SNSF as evaluator

For almost 100 years now, the Swiss science prize “Marcel Benoist” has symbolised the extent to which the Swiss economy and Swiss society rely on knowledge gained through research. In accordance with the wishes of the donator, the prize is awarded to established researchers whose work is of significance for humankind. In 2017, the climate researcher Thomas Stocker was presented with the prize by Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann.

As of 2018, the SNSF will be evaluating candidates on behalf of the Marcel Benoist Foundation and the federal government. Thanks to an open nomination process, proposals from the research community can be accepted. An evaluation committee assesses the proposals according to excellence criteria and selects a winner. The committee includes two people from public life who are non-scientists. In addition to its evaluation duties, the SNSF will also carry out the relevant communication activities and organise the award ceremony in Bern.