# National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) – 6+ (SSH) Call **Funder:** SNSF **Budget:** CHF 8M–20M (first 4-year phase) **Deadline:** 20 October 2026 (Outline proposal deadline: 5 p.m. CEST on 20 October 2026. Declaration of intent mandatory by 1 September 2026. Full proposal deadline: 5 p.m. CEST on 20 May 2027.) **Duration:** 8–12 years (divided into 4-year phases) **Consortium:** Required — minimum 2 Swiss home institutions; interdisciplinary interuniversity network **Application:** 2-stage: outline proposal (due 20 Oct 2026) → full proposal (due 20 May 2027); declaration of intent mandatory by 1 Sep 2026 **Frequency:** One-off **Eligible countries:** CH **Official call:** https://www.snf.ch/en/FJBJ8XGQ1tjG8J8w/funding/programmes/national-centres-of-competence-in-research **Last verified:** 1 July 2026 ## Eligibility & scope For experienced researchers based at Swiss higher education/research institutions. Targets social sciences and humanities (SSH); interdisciplinary proposals beyond SSH allowed if core vision remains SSH. Requires formal support of ≥2 Swiss home institutions. NCCR director must hold a permanent position and have an SSH background. Proposals must be submitted in English. Home institution co-funding expected to match SNSF funding. ## Summary The National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR)-6+ (SSH) Call funds interdisciplinary research networks in social sciences and humanities with CHF 8-20 million over the first 4-year phase, with potential for renewal through 8-12 year cycles. The call targets experienced researchers at Swiss higher education and research institutions who can lead a formal consortium of at least two home institutions. This is a one-off call emphasizing substantive, collaborative SSH research with institutional co-funding commitments. ## Who should apply - Experienced researchers with permanent positions at Swiss higher education or research institutions - Researchers with a social sciences or humanities background qualified to direct a national centre - Consortium leaders able to unite ≥2 Swiss home institutions in an interdisciplinary network - Teams proposing cross-disciplinary research where SSH remains the core vision - Institutions prepared to provide co-funding matching the SNSF award ## Key dates - Declaration of intent deadline: 1 September 2026 - Outline proposal deadline: 20 October 2026 at 5 p.m. CEST - Full proposal deadline: 20 May 2027 at 5 p.m. CEST - Project duration: 8-12 years in consecutive 4-year phases ## Tips for applicants - Declare intent by 1 September 2026 or your outline proposal will not be evaluated; this is a hard gating step. - The NCCR director's permanent position and SSH credentials are non-negotiable, align your leadership before submitting. - Demonstrate institutional co-funding commitment in writing from all ≥2 home institutions early; SNSF expects matching funds and will verify pledges during full-proposal review. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does the NCCR, 6+ (SSH) Call award? CHF 8-20 million for the first 4-year phase, with potential renewal for additional 4-year phases up to 12 years total, contingent on performance review. ### What institutions can apply for the NCCR, 6+ (SSH) Call? Consortia must include at least two Swiss home institutions (universities, research institutions, or higher education institutions); these institutions must formally support the proposal. ### Who can direct an NCCR, 6+ (SSH) centre? The director must hold a permanent position at a Swiss institution and have a background in social sciences or humanities. ### Is this a one-off call or does it repeat annually? This is a one-off call; there are no announced future rounds for the NCCR, 6+ (SSH) scheme. ### What is the declaration of intent deadline? 1 September 2026 at 5 p.m. CEST; failing to submit a declaration of intent will result in rejection of the outline proposal. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/snsf-national-centres-of-competence-in-research-nccr-6--2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.