About SPI Flagship Initiatives
SPI Flagship Initiatives are multi-annual programmes combining science and technology projects from different disciplines and different groups/institutions in Switzerland around a polar focus region. The funding is focused on field campaigns (logistics, safety, etc.), data management, outreach, and programme coordination, thus providing temporary infrastructure for a Swiss-led polar research programme.
The next call for proposals will open in early 2025 for programmes starting their work in early 2026. Below we provide a timeline for 2025:
| 3 February | Call for proposals opens, call document available online |
| 6 & 11 February | Online information events, you can already register here |
| 30 April | Pre-poposal submission deadline |
| mid-June | Written feedback to applicants |
| 8 October | Proposal submission deadline |
| mid-December | Notification of applicants |
For further information you can read the detailed description of the SPI Flagship Initiatives framework and scope provided in the SPI Flagship Initiatives – Call for proposals. However, please note that this document applies to the ongoing projects below and will be updated for the new call (e.g. the possible duration of a Flagship Initiative will be increased). Please feel free to reach out to if you have any questions.
Two SPI Flagship Initiatives (2022-2026)
The first two SPI Flagship Initiatives began their work in early 2022. The two selected programmes are:
PAMIR
From ice to microorganisms and humans: Toward an interdisciplinary understanding of climate change impacts on the Third Pole.
PIs: Dr. Francesca Pellicciotti (WSL/ISTA) and Prof. Martin Hölzle (University of Fribourg)
Swiss partner institutions*: EPFL, UniBe, ETHZ, WSL, UniFr, PSI, UZH, UniGe
Programme Homepage: https://pamir-project.ch
Press Release: "1.5 million Swiss francs for cryospheric research in Central Asia"
GreenFjord
Greenlandic Fjord ecosystems in a changing climate: Socio-cultural and environmental interactions
PI: Prof. Julia Schmale (EPFL)
Swiss Partner institutions*: EPFL, UniL, ETHZ, WSL, UZH
Programme Homepage:https://greenfjord-project.ch
Press Release: "New research programme will study fjord ecosystems in Greenland"
*’partner institutions’ involves institutions of PI, sub-PI, and other participants
Both SPI Flagship Initiatives are implementing ambitious science programmes from 2022 - 2026.