# NCCR 6+ (SSH) Call — National Centres of Competence in Research, Social Sciences & Humanities

**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 home institutions in Switzerland; 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:** 28 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to experienced researchers based at Swiss higher education/research institutions (ETH domain, accredited universities, UAS, UTE, or research facilities of national importance). NCCR director must hold a permanent position, have an SSH background, and commit for at least 4 years. Majority of directors and PIs must be SSH-active. Home institutions must co-fund matching SNSF contribution. Proposals must be submitted in English via mySNF.

## Summary

The NCCR 6+ (SSH) Call funds large interdisciplinary research networks in the social sciences and humanities, with CHF 8-20 million over the first four-year phase and potential renewal for up to 12 years total. The programme requires a consortium of at least two Swiss higher education institutions, with the NCCR director holding a permanent position and SSH credentials. This is a one-off call; outline proposals are due 20 October 2026, with full proposals following in May 2027.

## Who should apply

- Experienced researchers with permanent positions at Swiss ETH domain, accredited universities, UAS, UTE, or national-importance research facilities
- NCCR director candidates with SSH disciplinary background willing to commit at least 4 years
- Teams able to assemble at least 2 Swiss higher education institutions in an interdisciplinary network
- Consortia where the majority of directors and PIs are SSH-active researchers
- Institutions prepared to match SNSF funding contributions

## Key dates

- Declaration of intent: 1 September 2026
- Outline proposal: 20 October 2026 (5 p.m. CEST)
- Full proposal (shortlisted): 20 May 2027 (5 p.m. CEST); 8-12 year total duration divided into 4-year phases

## Tips for applicants

- The declaration of intent (1 September) is mandatory, missing this deadline bars outline submission, so mark it early.
- Home institution co-funding is required; confirm matching-fund commitments in writing before outline submission to avoid delays in the full-proposal stage.
- Interdisciplinarity is central to NCCR funding. Frame the network as an integrated centre, not a collection of independent projects; articulate clear disciplinary bridges and shared research questions across SSH fields.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the NCCR 6+ (SSH) Call provide?

CHF 8-20 million for the first 4-year phase. The NCCR can be renewed for up to 12 years total in subsequent 4-year phases, subject to evaluation.

### Who can be the NCCR director?

A researcher with a permanent position at a Swiss higher education or national research institution, SSH disciplinary background, and commitment to lead for at least 4 years.

### What are the consortium requirements for NCCR 6+?

A minimum of 2 Swiss higher education institutions must participate; the network must be interdisciplinary and interuniversity. Home institutions must co-fund matching amounts equivalent to SNSF contributions.

### Is this a recurring call?

No, this is a one-off call for the next NCCR phase. The outline proposal deadline is 20 October 2026; shortlisted applicants submit full proposals by 20 May 2027.

### What languages can I submit in?

Proposals must be submitted in English via the mySNF portal.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/snsf-nccr-6-ssh-call-national-centres-of-competence-in--2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.