Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP): SNSF–ICSSR Call for Proposals

Introduction and Overview

The Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP) SNSF–ICSSR call for proposals represents a major opportunity for social science researchers seeking international collaboration. This bilateral initiative brings together India and Switzerland through a structured funding framework supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).

Importantly, the programme aims to promote high-quality, policy-relevant research by encouraging joint projects between Indian and Swiss scholars. Through this article, you will gain a clear understanding of the programme’s objectives, eligibility rules, funding structure, application process, and expert tips for submitting a competitive proposal. Moreover, the guide highlights common mistakes and practical planning advice for first-time applicants.

Why the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme Matters

International research collaboration has become essential in addressing complex social challenges. The ISJRP stands out because it combines equal partnership, academic excellence, and mutual capacity building.

Strengthening India–Switzerland Research Ties

Firstly, the programme deepens long-term academic cooperation between India and Switzerland. Instead of short-term exchanges, ISJRP supports structured research projects that involve shared design, execution, and dissemination.

Supporting Policy-Relevant Social Science Research

Secondly, the programme prioritizes research themes with real-world impact. Projects are expected to contribute to policy debates, institutional development, or social innovation. As a result, funded studies often reach stakeholders beyond academia.

Balanced Funding and Academic Autonomy

Finally, both funding agencies support their respective national teams. This structure ensures administrative clarity while preserving academic independence for researchers on both sides.

Eligibility and Who Should Apply

The ISJRP call for proposals is designed for established researchers with institutional backing.

Eligibility for Indian Applicants

Indian researchers must:

• • Be affiliated with a recognized Indian university or research institution.

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  • Hold a doctoral degree in a relevant social science discipline.

  • Meet ICSSR’s eligibility and institutional approval requirements.

Eligibility for Swiss Applicants

Swiss researchers must:

• • Be employed at a Swiss higher education or research institution.

  • Fulfil SNSF eligibility criteria for project funding.

  • Submit a parallel application to SNSF.

Importantly, proposals must be jointly developed and submitted by both Indian and Swiss principal investigators.

Key Features, Funding, and Research Scope

Research Areas Covered

The programme broadly supports social sciences and related interdisciplinary fields. These may include:

• • Sociology and social anthropology

  • Economics and development studies

  • Political science and governance

  • Human geography

  • Public policy and institutional analysis

However, projects must clearly demonstrate relevance to both countries.

Funding Structure

Each funding agency finances its national research team. Typically, support covers:

• • Research personnel costs

  • Fieldwork and data collection

  • Travel for collaboration meetings

  • Workshops and dissemination activities

That said, infrastructure costs and unrelated expenses are usually excluded.

Project Duration

Most projects run for up to 24 months, although exact timelines depend on approval conditions set by SNSF and ICSSR.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the ISJRP Call

Applying to the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme requires careful coordination.

Step 1: Develop a Joint Research Concept

Firstly, both partners should jointly define research questions, methodology, and outputs. Balanced contribution is essential, as reviewers assess partnership quality.

Step 2: Prepare Proposal Documents

Applicants must prepare:

• • A detailed research proposal

  • Work plan and timeline

  • Budget breakdown for each country

  • CVs of principal investigators

Clarity and consistency across both submissions are critical.

Step 3: Submit to Both Funding Agencies

Indian applicants submit to ICSSR, while Swiss applicants submit to SNSF. Deadlines are aligned, but submission systems differ. Therefore, early coordination avoids last-minute errors.

Step 4: Evaluation and Selection

Both agencies jointly evaluate proposals based on:

• • Scientific quality

  • Methodological rigor

  • Feasibility and planning

  • Added value of collaboration

Only proposals approved by both agencies receive funding.

Tips, Common Mistakes, and Expert Advice

Expert Tips for a Strong Application

• • Emphasize joint ownership rather than parallel work.

  • Clearly explain why collaboration is necessary.

  • Link research outcomes to policy or societal relevance.

For example, an Indian–Swiss team studying urban governance could compare institutional reforms across contexts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• • Submitting mismatched budgets or timelines.

  • Overloading proposals with theory but weak methodology.

  • Ignoring dissemination and impact planning.

In contrast, strong proposals balance ambition with realism.

Program Summary Table

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP) SNSF–ICSSR call for proposals offers a valuable platform for meaningful international research collaboration. By combining academic excellence with policy relevance, the programme supports research that matters beyond borders. Successful applications require early planning, balanced partnerships, and clear societal impact. Therefore, interested researchers should begin discussions well in advance and consult official guidelines carefully. Ultimately, ISJRP remains a strategic opportunity for scholars aiming to expand their global research footprint.

References

1. Indian Council of Social Science Research – ISJRP Call Document

2. Swiss National Science Foundation – International Cooperation
   
   

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