Infrastructure Projects Call

Funding Opportunity for Innovative Research Projects

The Hagerbach Test Gallery – a Swiss research infrastructure of national importance - invites applications for research projects, which address fundamental challenges in energy systems, space habitat and safety, underground heavy construction, and smart cities requiring infrastructure support. Whether individual or collaborative, disciplinary or interdisciplinary, you have the opportunity to bring your research to life with our state-of-the-art underground infrastructure. We provide funding for research projects relying on the development, installation, use, and operating of scientific equipment and infrastructure at our underground research lab in Flums (SG), with a duration of one to four years.

Submission Deadlines

Applications are accepted and evaluated twice per year – submission deadline is March 31 and September 30.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from experienced researchers based at academic institutions or in industry in Switzerland and abroad. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged, as many research questions require a multidisciplinary approach to be effectively addressed. Collaborative projects involving three or more applicants are especially encouraged. One applicant may be based at a research institution or industry abroad if their expertise is essential to the project. These projects must demonstrate a sustainable and synergistic use of the research infrastructure, showcasing added value through collaboration.

Funding Details

A minimum of 75% of the grant is to be expended in infrastructure investment at the VSH
Maximum funding per applicant: 250,000 CHF per year
Maximum funding per project: 500,000 CHF per year
Minimum grant per project: 50,000 CHF
Minimum project duration: 1 year

Focus Areas

Projects in any research area up to TRL 6 are eligible. Core focus areas include:

Projects outside these areas may also be considered if they demonstrate sustainable use of the proposed infrastructure beyond the project’s duration.

Eligibility Criteria

Personal Requirements

Applicants must dedicate at least 50% (0.5 FTE) of their time to research, including teaching and management activities, at an eligible institution or industry in Switzerland or abroad.
Exceptions apply for clinical researchers, employees of startups (founded within the last five years), and independent researchers.

Scientific Qualifications

PI must have at least four years of research experience after obtaining a PhD.
If the PI does not hold a PhD, the four-year period begins after at least three years of full-time research experience.
PI must be capable of leading a research project and managing involved staff.

Collaborative Projects & Project Partners

If multiple researchers apply together, they share responsibility for the project and must make substantial contributions.
Hierarchical dependencies between applicants are generally not permitted.
External project partners may participate in research activities but are not responsible for the project and do not need to meet applicant eligibility requirements.

Formal Requirements

The application proceeding foresees a two-step process: a two-page project outline including the proposed involvement of the VSH is to be submitted via info@hagerbach.ch with the subject ‘VSH Research Infrastructure Call’ until the indicated deadlines. After a formal review of two weeks, the candidate(s) are invited to submit a full 10-page proposal within 8 weeks.
Submissions are accepted in English or German.
Each applicant may participate in only one funding application per call but can hold up to three concurrent project grants, provided the projects are distinct and the applicant demonstrates significant personal contributions to each.
Funding see above.

How to Apply

Required Documents and submission process

Phase 1

The applicants are invited to send via e-mail info@hagerbach.ch with the subject ‘VSH Infrastructure Calls’) a two-page document presenting the overarching topic (in relation to the VSH core focus areas) including the proposed involvement of the VSH, the project content and planned research activities, a rough budget estimate, and the infrastructure type to be financed.

Phase 2 (upon positive initial review)

Applicants are in a second step invited to prepare a full proposal document (templates will be provided) including:

Research Plan
Proposal for Research Infrastructure (including requested external expertise and inkind expertise for setup and operation)
Well-founded Connection (half page) to the strategic focus areas and/or long term sustainablity / useability of the proposed infrastructure at VSH.
Data Management Plan
Budget Research Team Overview with CVs
List of 5 proposed independent reviewers

Submission Process

Documents are to be submitted via e-mail at info@hagerbach.ch with subject “VSH Research Infrastructure Call”.

Evaluation process

For full funding regulations, refer to the regulations of the Stiftung Hagerbach (Hagerbach foundation).

1) Formal Review

An initial formal check is conducted by VSH AG, including an assessment of the application's strategic alignment with the Strategy for Research Infrastructure of National Importance. Feedback is provided to the applicants, including inputs on the strategic shape of the proposal towards higher chance for funding.

2) Evaluation and funding recommendation

If VSH AG supports the application, it will be forwarded along with 1 to 2 independent reviews to the Stiftung Hagerbach (Hagerbach foundation) for a final funding decision. For further information and questions, please contact Dr. Michael Kompatscher mkompatscher@hagerbach.ch and/or Dr. Julien Michels jmichels@hagerbach.ch.