Every year, the Global SNSF Fellows Network (GSFN) organizes a summer meet but every two years, we organize a larger full-day event. Our goal for these events is to bring together new and existing SNSF fellows through informative sessions and panel discussions that address the challenges most postdocs and early-career researchers face. There are also plenty of opportunities to talk with SNSF representatives who graciously support the GSFN activities and objectives, and who host our events at the SNSF building in Bern each year. Read more

Arriving in New York at the peak of the Covid-19 Omicron wave in late 2021 was like stepping into a parallel universe. The city that never sleeps had dozed off – empty streets, shuttered shops, and snow instead of tourists. I lived in a hotel because, strangely, it was more affordable than renting. And yet, amid the pandemic fatigue, the infamous New Yorker resilience was still thriving. At the hospital where I conducted my fieldwork, people greeted challenges with a smile and a “can-do-attitude” – it was this attitude that shaped my research on human–AI collaboration in the U.S. Read more

More than a year ago, I finished my PhD at EPFL and started my Postdoc.Mobility  Fellowship at the University of Oregon studying octopus brains. The supportive environment for science outreach at the University of Oregon was a timely reminder of my past passion for science communication, a passion that had been sidelined by other responsibilities in life. As the gap between scientists and society widens, I believe that it is our duty as scientists to fortify trust and foster the public’s understanding of scientific research. My fellowship experience has broadened my perspective beyond my own research and redefined how I see my role as a scientist in society. Read more

When I arrived in Melbourne for my Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship in March 2023, I expected data, deadlines, and maybe a few kangaroos. What I didn’t expect were surprise earthquakes, a tree crashing onto our roof, and being compelled to choose an Australian Football League (AFL) team. I also anticipated some resistance to my research on improving post-fall management in aged care, but to my surprise, I was warmly welcomed by the local research and practice communities. I was invited to present my previous work in multiple forums and soon found myself planning two conferences, one in Queensland and another in New Zealand. My time in Australia became as much about being lifted by a generous network of colleagues and mentors as it was about helping aged care facilities to better assess residents and help them get back on their feet. Read more

The Ambizione grant, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), provides an amazing opportunity for early career researchers to establish themselves as independent investigators after their Ph.D. But the process is not without its challenges. The application evaluation process involves two phases. In the first phase, a written proposal is submitted and reviewed by experts in the relevant fields. If the proposal passes this stage, applicants are invited to the second phase which is an in-person interview. In this blog, I will share my personal experience going through the entire application process. Read more