About SNSF NCCRs
NCCRs are intended for experienced researchers. An NCCR consists of several research groups working together in an interdisciplinary, interuniversity network with partners from the academic, public and private sector. They help structure the Swiss research landscape and strengthen its international network.
NCCRs are always hosted by one or more Swiss higher education research centres.The National Centres of Competence in Research (external page NCCR) involve collaborative networks between researchers of several universities, large financial contributions both by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the home institutions, structural measures such as new professorships or research infrastructure, and long running times of up to 12 years.
Accordingly, NCCR require intensive coordination between PIs, their host departement and their home institution. If you are planning to apply for an NCCR, please contact the administrative department Research Initiatives and Infrastructures as early as possible.
Responsible applicant (NCCR director)
The responsible applicant is the designated NCCR director. The director represents the other participating applicants – other members of the NCCR team of directors as well as project leaders / principal investigators (PIs) – vis-à-vis the SNSF.
Leading and conducting an NCCR is a challenging task. The SNSF therefore expects outline and full proposals from internationally renowned researchers with proven experience in research management. Leading an NCCR is a long-term task. The designated director must therefore commit to this responsibility and to leading the NCCR for at least its first four years (first phase).
Other applicants
In addition to the NCCR director, the NCCR team of directors consists of co-directors and deputy directors. They are members of the NCCR team of directors and are also applicants in the same way as the project leaders / PIs. All members of the NCCR team of directors are expected to have proven experience in research management.
For the other applicants participating in an NCCR, the personal and scientific eligibility criteria for external page SNSF project funding apply.
Home institutions
Outline or full proposals can only be submitted if they have the formal support of one or more home institutions. Participating home institutions define long-term goals in line with their strategic planning to structurally strengthen the respective research area together with the NCCR. Home institutions therefore commit to supporting the NCCR with financial and structural contributions.