The funding programme BRIDGE Discovery awards funds to experienced researchers in basic as well as applied research. This financial support will enable them to better use the innovation potential of their research results.
With 189 applications, the first call for proposals received a very high participation. 27 projects were preselected for the second level of evaluation – a presentation of the project and subsequent interview. Based on this evaluation and with the available budget, the SNSF and Innosuisse will support eight projects distinguished by scientific excellence, a convincing implementation strategy and high economic or social potential.
The second call for Discovery was launched in December 2017. Researchers can submit a letter of intent until 19 February 2018 and a project until 16 April 2017. The submission of the letter of intent is mandatory for the submission of a project.
The eight funded projects of the first call:
- Despeisse Matthieu (CSEM), Ballif Christophe (EPFL), Tiwari Ayodhya Nath (EMPA): High-performance tandem solar cells with improved stability and cost-competitive manufacturing
- Emmenegger Lukas (EMPA), Südmeyer Thomas (Uni Neuenburg), Faist Jérôme (ETH Zürich): High-resolution QCL frequency comb spectrometer for the detection of trace gases and their isotopes
- Fontcuberta i Morral Anna (EPFL): Ultra-bright electron sources for pulsed electron microscopy
- Gubler Lorenz (PSI): Functionalized Separators Enabling a Break-Through of Redox Flow Batteries for Stationary Energy Storage
- Kippenberg Tobias Jan (EPFL), Herr Tobias (CSEM): Energy efficient optical frequency combs based on photonic integrated resonators and temporally structured pump light
- Plückthun Andreas (Uni Zürich): The Modular Designer Detectome
- Weber Stefan (Uni Bern), Raabe Andreas (Inselspital Bern), Chételat Olivier (CSEM): Towards Intelligent Sensor-enhanced Robotic Neurosurgery
- Zbinden Hugo (Uni Genf), Brunner Nicolas (Uni Genf), Messerli Etienne (HES-SO): Self-testing Quantum Random Number Generator