The Permeability Exchange Program provides PhD students and postdoctoral researchers with the opportunity to undertake short-term research stays within the NCCR consortium. The program enables researchers to gain new experimental skills, access specialized equipment, develop collaborations, and strengthen scientific networks. Research stays can last from a few days up to three months and are designed to strengthen scientific collaboration across the NCCR community. Exchanges can be used to learn new experimental methods and technical skills, access specialized research infrastructure, perform complementary experiments, develop new scientific collaborations and joint research outputs.
Short exchanges within Switzerland are particularly encouraged.
Who can apply?
The program is open to PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and other scientific staff affiliated with NCCR Separations, including both SNSF-funded and in-kind personnel. The planned exchange must be approved by both the home supervisor and host supervisor. There is no limit to the number of exchanges a researcher may undertake. Exchanges within the same institution are possible but are not eligible for funding. For longer international stays, particularly stays of six months or more, PhD candidates are encouraged to consider the SNSF Mobility Grant, where eligible.
What is funded?
Subject to the availability of funds, the program covers reasonable expenses directly related to the research exchange.
Maximum contribution:
– Switzerland: up to CHF 3,000
– International exchanges: up to CHF 5,000
Eligible expenses include travel to and from the host institution, accommodation for eligible exchanges, additional living costs for incoming international exchanges.
Accommodation is reimbursed when the daily commute would exceed two hours. For shorter commutes, daily travel costs can be reimbursed instead. Where possible, airfare should be booked through the travel agency of the participant’s home institution. The program does not cover research consumables, equipment, conference registration fees, or travel to NCCR meetings. Exchanges within the same institution are possible but are not eligible for funding. These costs should be covered by the host PI’s research funds or another appropriate funding source. Expenses already covered by another funding source cannot be reimbursed by the NCCR. Applicants may, however, combine the exchange with complementary funding when appropriate. The SNSF Flexibility Grant may also help eligible researchers cover external childcare costs.
How to apply?
Submit your application before your planned exchange:
| Exchange type | Apply at least |
|---|---|
| Short national stay (less than 1 week) | 1 week in advance |
| National stay (1 week–3 months) | 3 weeks in advance |
| International stay | 3 months in advance |
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by the NCCR PMU, in consultation with the NCCR Director and, where appropriate, the relevant Principal Investigators.
Applications are assessed according to:
– completeness of the application;
– scientific quality and added value of the proposed exchange;
– available NCCR budget;
– previous exchanges supported for the applicant and their laboratory.
How to find help?
For an questions, please contact the NCCR Program Managers: nccr-separations@epfl.ch