The National Research Programmes (NRP) contribute scientifi cally substantiated solutions to urgent problems of national significance. They are approved by the Federal Council, last from 4 to 5 years and are funded with CHF 5 to 20 million. The NRPs are problem-oriented; inter- and transdisciplinary; dedicated to achieving a defi ned, overall goal through co-ordination of individual research projects and groups and focused on the knowledge transfer of the results.