DBT, ICMR & SNSF Joint Research Call for Proposal 2026 | Apply Now
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) have officially launched a joint call for Joint Research Projects (JRPs) under the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP). This 2026 initiative is designed to foster cutting-edge, bilateral collaboration in scientific areas of strategic relevance, with a specific focus on the One Health framework. If you are an Indian or Swiss researcher looking to bridge the gap between human, animal, and environmental health through a high-impact Call for Proposal, this is a premier opportunity to secure up to ₹2.50 Crores (Indian side) or CHF 400,000 (Swiss side) for four years of research.
About The Organisations
The Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP) represents a strategic scientific alliance between three of the world’s most influential research funding bodies, operating under a bilateral agreement to foster innovation in areas of global strategic relevance. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) acts as the primary driver for India’s biotechnology sector, funding large-scale R&D and biomanufacturing to solve complex challenges in genomics and agriculture. Complementing this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) serves as the apex body for biomedical research in India, coordinating national efforts in public health, disease pathogen research, and antimicrobial resistance. From the Swiss side, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) provides the academic and financial backbone, promoting scientific excellence through rigorous international peer review and cross-border networking. Together, these organizations prioritize a holistic One Health framework, merging their clinical, technological, and academic strengths to support interdisciplinary projects that acknowledge the inseparable links between human, animal, and environmental health.
DBT, ICMR & SNSF Joint Research Projects: Call for Proposals 2026
Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP)
Joint Research Projects (JRPs)
Grants for JRPs are aimed at promoting collaborative projects with clearly defined goals, involving at least one partner based in Switzerland and one based in India. Applications should describe ambitious research and propose innovative approaches. The research is to be carried out at the research facilities involved. Reciprocal visits and short stays in Switzerland for researchers from India and vice versa are also included within the scope of a JRP.
Thematic Focus: One Health
The 2026 call specifically targets interdisciplinary projects that recognize the interdependent links among human, animal, and environmental health. Proposals must meaningfully integrate at least two of these three domains.
Priority Research Topics include:
- Disease Pathogens & Zoonotics: Research on spillover dynamics and host-pathogen interactions.
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Development of diagnostics, novel therapeutics, and alternatives to antibiotics.
- Environmental Health: Climate change impacts on health and ecosystem assessments.
- Health Technology: Technology-enabled surveillance and medical devices addressing One Health challenges.
Funding & Project Duration
The call is highly competitive, with a plan to fund up to 10 high-quality projects globally.
- Project Tenure: Minimum of 3 years and maximum of 4 years.
- Indian Budget (DBT/ICMR): Up to ₹25 Million (₹2.50 Crores) per project. Eligible costs include equipment (max 30%), manpower, consumables, and international travel.
- Swiss Budget (SNSF): Up to CHF 400,000 per project for personnel, material, and research infrastructure.
- Reciprocal Visits: The grant permits one research visit per year, for up to two weeks, to foster team integration.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications must involve at least one partner based in Switzerland and one based in India.
For Indian Applicants:
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- Employment: Indian Nationals holding a regular position in government/Private academic or research institutions.
- Institution Status: Must be recognized by DSIR as an SIRO. Private NGOs/Trusts must have at least 3 years of research experience and be registered on the NITI Aayog Darpan Portal.
- Limitations: An investigator can submit only one proposal as PI, but may be a Co-PI in up to two proposals.
- For Swiss Applicants:
- Must meet standard SNSF Funding Regulations. Grantees of existing SNSF grants are eligible, provided there is no thematic overlap.
Submission & Evaluation Process
The application process is strictly digital and requires joint preparation by both partners.
- Portal: Proposals must be submitted via the SNF Portal (hard copies are not accepted).
- Account Requirement: All participating researchers, including the Indian team, must create accounts on the SNF Portal (requires a SWITCH edu-ID).
- Data Management: A Data Management Plan (DMP) is mandatory for approved grants.
- Deadline: May 05, 2026, by 17:00 CEST (Indian applicants should check for specific additional internal deadlines if required by DBT/ICMR).
- Evaluation: Projects are evaluated jointly based on scientific relevance, method suitability, and the added value of the bilateral collaboration.
The Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme 2026 is a landmark Call for Proposal for researchers committed to the One Health mission. By combining Swiss technical precision with India’s vast biomedical data and field expertise, this Biotechnology Research opportunity provides the funding and mobility needed to deliver world-class results. Ensure your joint proposal is submitted via the SNF Portal by May 5, 2026.
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