Citizen Science Seed Grants 2026: Applications Open in November 202
Citizen Science Zurich, a center at the University of Zurich, promotes public participation in science and awards Seed Grants of up to CHF 40,000 for participatory Citizen Science projects. The application period for 2026 is expected to open in November 2025.
Citizen Science Zurich, based at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Zurich, supports projects that combine high public participation with excellent research. The Seed Grants are available to teams consisting of researchers from the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, and citizens. Each project can receive up to CHF 40,000, which must be used within 12 months of approval. Since 2019, approximately six pilot projects have been funded annually across diverse fields such as urban development, health, biodiversity, and social sciences.
The Seed Grants are made possible by the Mercator Foundation Switzerland and include not only financial support but also consulting and moderation services. A selection committee, comprising researchers, citizens, and a representative from the Mercator Foundation Switzerland, evaluates and decides on the projects. The application deadline for 2026 is expected to open in November 2025. For inquiries, contact Olivia Höhener at olivia.hoehener@uzh.ch.