National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) have a maximum duration of twelve years. Initially, the Swiss National Science Foundation provides NCCR financing for up to four years. Further funding is awarded on the basis of a formal application for an extension of financing and on the outcome of an interim evaluation.
The programme presently comprises 27 NCCRs. Fourteen of these NCCRs were launched in 2001, six in 2005, and another eight in 2010. The call for a fourth series of NCCRs was issued in July 2011. Research is expected to start in early 2014.
