The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) has awarded funding under its Postdoc.Mobility scheme to support 200 early-career researchers. The programme enables postdoctoral scholars to either carry out research abroad or return to Switzerland after a stay abroad, helping them acquire international experience that is essential for career development and academic independence.
The Postdoc.Mobility fellowships are designed to allow researchers to conduct their projects at prestigious research institutions worldwide. These stays not only foster independence but also help establish important international collaborations. Following their time abroad, researchers can apply for return grants to continue their work in Switzerland.
One of the selected researchers, Joachim Baumann from the University of Zurich, will conduct his research at Stanford University. His project focuses on understanding how users engage with online search technologies, particularly in the context of AI tools like ChatGPT. With the increasing use of AI for search queries instead of traditional search engines, Baumann’s research will investigate user behavior, opportunities, and potential risks associated with AI-powered search platforms.
Another recipient, Rebecca Cooper, a graduate of the University of Fribourg, will carry out her research at the Natural History Museum in Oslo. Her project involves developing new deep learning models using AI and simulations to address unresolved questions in palaeontology. These models aim to improve estimates of species formation, extinction, and distribution by compensating for gaps in the fossil record and refining existing analytical methods.
Loïc Pignolo from the University of St. Gallen has also been awarded a Postdoc.Mobility fellowship and will conduct research in Lyon and London. His study explores how digital platforms are reshaping the requirements for service providers in sectors such as childcare, elderly care, and cleaning. He will analyze how the need for online self-promotion and platform literacy can lead to inequalities, as not all providers have equal access to resources and digital skills.
The Postdoc.Mobility programme includes financial support for living expenses, travel costs, and, where applicable, research and conference fees. It also offers return funding to help fellows continue their research careers in Switzerland after their international research stay. Through this initiative, the SNSF aims to enhance the global mobility and competitiveness of Swiss researchers.
