On the basis of its federal mandate, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports two types of national programmes: the National Research Programmes (NRPs) and the National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs).
Both programmes provide funding for co-ordinated research with clearly defined goals for a limited period. The major objectives are collaboration with non-academic partners, knowledge and know-how transfer in education and practical work as well as the application of research results.
Finding solutions to problems is the key objective of the NRPs, whereas the NCCRs are aimed mainly at strengthening research structures.