Swiss National Science Foundation Launches Additional NCCR 6+ (SSH) Call for Strategic Long-Term Research Projects

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) has officially opened applications for the National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) 6+ Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) Call 2026, offering a significant opportunity for researchers to establish long-term interdisciplinary research centres addressing strategic issues in the social sciences and humanities.

The call follows the launch of six National Centres of Competence in Research by the Swiss Federal Government earlier this year, with funding reserved for at least one additional NCCR dedicated specifically to Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH).

This prestigious funding programme supports ambitious research collaborations that strengthen Switzerland’s research ecosystem while addressing nationally important scientific and societal challenges.

Submission Deadline: 1 September 2026 (17:00 CEST)

What is the NCCR Programme?

The National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) programme is one of Switzerland’s flagship research funding initiatives administered by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

Rather than funding individual research projects, NCCRs support:

• Large-scale collaborative research programmes
• Long-term interdisciplinary research
• Multi-university partnerships
• Strategic national research priorities
• Capacity building within Swiss higher education

The programme enables researchers to build sustainable research networks capable of generating lasting scientific excellence and societal impact.

Purpose of the NCCR 6+ (SSH) Call

The additional NCCR call specifically targets Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH).

Its objective is to establish new research centres that:

• Address major challenges within social sciences and humanities.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Build stronger research ecosystems.
• Develop innovative educational and training programmes.
• Strengthen long-term research priorities within Switzerland.

Where proposals include researchers from other academic disciplines, the primary scientific contribution must remain firmly rooted within the Social Sciences and Humanities.

Additionally:

• The majority of participating researchers must be active in SSH disciplines.
• Projects should clearly demonstrate their contribution to advancing SSH research.

Who Can Apply?

The SNSF welcomes applications from:

• Researchers in Social Sciences.
• Researchers in Humanities.
• Interdisciplinary research teams with an SSH focus.
• Researchers who previously submitted proposals during the 6th NCCR Call.
• New applicants.

This inclusive approach allows both returning and first-time applicants to compete for funding.

Key Features of the NCCR 6+ (SSH) Call

Applicants are encouraged to design research centres that are:

1. Interdisciplinary

Projects should integrate expertise from multiple academic fields while maintaining a clear Social Sciences and Humanities foundation.

2. Cross-University

Research networks should involve multiple higher education institutions and encourage broad collaboration across Switzerland.

3. Long-Term

NCCRs are designed as strategic, long-term research initiatives that strengthen national scientific capacity.

4. Flexible in Size

Unlike many large research grants, the SNSF explicitly welcomes:

• Smaller research consortia
• Smaller funding requests
• Shorter-duration NCCRs

This creates opportunities for focused, high-impact research teams.

Special Requirements for the 6+ SSH Call

Applicants should note several additional requirements unique to this funding round.

These include:

• Research centres must be based at a minimum of two home institutions.
• Financial contributions from participating institutions should correspond appropriately with the requested federal funding.
• Collaboration among different types of higher education institutions is strongly encouraged.

What Makes the NCCR Programme Unique?

The NCCR initiative goes beyond research funding.

Successful centres contribute to Switzerland’s research landscape through:

• New doctoral and postgraduate training opportunities.
• Academic networking.
• Institutional capacity building.
• Long-term collaboration.
• Knowledge transfer.
• Development of sustainable research infrastructures.

These investments help position Switzerland as a global leader in strategic research.

Selection Process

The NCCR selection process consists of multiple rigorous stages.

Stage 1: Scientific Evaluation

The SNSF evaluates:

• Outline proposals
• Full proposals

Assessment criteria include:

• Scientific excellence
• Research quality
• Organizational structure
• Governance
• Strategic relevance

Outstanding proposals are shortlisted for recommendation.

Stage 2: Government Assessment

Recommended proposals are submitted to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

SERI conducts:

• Research policy assessment
• Higher education policy evaluation
• Proposal prioritisation

Recommendations are then forwarded to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER).

The EAER is expected to make the final funding decision by the end of 2027.

Research activities are planned to begin on 1 April 2028.

Important Dates

Applicants should carefully note the complete timeline.

Declaration of Intent

Deadline: 1 September 2026

Submission of Outline Proposals

Deadline: 20 October 2026

Submission of Full Proposals

Deadline: 20 May 2027

Final Funding Decision

Expected by the end of 2027

Planned Research Start

1 April 2028

Online Information Event

To support applicants, the SNSF will organize an online information session.

Date: 8 July 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Swiss local time)

Researchers, universities, and research institutions are encouraged to attend to gain detailed guidance on the application process and eligibility requirements.

Why Researchers Should Apply

The NCCR programme offers numerous benefits, including:

• Long-term strategic research funding
• Opportunities to build interdisciplinary collaborations
• National recognition
• Institutional capacity development
• Development of new research priorities
• Strong partnerships across Swiss universities
• Training opportunities for future researchers
• Lasting scientific impact

How to Apply

Applicants should carefully review the official call documentation before preparing their submissions.

They are also encouraged to register for the online information event and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the relevant deadlines.

For additional enquiries, applicants may contact the National Centres of Competence in Research team via:

Email: nccr@snf.ch

Apply Here 

Final Thoughts

The SNSF National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) 6+ Social Sciences and Humanities Call 2026 represents one of Switzerland’s premier research funding opportunities for scholars seeking to establish ambitious, collaborative, and long-term research programmes.

Researchers working across the Social Sciences and Humanities are strongly encouraged to leverage this opportunity to create impactful research networks that contribute not only to academic excellence but also to Switzerland’s future scientific priorities.

For more information on this grant opportunity visit here.

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