SBB – Call for proposals

The 3rd SBB – EPFL Research initiative opens on June 1st, 2026.

The call for proposals is open to EPFL Laboratories only.

The core of the initiative is to initiate and support innovative research projects in focus areas defined by the scientific committee with the prospect of becoming joint research activities.  

The submission process following the Calls for Proposals will be a two-step process that may include an exchange between the principal investigator and the scientific committee

Call schedule

Budget

The SBB – EPFL Research Initiative will finance seed projects with a budget of up to 120 kCHF, with a 20% overhead included. Up to 3, potentially 4, selected proposals will be funded.

Project selection criteria

Preferred projects are feasibility investigations in preparation of larger long-term research projects.

Application will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Fit to the call topics
• Scientific quality
• Relevance of problem for application
• Prospect of proposal (realistic plan, likelihood of collaboration and potential follow-up).

Focus Areas

Submission

Should you be interesed, please find below the Expression of Interest template as well as the Project Proposal Template. Once your document is complete, please send it to [email protected].

Should you have any question in regards to your submission to the SBB – EPFL Research Initiative Call, please contact [email protected].