Overview
The National Research Programmes (NRPs) are the federal government’s research funding tools to support research projects that develop knowledge useful in guiding decisions and practices – and thereby help solving current social and economic challenges. At the request of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), the Federal Council periodically decides on the thematic focus and budget allocation of new NRPs. Each NRP runs for a period of two to five years. Since the instrument was first introduced, 80 NRPs have been launched, covering a wide range of themes.