Who counts as a researcher?
Researchers are scientists (doctoral students, postdocs, professors) for whom research is one of their main activities. At least one researcher from UZH or ETH must be involved.
I am a doctoral student/a postdoc and would like to submit an application. Should I name my advisor/the professor of the chair I am working with as the applicant?
The person who would like to carry out or develop the project should be the contact person. We assume that you consult your supervisors and discuss the planned application with them.
Can researchers from the national ETH domain apply for a Seed Grant?
Yes, researchers from WSL, EMPA, EAWAG, PSI and EPFL are also eligible to apply.
Who counts as a citizen?
Persons who do not hold a scientific position at UZH, ETH or another research institution.
Whose CV's do we have to include with the application?
We only ask you to upload the CV of the main applicant(s). You are welcome to upload the CVs of the entire project team, but you do not have to. In the application form, however, we ask you to provide a brief description of the role of the different members of the project team.
What can be added as an appendix?
Please enclose CVs or other documents that you consider important in order to evaluate the application, such as letters of recommendation, in the appendix. Of course, the appendix should not be overloaded.
What can the money be used for?
The use of the money is quite free: It can be used for salaries (researchers as well as citizens), events, workshops, travel etc...! We ask you to prepare a budget overview. Adjustments are still possible after the reception of a grant, but you should give the reviewers an idea of what you plan to do with the funds.
In what period of time do the funds have to be used?
Approximately within the course of twelve months.
Should in-kind contributions be mentioned?
You can - but do not have to - state what contributions you bring in yourself. This can be working time, infrastructure or similar. It always helps reviewers to get an idea of how much you and your project partners bring in to the project. Depending on the project idea, what you contribute can vary greatly.
My project is coming to an end and I need follow-up funding - can I apply for a Seed Grant?
The intention of the Seed Grant is to initiate new partnerships and new ideas. If the application follows up from an existing project, it must be clear how the new project differs from the existing one and which new participatory elements are being promoted.
I do research abroad. Is it possible to get a seed grant for a project outside Switzerland?
There is no geographical limitation. However, we would like the public in Switzerland to be able to participate in the projects in some way or like to see some sort of impact in Switzerland. You should therefore demonstrate how this is possible.
If we get an approval for the Seed Grant, when does the project have to start?
You can start as soon as you receive the approval for funding. It may be necessary to obtain documents or there might be framework conditions for your project that specify or influence your timeframe. Most projects start between summer and the end of the year.
For our project, we must obtain an ethics vote. It takes about three months until we receive a decision. Is that a problem?
No - please simply describe what documents you need to obtain and what the timeframe is.
What criteria are used to evaluate the applications?
The selection committee assesses the projects rating the following criteria:
Excellence and innovation in research
Quality and appropriateness of methods
Degree and design of participation
Added value of the participatory approach
Social demand
Intended impact of the project
Feasibility
Sustainability or prospects for follow-up projects
Open Science
Who is part of the selection committee?
The selection committee consists of professors, citizens with experience in Citizen Science, a representative of the Mercator Foundation Switzerland and the managing office. This means that your application should be readable and accessible by people who are smart, but maybe smart in a field slightly different from yours. The final funding decision is made by the selection committee.
I know that my advisor has been asked to be part of the selection committee/is a member of the board of Citizen Science Zurich. Is that a problem?
No. When discussing the projects, we pay attention to possible bias, for example by abstention due to bias.
What kind of reporting do I need to do if I am awarded a Seed Grant? What do I have to submit and when?
We ask you to send us a written, final report after completion. Questions structuring the report will be provided by us.
I have a question that is not answered here. Who can I contact? Olivia Höhener
