NCCR PlanetS
2014 series
Home institutions: University of Berne, University of Geneva
The discovery of the first planet outside our solar system by Swiss astronomers in 1995 sparked a revolution in the field of astronomy. Not only did it help us to understand how planets are formed and evolve, but it also contributed to the development of instruments dedicated to the discovery of further exoplanets. By combining astronomical observations, measurements of solar system bodies using spacecraft, laboratory work and theoretical modelling, the NCCR "PlanetS – Origin, Evolution and Characterisation of Planets" aims to contribute to a better understanding of planets. In addition, the NCCR will coordinate the use of the CHEOPS instrument (CHaracterising ExOPlanets Satellite), whose launch into orbit is scheduled for 2019.
Further information on the NCCR:
Contact details
NCCR Management
NCCR Director
Prof. Willy Benz
NCCR PlanetS
Universität Bern
Physikalisches Institut
Sidlerstrasse 5
CH-3012 Bern
Phone: +41 (0) 31 631 44 03
Email: willy.benz@space.unibe.chCo-Director
Prof. Stéphane Udry
Université de Genève
Département d‘Astronomie
51, chemin des Maillettes
Sauverny
CH-1290 Versoix
Phone: +41 (0) 22 379 23 24
Email: stephane.udry@unige.chManagement / Coordination
PD Dr. Yann Alibert
NCCR PlanetS
Universität Bern
Physikalisches Institut
Sidlerstrasse 5
CH-3012 Bern
Phone: +41 (0) 31 631 55 47
Email: yann.alibert@space.unibe.chSecretariat
Phone: +41 (0) 31 631 32 39
Email: janine.jungo@space.unibe.chFunding
NCCRs are financed through grants awarded by the SNSF, but also from other sources. The home institution involved in the NCCR also contributes a substantial amount of money. The available overall budget of the NCCR is further increased by monetary contributions from the project participants and third-party funds, which are generally invested by industrial companies.
The SNSF is financing the NCCR PlanetS in its second funding period.
Financing 2014 – 2021 (Swiss francs)
Funding source
2014-2017
2018-2021
SNSF grant*
17'600'000
18'920'000
Funds from the Berne University*
4'200'000
5'512'200
Funds from the Geneva University*
3'390'000
3'437'000
Group funds of the project participants
8'868'814
12'244'884
External funds
50'000
47'476
* contractually agreed funding
Evaluation / Review Panel
For each NCCR, the SNSF appoints a Review Panel composed of renowned experts whose task it is to evaluate scientific quality and the progress made in NCCR projects. The Review Panel of the NCCR PlanetS consists of the following experts:
Contact person at the SNSF:
Dr Nathalie Schaller
NCCR Team
Swiss National Science Foundation
Wildhainweg 3
CH-3001 Bern
Phone: +41 (0) 31 308 23 48
Email: nathalie.schaller@snf.chResearch structures
National Centres of Competence in Research leave their mark on the research landscape well beyond the SNSF funding period. They help to define key topics and sustainably change Swiss research structures. Thus NCCRs can lead to the creation of new professorships and courses of study as well as new infrastructures or platforms at the universities involved.
NCCRs operate as a network in which a large number of scientific partners are active. Working within these networks has borne fruit in the form of new research approaches and excellent scientific contributions.
Structures created by this NCCR until now:
Contributions to society and the economy
The National Centres of Competence in Research not only engage in cutting-edge research, they also play an important role in transferring knowledge and new technologies to the economy and to society at large. They lead to the formation of start-ups, and the new insights have the potential to awaken the interest of politicians, globally active companies and the public at large.
Communication and knowledge and technology transfer of the NCCR PlanetS:
Promotion of academic careers and equal opportunities
The National Centres of Competence in Research consciously promote promising young researchers and are committed to equal opportunities for men and women in research.
Measures taken by the NCCR PlanetS to promote young researchers and gender equality.