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	Support for Researchers with Family Duties

Balancing academic and family life can be challenging at times. That is why the SNSF, the European Commission and other funding bodies have introduced specific instruments to support researchers in this endeavor. In addition, USI offers benefits to all its employees and students.

Contact: Francesca Scalici (equality@usi.ch)

USI financial benefit for childcare

USI employees and students can request financial support for external childcare if they have limited income and at least one member of the child’s household receives health insurance premium reduction subsidies provided by the Canton.

Contact: Francesca Scalici (equality@usi.ch)

USI Services for Students and Staff with Children

USI supports student and staff parenthood with services such as the USI-SUPSI Nursery, Junior Camp, breastfeeding rooms, and other initiatives available on this page.

Contact: Servizio Ricerca (servizio.ricerca@usi.ch)

SNSF Flexibility Grant

This measure is intended for SNSF and BRIDGE -funded postdocs and PhD students with childcare responsibilities. It can cover external childcare costs and/or the salary of a support person for a period of up to 2 years. In addition, it allows for a reduction of the employment rate up to a min. of 6

Contact: Servizio Controlling (controlling@usi.ch)

SNSF Project extension due to parenthood

The SNSF provides guidelines for project extension in case of parenthood. This applies to SNSF-funded personnel and grantees of SNSF career grants. Local regulations of the employing institution remain applicable. If the institution provides additional benefits, the SNSF will also cover them.

Contact: Sara Caspani (servizio.ricerca@usi.ch)

Family allowance for MSCA postdoctoral fellowships

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) support postdoctoral researchers undertaking an outgoing stay in Europe. The funding includes a Family Allowance of EUR 660 for fellows with family obligations, including (but not limited to) dependent children.

Contact: Servizio Ricerca (servizio.ricerca@usi.ch)

Other funders

Contact the Research Service to check whether your funder offers additional support for parents. For example, grantholders of the Gerda Henkel Foundation can receive a family allowance upon presentation of their child’s (or children’s) birth certificate(s).