The Combustion research programme essentially focuses on the overlying visions and objectives that are defined and described in the concept of the Swiss Federal Commission on Energy Research (CORE), but the programme also aims to promote Switzerland as a centre of technological development. The principal goal of combustion research is reflected in the first priority cited by CORE: "Development of the most efficient technologies and systems possible that produce the lowest possible emission levels in the areas of transport, buildings and electricity".

Other background conditions for combustion research are determined by the availability and prices of energy sources, and regulations governing permissible levels of energy consumption and emissions. The structure of the programme also has to take account of the focus of the industry and the current status of knowledge.

Combustion research focuses on the combustion process, which includes fuels (combustibles), processing of combustibles, fuel injection, ignition, combustion itself, formation of pollutants and after-treatment of exhaust. It also takes account of the applicable operating methods called for by the overall system – for example, vehicle engine, gas turbine, boiler or furnace.