NCCR PlanetS

The University of Bern obtained two new national research priorities (NRP) in December 2013, which will start work in 2014. One is NRP PlanetS. This carries out research with the University of Geneva into how planet systems are formed and how they develop.

The national research priorities were created in 2001 with the intention of giving the Swiss research environment more robust structures. Aim of the realignment: Research projects backed by long-term funding on issues of strategic significance for the future of Switzerland are to be encouraged. The NCCR function in networks, in which dozens of scientists from throughout Switzerland work together in various higher education institutions and research institutions. In each case the entity leading these networks is an individual institution, such as the University of Bern, from where the program management coordinates the different research groups.

The research priorities are largely financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The NCCR are also supported by the own resources of the higher education institutions involved and by external funding. In addition to excellent and internationally visible research, the NCCR have also pledged to encourage knowledge and technology transfer and the promotion of young scientific talent, especially women.