NCCR for social sciences and humanities (SSH), Pre-announcement
Research Service
Submission deadline: 13 July 2026
Deadline (LoI): September 2026
USI deadline: 13 July 2026 at 12:00
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.
Context
The 6th call for National Centres of Competence in Research, 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.
Funding and duration
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.
Timeline of the call
- By 6 July 2026: Launch of the call
- 13 July 2026: USI deadline
- September 2026: Deadline for Letter of Intent (LoI)
- October 2026: Deadline for Outline proposals
- Early 2027: Deadline for Full proposal
- Late 2027: Decision
- Spring 2027 - 2028: Start of new NCCR
USI as (Co-)Director
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.
Request Rectorate's support
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.
USI as PI in a sub-project
Researchers who want to be involved in an NCCR as PIs, must contact [email protected] just for an eligibility check and to obtain the letter of confirmation of employment.
Contact
More information