The first National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs) were launched in 2001. This was 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. Researchers and heads of the universities involved in the NCCRs confirm that this is the case. And the international experts who assess the NCCRs each year agree that the National Centres of Competence in Research engage in cutting-edge research. They have contributed to the international recognition of Swiss research. Furthermore our reputation (for excellence) has attracted talented academics from all over the world to bolster the Swiss research community.