SNSF
National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) – 6+ (SSH) Call
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.
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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.
Details
| Funder | SNSF |
| Budget | CHF 8M–20M (first 4-year phase) |
| Deadline | 20 October 2026 |
| 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 |
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.
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.
Related on Grantsby
- SNSF writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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