Equal Opportunities
Supporting researchers, strengthening opportunities and fostering an inclusive RNA research community.
Creating opportunities for everyone
The Swiss Initiative for RNA & Disease (SIRD) is committed to promoting equal opportunities, diversity and an inclusive research environment within the Swiss RNA research community.
Balancing a scientific career with family responsibilities can present significant challenges, particularly for early-career researchers.
Building on the commitment of the former NCCR RNA & Disease, SIRD offers targeted support measures to help researchers navigate these challenges and pursue their scientific careers.
Our Support Measures
Targeted assistance to support research continuity, family responsibilities and scientific mobility.
Pregnancy & Maternity Leave Compensation
Pregnancy and maternity leave can interrupt research activities and delay scientific progress.
SIRD aims to support research continuity by contributing towards the employment of a research assistant during the final stages of pregnancy and subsequent maternity leave.
This allows essential research activities to continue while the researcher takes the necessary time away from work.
Parental Leave Support
SIRD recognises the importance of shared parental responsibilities and a healthy balance between family life and scientific careers.
This measure aims to provide financial support for eligible PhD students and postdoctoral researchers taking parental leave following the birth of a child.
By supporting shared childcare responsibilities, SIRD contributes to a more inclusive and family-friendly research environment.
Childcare Support for Conferences & Research Stays
Scientific conferences and research exchanges are important for career development, networking and international collaboration.
Researchers with young children may face additional childcare expenses when participating in these activities.
SIRD aims to help eligible early-career researchers cover extraordinary childcare costs associated with conferences and short research stays.
Emergency Childcare Support
Unexpected childcare situations can make it difficult for researchers to fulfil their professional responsibilities.
SIRD aims to provide assistance with eligible emergency childcare expenses when unforeseen circumstances require alternative childcare arrangements.
This measure helps researchers manage unexpected family-related challenges while maintaining their research activities.
Up to three approved applications per year
SIRD supports a maximum of three approved applications per financial year (1 May to 30 April) across all Equal Opportunities Support Measures combined. Applications are reviewed individually, subject to eligibility, available funding and approval by SIRD.
How to Apply
The support measures are intended for eligible researchers affiliated with SIRD member groups.
Researchers interested in applying are encouraged to contact the SIRD Office before submitting an application.
- Review the available support measures and identify the appropriate category.
- Contact the SIRD Office to confirm eligibility and available funding.
- Submit the required information and supporting documentation for review.
Contact the SIRD Office
Have questions about eligibility, funding or the application process?
Our team will be happy to provide further information about the available support measures.
Swiss Initiative for
RNA & Disease
University of Bern