Switzerland National Fund Establishing (b/w photo)

Alexander von Muralt, right, Bern physiologist and main initiator of the "Swiss National Science Foundation", accepts the congratulations at the opening session in the State Council Hall of the Federal Parliament in Bern on 1 August 1952. Federal Councillor Markus Feldmann sits in the front left. The National Fund, established on August 1, 1952, supports research and promotes young scientists. The foundation is financed by the federal government and managed by scientists. With a budget of around CHF 400 million (2002), the SNSF supports around 3000 basic research projects, 18 national research programmes, one priority programme and 14 national research priorities. More than 500 researchers benefit from a scholarship every year. (KEYSTONE/PHOTOPRESS ARCHIVE/Str) Photographer: HERMANN SCHMIDLI, MAX KRAFT