The objective of the “National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) Program” is the sustained strengthening of Swiss research in strategically important fields.
The program seeks to promote research projects of the highest quality with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, and also on new, innovative approaches within the disciplines involved.
However, the purpose of the NCCRs is to achieve far more than internationally recognised research. The NCCRs also endeavour to:
- Improve the way the workload is distributed among the research institutions in Switzerland and enhance the ability to network internationally. As a result, the NCCRs help develop new research structures and strengthen existing ones;
- Create networks devoted to scientific cooperation and partnerships in academia as well as with the public and private sector;
- Cultivate and maintain contact with potential users of research results; consequently fostering the transfer of knowledge and technology to the economy and society; and
- Support talented doctoral and postdoc students and develop career opportunities for female researchers.