AREAS OF ACTIVITY
Innovation as grant-making cluster
On the one hand, Gebert Rüf Stiftung supports externally proposed high-quality innovative projects which satisfy the support criteria especially closely. At the same time, it initiates and interlinks projects with the aim of continually developing new time-limited focal points within the overall scheme of its grant-making activities.
Time-limited areas of activity
With its limited funds Gebert Rüf Stiftung seeks to create impetus by bundling its operations into areas of activity.
It does not establish clearly drawn, consolidated programme lines, but periodically redefines its focal points. The fact that the areas of activity (or the grant-making programmes maintained within the scope of areas of activity) are time-limited means that capacity is repeatedly freed up for the development of new and bigger initiatives.
Current grant-making strategy
Gebert Rüf Stiftung's five active areas of activity place its programme focal points in the domains of scientific entrepreneurship (venture kick), the transformation of universities of applied science (BREF), biomedicine (Rare Diseases), grants for Eastern Europe (ASCN) and support for pilot activities (pilot projects).
The foundation's grant-making cluster is supplemented by passive areas of activity, which are allocated less funding. They focus on the themes of education policy (Bildung Schweiz), communicating science (Wissenschaft und Öffentlichkeit) and foundation management (Stiftung Schweiz).
Major discontinuing commitments relate to new learning technologies (eTeach).
Closed areas of activity
A programme dealing with the topic brain drain (reBrain), a grant-making programme for new entrepreneurs in technology and science from the universities (NETS), a Swiss-Baltic academic grant-making programme (Swiss Baltic Net) and broad-based, scattered support for innovative projects at the universities of applied science (Innovation an Fachhochschulen) have all been closed.
These last-mentioned commitments and their continuation in a new form geared to current needs (see active areas of activity venture kick and BREF) show that Gebert Rüf Stiftung cultivates thematic continuity despite directing support at time-limited focal points.
