National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs) are a means used by the Swiss 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.

The 6th call for NCCRs, launched in 2023 and closed in Jan 2026, led to the approval of 6 new projects, none in the social sciences and humanities (SSH). That’s why the EAER has set aside funds for an additional call, restricted to the SSH domain.

The call aims to support only 1 NCCR within the SSH domain. The background of both Directors leading the project and PIs involved in sub-projects must be in the SSH. Possible secondary involvement of MINT and LS. The successful project will be interdisciplinary and based at 2 home institutions.

• By 6 July 2026: Launch of the call
• September 2026: Deadline for Letter of Intent (LoI)
• October 2026: Deadline for Outline proposals
• Early 2027: Deadline for Full proposals
• Late 2027: Decision
• Spring 2027 - 2028: Start of new NCCR

Usually, CHF 8-20M per project for the first 4-year period. However, the funding allocation for this call may be lower. In total, NCCRs can run for 8-12 years. Both home institutions are expected to make an adequate contribution amounting, in total, to the funding requested to the SNSF.

If you wish to apply as (Co-)Director of an NCCR, having USI as home institution, you will need the support and commitment of USI Rectorate both in terms of own contributions and structural measures. NCCRs are for internationally renowned researchers with proven experience in research management.

Researchers who want to be involved in an NCCR as PIs, must contact servizio.ricerca@usi.ch for an eligibility check and to obtain the letter of confirmation of employment.