First phase: writing the proposal 

1. Decide if you really want it

While I was not wise enough to think about this question before receiving the grant, looking back now, a year into my Ambizione project, I realize how important it is. Ambizione offers incredible freedom to shape your own research, but that independence comes with responsibility and, more importantly, uncertainty. For those aiming for a long-term academic career, the grant can be a double-edged sword. While it helps build the experience and network needed to reach the next level—especially relevant for Switzerland—it also delays the search for a permanent position. Hence, for those who are flexible and open to opportunities abroad, considering permanent positions in other countries can be a viable alternative. 

2. Comparing academic profiles (yours vs. those of past awardees)

Before even thinking about the project idea, I spent some time researching the CVs and publication records of recent Ambizione recipients in my field. This process helped me assess where I stood in terms of academic maturity and success. At the time of comparison, many of them were only slightly ahead of me in their careers, and small differences in publication metrics did not worry me. I found this exercise useful to better understand what the profiles of successful candidates looked like.

3. Reaching out to past awardees

One of the most valuable things I did was to connect with colleagues who had gone through the process. I sent a short email to a dozen researchers with specific questions, and almost all of them were kind enough to share their experiences. One even had a 30-minute video chat with me. In the process, I learned for example how they structured their proposal and prepared for interviews.

4. Exploring online resources

I found plenty of resources on the websites of Swiss universities and even the European Research Council (ERC). Reading guidelines and watching ERC videos on grant writing gave me a better sense of what funding bodies are looking for. The focus on novelty, feasibility, and impact came up again and again, and I knew I had to balance these aspects in my proposal.

5. Evaluating novelty vs. feasibility

After scoping the caliber of successful grantees and the expectations of major funding bodies, I started developing my project idea. I thought there should be a balance between being ambitious and realistic. Too much ambition could make the project seem unfeasible, while playing it too safe might make it less attractive to reviewers. 

6. Finding the right host institution

Choosing a host institution was a critical step. I did not just aim for a well-known university—I looked for a place where I could learn from world experts in my field, gain new skills, and contribute something unique to the research group. I sought complementarity, where my project could fill a gap, and the group could benefit from my work. This synergy between the institution and my project became a key part of my proposal.

7. Presenting ideas to colleagues

Before writing the full proposal, I pitched my ideas to colleagues. Their feedback helped me refine the research questions and fill in gaps I had not considered. I believe this stage was quite important, as it prevented me from making major revisions later.

8. Starting the draft early

I started writing the proposal early (e.g., 6-7 months before the submission deadline), knowing that the first draft would be rough. But getting those initial thoughts on paper early gave me time to improve them. I revised the proposal multiple times, incorporating feedback and clarifying my objectives.

9. Gathering feedback from both experts and non-experts

I made sure to get feedback from both sides. Experts helped me refine the methodology and address potential weaknesses, while non-experts gave me insight into the clarity of my proposal. If my ideas made sense to them, I must be on the right track. 

Second phase: interviews 

10. Understanding the evaluation committee

The SNSF typically provides details on the committee members who will evaluate proposals. I identified the ones closest to my field and reviewed their work to understand what they may be looking for. This helped me anticipate some of the questions they asked during the interview.

11. Practicing the presentation

I practiced my presentation repeatedly, simulating Q&A sessions with colleagues, and senior researchers and professors. The host university was kind enough to organize some of these sessions for me. Each rehearsal uncovered new areas for improvement. I knew that being well-prepared would help me stay on time and be confident during the real interview.

12. Anticipating questions and preparing responses

I identified possible weaknesses in my project, such as uncertainties in the methodology and an ambitious timeline. I prepared clear, concise responses to address these concerns, to be able to provide clear and short answers during the interview.

13. Listening carefully during the interview

During the interview, I made a conscious effort to stay calm and listen to the panel’s questions carefully. It was easy to get caught up in the adrenaline of the moment, but pausing to fully understand the questions helped me give better responses.

14. Trusting your intuition

Ambizione projects can be proposed with or without funding for a PhD student (to be supervised by the applicant). Including a PhD student for four years increases the project budget by around 250K CHF. As a result, the SNSF requires applicants to clearly justify the need for a PhD student and demonstrate their ability to provide successful supervision. I was advised not to include funding for a PhD student, as it was suggested that “this should make the project a bit easier to fund.” I carefully considered the advice but ultimately decided to include it in my proposal. I had sufficient experience supervising students, and I believed that a PhD student can significantly increase the scope and the impact of the project. In the end, it worked out, and I am glad I trusted my intuition.

15. Budgeting generously for travel and collaboration

I made sure that my budget included funds for attending international conferences, meeting potential collaborators, and visiting top-ranked research groups around the world for extended research stays (e.g., 2-3 months). In-person networking can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations that are often difficult to achieve virtually. I also included a budget for student researchers, typically M.Sc. students, to help manage the workload while offering them valuable hands-on research experience.

16. Final tip: polish, polish, polish

Whether it is the proposal, the presentation, or even the appendices—refining the documents, ensuring clarity, and making sure every section contributes to a coherent and compelling narrative is essential. This final step is not just about catching typos or fixing formatting issues; it is about demonstrating professionalism and showing the evaluators that their time and effort are valued.