The first National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) were launched eight years ago. This was completely unchartered territory for Switzerland. Now this initial series of NCCRs – one of three currently in progress – is approaching the final year of its twelve-year funding period.
The NCCRs are a success, with impressive results that have greatly benefited the Swiss Research hub. The National Centres of Competence in Research not only achieve cutting-edge research, they accomplish much more. They have proven to be very effective in transferring knowledge and technology. The way they are structured helps to ensure that the results of basic research are channelled directly into the economy and society. Spin-off companies have originated from the National Centres of Competence in Research. The NCCRs' expertise has aroused the interest of corporate global players. And their findings have the ability to catch the public’s imagination.