BRIDGE: First Discovery projects set to go

With 189 applications, the first call for proposals received a very high participation. 27 projects were preselected for the second level of evaluation – a presentation of the project and subsequent interview. Based on this evaluation and with the available budget, the SNSF and Innosuisse will support eight projects distinguished by scientific excellence, a convincing implementation strategy and high economic or social potential.

The second call for Discovery was launched in December 2017. Researchers can submit a letter of intent until 19 February 2018 and a project until 16 April 2017. The submission of the letter of intent is mandatory for the submission of a project.

The eight funded projects of the first call:

• Despeisse Matthieu (CSEM), Ballif Christophe (EPFL), Tiwari Ayodhya Nath (EMPA): High-performance tandem solar cells with improved stability and cost-competitive manufacturing
• Emmenegger Lukas (EMPA), Südmeyer Thomas (Uni Neuenburg), Faist Jérôme (ETH Zürich): High-resolution QCL frequency comb spectrometer for the detection of trace gases and their isotopes
• Fontcuberta i Morral Anna (EPFL): Ultra-bright electron sources for pulsed electron microscopy
• Gubler Lorenz (PSI): Functionalized Separators Enabling a Break-Through of Redox Flow Batteries for Stationary Energy Storage
• Kippenberg Tobias Jan (EPFL), Herr Tobias (CSEM): Energy efficient optical frequency combs based on photonic integrated resonators and temporally structured pump light
• Plückthun Andreas (Uni Zürich): The Modular Designer Detectome
• Weber Stefan (Uni Bern), Raabe Andreas (Inselspital Bern), Chételat Olivier (CSEM): Towards Intelligent Sensor-enhanced Robotic Neurosurgery
• Zbinden Hugo (Uni Genf), Brunner Nicolas (Uni Genf), Messerli Etienne (HES-SO): Self-testing Quantum Random Number Generator