National Centres of Competence in Research promote long-term research projects in areas of vital strategic importance for the development of science in Switzerland, for the economy of the country, and for Swiss society. Each Centre of Competence is under the directorship of a university or another recognised research institution which allows research groups based at the home institution to network with other teams working throughout Switzerland.
Thus, NCCRs improve the research structure in Switzerland. Other important features are: research of outstanding, internationally recognised quality, knowledge and technology transfer, training and the promotion of women researchers.
The NCCRs are mainly financed through federal funds budgeted by parliament. This is complemented by funds from the universities themselves and third-party funds. Launched in 2001, the programme presently includes 27 NCCRs.