Big ideas don’t develop in confined cages. This also applies to science. Many pioneering breakthroughs succeeded not because strict targets had to be met, but thanks to the pioneering spirit of people who gave free rein to their creativity. No one, for example, was specifically looking for penicillin, electricity or the theory of relativity. A great many things arose from unconventional and perhaps even crazy ideas.
But there is little room for the unconventional in today’s established instruments for the advancement of research. Novartis has therefore launched the FreeNovation program. This is aimed at researchers in Switzerland who have difficulty accommodating their offbeat questions and problem-solving approaches to conventional sponsorship programs.
This form of research sponsorship is unique in the field of life sciences in Switzerland. With this program, Novartis wants to encourage unconventional thinking and enhance the attractiveness of Switzerland as a center for research. To this end, in an initial call for submissions, Novartis is setting up a research fund in 2016 totaling 2.7 million Swiss francs. Up to 15 projects will be selected in three defined subject areas (see below) and sponsored with a maximum of 180,000 Swiss francs per project. This will allow the recipients of these funds to engage in research for 18 months and to pursue objectives they determine for themselves.
The submission deadline is April 30, 2016.
Further Information:
- Guidelines for FreeNovation Applicants 2016
- Submission portal of FreeNovation
- Website: Novartis FreeNovation
- Previous Blog about Novartis FreeNovation