Not all candidates can be supported.

• Alignment with the department is required
  Projects must match existing or planned research areas.

• Think about your budget early and discuss it with department 
  SNSF and ERC projects have different budgeting rules