SNSF

SNSF–NIHR Joint Call for Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials (Switzerland–UK)

Due Date: 09/09/2025

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) invite bilateral applications for high-quality, randomised controlled clinical trials in areas of unmet healthcare need—leveraging complementary expertise and patient recruitment across Switzerland and the UK over up to five years.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicant Teams: Must include investigators and recruitment sites in both Switzerland and the UK.

  • Research Focus: Randomised, controlled clinical trials aimed at improving diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases; prior human clinical evidence required demonstrating intervention promise.

  • Investigator Eligibility: Researchers based at eligible Swiss institutions (register on mySNF) and at NIHR-eligible UK organisations.

Funding Details

  • Total Budget: CHF 8.8 million, shared between SNSF (for Swiss activities) and NIHR (for UK activities).

  • Awards: Up to three joint trials funded for periods up to five years.

  • Use of Funds: Trial costs including personnel, interventions, data management, monitoring, and other direct research expenses; each agency funds costs incurred within its country.

Deadlines & Process

  • Outline Application (NIHR Deadline): 9 September 2025, 14:00 CEST

  • Swiss Registration (SNSF Deadline): 9 September 2025, 17:00 CEST via mySNF (CVs and required docs)

  • Notification of Outline Results: November 2025

  • Full Application Submission: 28 January 2026

Where to Apply & Further Information

  • NIHR Outline Portal: Call details and outline submission via the NIHR Funding Service (search “Swiss-UK Clinical Trials 2025”).

  • SNSF Registration & Full Proposal: mySNF platform – see the Swiss-UK Clinical Trials FAQs PDF and user guide.

  • Call Text & FAQs:

    • NIHR website: “Call for bilateral trials with the UK”

    • SNSF PDF Q&A: “Questions & Answers – Swiss-UK Clinical Trials 2025”