The calls for proposals for the SPI Exploratory Grants and SPI Technogrants are now open!
The SPI Exploratory Grants support Swiss-based scientists active in polar regions (including remote high-altitude regions such as the Andes and the Himalayas) by allowing them to launch new short-term ideas such as pilot projects, fund additional fieldwork, or initiate new collaborations with financial support for logistics. To maximise the scientific output of a project whilst minimising its environmental footprint, grants can also be used for the acquisition of polar data and samples through innovative methods. These methods can for instance involve reinforced collaboration between research groups or with other projects, enhanced cooperation with local partners, or the acquisition of remotely sensed data.
The SPI Technogrants support Swiss groups developing technologies relevant for research in polar regions (and other extreme environments such as remote high-altitude regions). SPI Technogrants can support new technological developments but also serve to improve and adapt existing technologies to extreme environments. In particular, SPI Technogrants can be used to develop clean technologies increasing sustainability and lowering the environmental footprint of polar and high-altitude research whilst maximising scientific efforts in these regions.
For both calls for proposals, the amount per successfully evaluated project is capped at CHF75,000.-.
The submission deadline is 3 October 2024, 12:00 (noon, Swiss time).
An online info event on 29 August will cover the calls’ respective goals and processes and will include a Q&A session to answer your questions.
We look forward to receiving your applications. Shall you have any questions, the SPI team remains at your disposal by email: .
Header photograph: © Christophe Randin / Thomas Stastny, all rights reserved