National Centres of Competence in Research

National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs) are a means used by the federal government to encourage world-class research of strategic importance. The aim is to establish new research areas that are internationally competitive and to strengthen existing ones. NCCRs create sustainable structures, and provide a significant track record for the universities where they are based.

Cutting-edge research with international visibility

National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs) support scientific excellence in Switzerland, strengthen the Swiss research landscape, significantly enhance the global visibility of Swiss researchers and showcase advanced research capabilities. . With this instrument, the federal government supports long-term research projects of national importance, such as antibiotic resistance, language development and quantum computing. Research within the NCCRs is carried out by interdisciplinary teams committed to the highest standards of quality and to exploring innovative approaches. In addition, NCCRs play a vital role in supporting early-career researchers, in promoting the participation of women in research, and in fostering the transfer of knowledge to industry.

Network with host institutions

NCCRs are housed at one or more recognised Swiss universities (known as the home institution). They form interdisciplinary networks with other higher education instutions pursuing fundamental research. An important aspect is cooperation with research partners from the higher education sector as well as from the private and public sectors. NCCRs consolidate research across various disciplines, fostering synergies that create new prospects for the development of disciplines.

Funding and duration

NCCRs run for a maximum period of 12 years and receive up to CHF 5 million in federal funding each year. This is supplemented by contributions from participating higher education institutions, third-party funding from research groups and contributions from the private sector. These contributions often far exceed the level of federal funding, as NCCR support rapidly generates momentum for additional investment.

Launching a new series of NCCRs

The process of launching a new series of NCCRs begins when SERI gives a mandate to the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) to issue an open call for proposals. All researchers in Switzerland can submit proposals. These are scientifically evaluated in a two-stage process and the SNSF shortlists the various proposals on this basis.

SERI then determines which of the shortlisted proposals are most closely aligned with research and higher education policy. The decision to launch a given NCCR is made by the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), taking available budgetary funding into account.

Facts and figures

NCCRs series

  • Year introduced: 2001
  • No of NCCRs series launched: 6
  • No of NCCRs launched (Series 1–6): 48
  • No of ongoing NCCRs (from 2020): 14

Funding

Output

The following total output was generated in the NCCRs from series 1–3 (figures including the 4th series will be available after completion of the NCCRs at the end of 2026).

  • Number of scientific publications: 37,331
  • Newly created or re-oriented academic chairs: 373
  • Number of doctorates obtained: 2,634
  • Number of start-ups: 125
  • Number of patents: 440

Newly launched NCCRs

At the end of November 2023, the SNSF published the call for proposals for NCCR Series 6 on behalf of the federal government. In January 2026, the head of the EAER decided to launch 6 new NCCRs, which will commence in the spring of 2026.

None of the approved NCCRs are in the humanities and social sciences. The EAER has therefore decided to set aside funds for an additional programme and to conduct a competitive selection process for the humanities and social sciences in order to offer greater scientific diversity. Furhter information will be available in summer 2026.

NCCRs series at a glance

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI

National Research
Nicole Schaad