NOMIS Foundation FAQ

NOMIS serves as a catalyst for scientific and human progress by supporting interdisciplinary basic research, establishing collaborative research networks and developing strategic partnerships. In addition to providing financial support, we endeavor to develop and strengthen the conditions conducive to the pursuit of high-risk basic research.

At the heart of every discovery is a spark of curiosity and a researcher brave enough to follow this path into the unknown. We believe that scientific discoveries emerge when curious minds have the freedom to explore bold ideas.

Our vision is ambitious, yet simple: to create a spark in the world of science for the benefit of humankind and our planet.

Our mission is to support and enable pioneering researchers to pursue bold, curiosity-driven science that transcends traditional scientific boundaries.

NOMIS is a private, nonprofit Swiss foundation funded by an endowment from Georg Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza^.† Established in 2008, the foundation continues his vision of enabling outstanding scientists to conduct innovative and extraordinary research. His forward-looking leadership shaped our vision of creating a spark in the world of science. 

Driven by a profound fascination with the unyielding curiosity of the human spirit, Georg Heinrich “Heini” Thyssen-Bornemisza^† held a singular vision: to empower extraordinary scientists in their pursuit of the unknown. To realize this dream, he established the NOMIS Foundation in 2008 in Switzerland.

From its inception, the foundation forged a vital partnership with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies — a collaboration that remains a cornerstone of our work to this day. This was the first of many strategic partnerships that are essential to realizing his vision and fulfilling the NOMIS mission. Though Heini passed away in 2022, his adventurous spirit and lifelong commitment to fundamental discovery continue to light our way.

Our five core values shape our culture and decision making.

Collaboration: Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and open communication to address humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Curiosity: Supporting pioneers who explore novel, unconventional ideas to better understand the world.

Courage: Taking on high-risk research and challenging the status quo through a fearless pursuit of insight.

Trust: Building accountable, trust-based partnerships and global collaborative networks of researchers.

Mutual respect: Fostering a respectful environment that promotes a culture of inclusivity, empathy and kindness.

We prioritize visionary researchers and ideas over predefined thematic programs. NOMIS supports curiosity-driven inquiry and intellectual risk-taking, enabling scholars to pursue unconventional questions that often fall outside standard funding frameworks.

No. We identify candidates exclusively through our own established network and do not accept unsolicited applications.

Yes. We support outstanding researchers and innovative projects at leading research institutions worldwide, without geographic restriction.

No. We fund insight-driven research across all disciplines, prioritizing projects that cross disciplinary boundaries to generate new perspectives and fields of exploration.

Yes. We support outstanding researchers at all career stages, including early-career scientists whose work demonstrates originality, intellectual courage and transformative potential.

We do not fund translational, developmental or applied research, nor do we support non-research projects (e.g., social welfare, arts, education). We also exclude political or religious activism or similar projects, as well as research focused on commercial objectives or intellectual property (IP) protection.

While funding is tailored to the specific needs of each project, we typically provide multi-year support (often three to five years) to allow for high-risk, high-impact exploration.

We provide unrestricted funding for high-quality, novel projects. Grant recipients are expected actively engage and collaborate with the NOMIS network to share insights and foster new fields of exploration.

No. All NOMIS-funded research must be made publicly available to promote knowledge sharing and spark further discoveries for the benefit of all.

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Please write to us at: contact@nomisfoundation.ch