Utilisation of specific infrastructure (USI)

The Utilisation of specific infrastructure grants are intended to support Swiss and Russian scientists (faculty and junior staff) wishing to spend a certain time period in a laboratory, department or at an institution of the counterpart country in order to utilise specialised equipment, facilities, resources, libraries and/or databases that are not available at their home institution. 

- To encourage 'brain circulation' between Switzerland and Russia.

- To make the most optimal utilisation of already existing research facilities, equipment and resources.

- To promote scientific interactions and exchange of know-how at international level.

Applications will be accepted only from Swiss citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland based in a Swiss university or research institution.

Eligible Swiss Institutions:

Priority will be given to new projects.

Applications must be made jointly by the Swiss applicant and his/her Russian counterpart.

Application forms can be downloaded from this website. The original of the completed joint application form, along with an electronic version, should be sent to the Swiss Programme Office at the University of Geneva: 

Mrs Irina Niggli

Rectorat, Uni-Dufour

Université de Genève

1211 Genève 4

Switzerland

The printed original copy must be signed by the Swiss applicant (written signature) and the Russian applicant (electronic signature).

Completed applications must be submitted no later than:

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The exchange principle should follow the rules that the sending institute pays for international travel costs and the receiving institute pays for accommodation and living costs of the visiting scientist. This principle can be adapted to individual situations. A detailed budget will be required. Projected expenses must be justified and related to the proposed activities.

Maximal allowable budget per project is CHF 15'000.

Allowable budget items for Swiss applicants going to Russia:

- Travel expenses connected with the visit to the hosting institute(s) in Russia.

Allowable budget items for Swiss applicants inviting scientists from Russia:

- Living expenses of visiting scientists from Russia.

- Costs for supplies required to do the proposed activities

Grants may not be used for:

- Salaries and insurance

- Overhead costs

For more details, please see Financial guidelines

In Switzerland, applications will be considered by LH/ ALH (if budget < CHF 10,000) or by the Swiss Steering Committee (if budget > CHF 10,000) on the basis of recommendations made by Advisory Board members and/or a panel of experts proposed by these Advisory Board members.

For more detailed information, see the document Selection Process.

Evaluation criteria:

(1) Scientific and technological merit

(2) Specific qualification of applicants for the proposed activities

(3) Expertise of the host institution

(4) Feasibility of the proposal

(5) Benefits of the proposed activities for strengthening short and long term institutional links between Switzerland and Russia.

Evaluation and selection process may take up to three months.

Applicants will be notified by the LH.

Grant recipients will have to submit to the LH a short scientific and financial report within three months of the end of the grant period.

Scientific reports will be evaluated by the Advisory Board members and/or a panel of experts proposed by these Advisory Board members for projects with a budget > CHF 10'000 and by the LH for projects with a budget < CHF 10'000. Financial reports will be examined by the LH.