Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme 2026 and ICSSR, New Delhi (Apr 08, 2026)

The Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme 2026 presents a prestigious opportunity for Indian researchers to collaborate on high-impact social science projects with counterparts in Switzerland. As academic landscapes become increasingly global, this bilateral initiative bridges the gap between scholars in India and Switzerland, fostering cross-border innovation. Consequently, this call for proposals serves as a vital platform for addressing complex societal challenges through shared expertise.

This joint initiative by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) specifically targets advancements in digital governance, inequality, and economic transformation. Furthermore, it empowers researchers to secure substantial funding and international recognition. Therefore, eligible scholars should prioritize this grant to enhance their academic portfolio.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme 2026
Organizing Agencies	Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) & Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
Primary Discipline	Social Sciences
Submission Deadline	08 April, 2026
Collaboration Type	Bilateral Joint Research Projects
Target Region	India and Switzerland
Official Website	www.icssr.org

Program Overview

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) have officially launched the call for the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme 2026. This initiative operates under the bilateral programmes framework between the two nations. Specifically, the grant aims to strengthen the scientific bond between India and Switzerland by facilitating joint research projects that hold social relevance.

The primary objective involves enabling researchers to co-create knowledge that addresses pressing global issues. Additionally, the program encourages the exchange of methodologies and data between Indian and Swiss academic partners. By participating, scholars contribute to a growing body of international research that influences policy and social understanding.

Target Audience

This grant is designed for established and emerging researchers within the field of Social Sciences. Specifically, it targets:

• Faculty members and researchers at UGC-recognized Indian universities and deemed universities.
• Scholars affiliated with ICSSR-funded research institutes.
• Academic partners based in Switzerland seeking collaboration with Indian counterparts.
• Research teams capable of handling complex, cross-border studies.

Eligibility Criteria

To successfully apply for this programme, applicants must adhere to specific guidelines set by both funding agencies.

• Indian Applicants: Must be affiliated with a recognized public or private institution in India (University, College, or Research Institute).
• Swiss Applicants: Must meet the eligibility requirements mandated by the SNSF.
• Joint Application: The proposal must be jointly developed by the Indian and Swiss partners.
• Discipline: The research must strictly fall within the domain of Social Sciences.

Research Topics & Themes

The 2026 call focuses on highly relevant contemporary themes. Applicants must propose research projects that address one of the following priority areas:

• Digital Governance and AI: Topics covering AI ethics and the broader social impact of Artificial Intelligence.
• Social Justice: Detailed studies on inequality, justice, and inclusion within diverse societies.
• Migration and Society: Research focused on mobility and social integration.
• Economics: Studies analyzing economic transformation in the modern era.

Expected Outcomes

Participants in this programme are expected to deliver tangible academic contributions.

• Joint Publications: High-impact research papers co-authored by Indian and Swiss scholars.
• Policy Recommendations: Data-driven insights that can assist governments in policy formulation regarding AI, economy, and social justice.
• Knowledge Exchange: Workshops and seminars to disseminate findings to the broader academic community.
• Capacity Building: Strengthening the research infrastructure and network for future collaborations.

Registration Details

Component	Information
Application Mode	Online via ICSSR Website
Announcement Date	January 2025
Submission Deadline	08 April, 2026
Application Fee	Refer to official guidelines on the portal
Selection Process	Peer Review by Joint Committee
Official Link	Visit ICSSR Website

Selection Criteria

Proposals will undergo a rigorous evaluation process. The joint committee prioritizes:

• Scientific Merit: The quality, originality, and feasibility of the research proposal.
• Relevance: Alignment with the four proposed topics (AI, Inequality, Mobility, Economy).
• Collaboration: The strength and synergy of the partnership between the Indian and Swiss teams.
• Impact: The potential for the research to influence social policy or academic discourse.

Additional Information

Applicants should note that this is a competitive grant. Therefore, early preparation of the proposal is highly recommended. Funding usually covers research expenses, travel for exchange visits, and overheads, subject to the specific budgetary guidelines of ICSSR and SNSF. Furthermore, researchers should ensure their respective institutions provide the necessary “No Objection Certificates” (NOC) well before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme 2026?
Researchers affiliated with recognized Indian universities or research institutes in the field of social sciences can apply. They must have a partner based in an eligible Swiss institution.

2. What is the deadline for submitting the joint proposal?
The strict deadline for submission is 08 April, 2026. Late submissions are typically not entertained by funding agencies.

3. Are there specific topics I must stick to?
Yes, your proposal must address one of the four key areas: Digital governance/AI ethics, Inequality/Justice, Mobility/Integration, or Economic transformation.

4. Where can I find the official application link?
You can access the detailed call for proposals and the application portal by visiting the official website at www.icssr.org.

5. Does the grant cover travel expenses?
Typically, these bilateral grants cover research costs and mobility (travel and stay) for the researchers to visit their partner institutions in India and Switzerland.