Open Call for Research Projects
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.
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
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 jmichels@hagerbach.ch with the subject ‘VSH Research Infrastructure Call’. After a formal review, the candidate(s) are contacted. Successfull applications will be implemented into VSH proposal request for the Hagerbach Foundation in a joint collaboration between the applicant(s) and the VSH team.
- 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 (jmichels@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 jointly with the VSH team. The exact content will be discussed bilaterally.
Submission Process
Documents are to be submitted via e-mail at jmichels@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 alignment with the Strategy for Research Infrastructure of National Importance.
2) Evaluation and funding recommendation
If VSH AG supports the application, a proposal document for evaluation by the Hagerbach Foundation will be established jointly with the VSH team. For further information and questions, please contact Dr. Michael Kompatscher (mkompatscher@hagerbach.ch) and/or Dr. Julien Michels (jmichels@hagerbach.ch).
