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 projects, none in the social sciences and humanities (SSH). That’s why the EAER has set aside funds to launch an additional call to support 1 new NCCR with clear focus in the SSH domain.

• Projects must have clear focus in SSH.
• For interdisciplinary ones, the main vision and core scientific contribution must remain within the SSH domain.
• The NCCR Director as well as the majority of the team of directors and PIs must be in SSH.
• Evaluation by 1-2 SSH panels.

• 1 September 2026: Deadline for Declaration of Intent
• 20 October 2026: Deadline for Outline proposals
• 31 March 2027: Deadline for Declaration of Intent (to submit full proposal)
• 20 May 2027: Deadline for Full proposals
• December 2027: Decision
• January-April 2028: Start of new NCCR

CHF 8-20M per project for the first 4-year period. 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.

NCCRs are for internationally renowned researchers with proven experience in research management. 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.

For resubmissions: clarify how the new project will address the feedback received during the last call and how the SSH criteria is respected.
For new applications: present in max. 5 pages the team of directors, executive summary, duration, USI cash, in-kind contributions and structural measures.