Indo-Swiss Research Fellowship 2026 – Mountain Hazards

About the Fellowship

The Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP) – Joint Research Projects 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for researchers from Switzerland and India to engage in cutting-edge geoscientific research focused on hazards in mountain regions. This fellowship promotes bilateral collaboration, combining expertise in hydrology, glaciology, seismology, permafrost, and climate-related hazards to develop innovative disaster risk reduction strategies. Researchers will benefit from mobility support for reciprocal visits, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, and access to state-of-the-art research facilities in both countries. The programme aligns with global priorities in mountain hazard management, fostering sustainable land use, early-warning systems, and community resilience. With funding provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), India, this fellowship offers a platform for long-term collaboration, professional growth, and impactful scientific contributions.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: Joint Research Project (JRP) Research Fellowship
Host Institution: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) & Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), India
Administering Body / Funding Agency: SNSF (Switzerland) & MoES (India)
Location: Switzerland and India
Research Field(s): Geosciences, Hydrology, Glaciology, Seismology, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management
Fellowship Type: Full-time, collaborative research
Level: Early to Mid-career researchers
Fellowship Duration: 3–4 years
Expected Start Date: April 2027
Working Hours: As per institutional norms
Funding/Compensation: Up to CHF 400,000 (Switzerland) and INR 2.0 Cr (India) per project for salaries, consumables, travel, minor equipment, and mobility support
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD or equivalent in relevant research fields

Supported Research Fields / Areas

Geoscientific research for mountain hazards
Cloud bursts, landslides, floods, and glacial hazards
Permafrost and seismic hazard assessment
Climate change impacts, temperature variations, and forest fire risks
Interdisciplinary approaches integrating AI/ML, geospatial analysis, and numerical modelling

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in geosciences, environmental science, or related disciplines
Affiliation with a recognised research institution in Switzerland or India
Proven research experience in relevant fields

Preferred Qualifications:

Publication record in high-impact journals
Prior international research experience
Experience in collaborative and interdisciplinary projects

Not Eligible:

Projects outside the defined thematic area
Researchers without institutional support or insufficient mobility capability

Fellowship / Job Benefits

Monthly stipend/salary funded by SNSF or MoES
Health and accident coverage
Travel allowance for fieldwork, conferences, and mobility between Switzerland and India
Visa and relocation support
Dependent support (if applicable)
Research allowance and access to lab facilities

Key Responsibilities

Conduct high-quality research in mountain hazard geoscience
Collaborate with Swiss and Indian research partners
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and disseminate findings to stakeholders
Participate in workshops, training sessions, and mobility programmes
Manage research data and report progress to SNSF and MoES