Social and Human Research and Innovation in Cape Verde: An Opportunity for the Future
Participation in the Swiss National Science Foundation’s NCCR 6+ (SSH) Call 2026 represents a unique opportunity to drive research and innovation in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in Cape Verde. This cutting-edge programme, managed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), supports transnational collaborative projects that address relevant social and human challenges at both global and local levels. For Cape Verde, embracing this initiative means not only the possibility of accessing funding and networks of excellence, but also of strengthening its domestic research capacities, developing solutions tailored to its specific circumstances and actively contributing to the international scientific debate. The transdisciplinary nature of the programme and its focus on themes such as sustainability, inequality, governance and migration – which are intrinsically linked to the challenges facing Cape Verde – make this call for proposals particularly relevant.
This programme encourages the formation of research consortia involving internationally renowned academic and research institutions, including, crucially, partners from eligible countries. Cape Verde, with its rich cultural tapestry, strategic location and young democracy, has vast potential to contribute unique perspectives and valuable empirical data to SSH research. Active participation in this call will enable Cape Verdean researchers to collaborate with experts from Switzerland and other nations, promoting the exchange of knowledge, the development of innovative methodologies and the training of qualified personnel. The emphasis on projects with social impact and on translating scientific knowledge into concrete actions aligns perfectly with Cape Verde’s development priorities, paving the way for more informed public policies and more effective interventions in critical areas.
The structure of NCCR 6+ (SSH) values research that does not merely describe problems, but actively seeks to generate knowledge that can be applied to bring about positive social change. Projects involving multiple partners from different countries, with diverse perspectives, are particularly encouraged. For Cape Verde, this call offers an exceptional platform to place its own research questions on the global agenda, to validate and adapt international models to its own circumstances, and to position its academic institutions as centres of excellence in the social sciences and humanities. Investment in SSH research is an investment in the future, in the ability to understand and shape society in a fairer, more equitable and sustainable way.
Applications for the Swiss National Science Foundation NCCR 6+ (SSH) Call 2026 are open until 1 September 2026. For further information on eligibility criteria, priority research topics and the application process, please visit the official website of the Swiss National Science Foundation: https://www.snf.ch/media/en/VkZL9wcvXqumITMZ/CallDocument_6th_NCCR_Call_additional%20SSH%20call_en.pdf
