University Funding
Call for Research Funding Proposals 2025
The Research Committee funds research projects and networking activities and supports junior researchers in building their academic careers. On this page, you can find the four funding lines of the Research Committee. The guideline forms the legal basis.
The next submission deadline is 22 September 2025. The Research Committee will decide on the applications on 23 October 2025 and communicate its decisions no later than two weeks after the meeting. Urgent applications can be submitted anytime. Applications must be submitted via the FIS under "Internal Grants". Further details can be found in the information sheet.
Please note that the faculties also have their own funds available for smaller grants and/or other purposes (e.g. conference participation).
Funding lines
Project funding
This funding line targets established researchers (professors and staff in the category “Teaching and Research Officers” (Lehr- und Forschungsbeauftragte)). Funding is provided primarily for projects that aim to prepare a competitive third-party funding application. It is used to finance temporary positions, teaching relief and project-related material costs. The maximum contribution is CHF 25'000. Smaller research projects that are not directly related to third-party funding can be supported with CHF 10'000.
Application forms
- Projects: Preparatory Funding (with third-party funding application)
- Projects: Research Contribution (without third-party funding application)
Funding for young researchers
Doctoral students with an outstanding dissertation project can apply for a mobility stay abroad of three to twelve months or a leave of absence from teaching and administrative assistant duties of up to six months to complete their dissertation. The funding includes the salary and, for mobility stays, a lump sum to cover living, travel and research costs.
For postdoctoral researchers with an outstanding research profile, a contribution can be made towards preparing an application for a career funding instrument of the SNF or the EU. Funding includes a release from teaching and administrative duties as well as project-related material resources. The maximum funding amount is CHF 20,000.
Application forms
Interdisciplinary research networks
This funding line supports the development of interdisciplinary university networks with the aim of creating new research content and structures. The call for proposals is aimed at consortia of at least four members of the professorship or teaching and research associates from at least two faculties or departments. Networks can be thematically or methodically oriented.
In this first call for proposals, a contribution of up to CHF 10,000 can be requested as start-up funding for a more in-depth conceptual development of the network (salaries, workshops, retreats). Funded networks can apply for further funding in a subsequent call for proposals.
Application form
Scientific exchange
This line of funding targets research associates at the postdoc level and above and supports contributions to conferences with significant participation from the University of Lucerne and an international or interdisciplinary character. A minimum of 50% participation by international speakers and/or a clearly interdisciplinary character is expected.
Applications can also be made for contributions to guest researchers, lecture series and other activities that serve to promote scientific networking. The maximum contribution is CHF 10,000.
