Projects
04.02.2026
smarter medicine: Top 5 list on headaches published
Read more CloseThe association «smarter medicine – Choosing Wisely Switzerland», of which the SAMS is a member, is committed to providing optimal healthcare in Switzerland. It encourages professional societies to draw up Top 5 lists defining interventions that should be avoided altogether or only used under specific conditions. In February 2026, the Swiss Headache Society (SHS) published such a list.
The SHS makes the following five recommendations: Generally not advisable are repeated MRI scans for headaches which do not evolve, CT scans for non-acute symptoms, tooth extractions for persistent facial pain, the removal of amalgam fillings for pain treatment, and migraine surgery. The aim is to avoid unnecessary examinations and risky therapies and to improve treatment based on evidence. You can download the SHS Top 5 list here (in French); all other lists are available on the smarter medicine website (in French or German).
Top 5 list, French version (PDF)
SPHN
03.02.2026
New healthcare institutions onboarded to SPHN
Read more CloseSix new healthcare institutions have been onboarded to the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN). These include five cantonal hospitals and the Swiss Cancer Institute, which are now ready to contribute clinical data to multi-site research projects in personalized medicine. This is a key achievement in the ongoing effort to extend and standardize health data exchange across Swiss healthcare institutions.
The newly onboarded institutions currently provide – to various degrees – a standardized minimal dataset covering demographics, diagnoses, procedures, medications, laboratory tests, etc. The connection to the Swiss Cancer Institute further strengthens oncology research. Now, standardized datasets from Swiss cancer patients can be shared in the SPHN format. These developments are paving the way for collaborative, data-driven research and ultimately, for more personalized and effective patient care. More Information can be found on the SPHN website.
Visit the website
SPHN
27.01.2026
SPHN: Clinical data from 800’000 patients unlocked
Read more CloseAfter eight years of coordinated effort, the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) released the metadata of a uniquely rich national clinical dataset, spanning more than 800’000 patients and billions of semantically harmonized data points across diagnoses, procedures, labs, medications, vital signs, and more. Researchers can now easily discover what data exists in Switzerland and how to access it.
Since 2018, SPHN has built a national data infrastructure that enables healthcare institutions to harmonize clinical routine data without centralizing sensitive patient information. The publication of the SPHN Federated Clinical Routine Dataset marks a significant step toward a more connected and interoperable Swiss health data ecosystem. It provides a foundational resource for researchers, clinicians, and innovators seeking to plan studies, design data-driven solutions and ultimately advance personalized health and patient care in Switzerland. More information can be found on the SPHN website.
Visit the website
Funding
23.01.2026
Update of the Swiss Health Care Atlas with data for 2024
Read more ClosePublished by the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan), the Health Care Atlas documents the use of healthcare services based on over 100 indicators, ranging from ADHD medication to cardiac catheterization and radiotherapy. Obsan recently announced that the Healthcare Atlas has been updated with data for the year 2024.
A comprehensive description of geographical patterns in the use of health services provides an important basis for improved planning of our healthcare system and for political decision-making. The SAMS had co-financed the first version of the Atlas and continues to promote its use. Visit the website for detailed information on this valuable resource and its latest developments.
Visit the website
Academy
16.01.2026
Call for nominations: Marcel Benoist Prize in the field of life sciences
Read more CloseAwarded annually since 1920, the Swiss Science Prize Marcel Benoist recognizes a scientist whose work has had a significant impact on human life and society. In 2026, the Prize, endowed with CHF 250’000, will be awarded in the field of life sciences (biology and medicine). Nominations can be submitted until 23 February 2026.
The Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize is Switzerland’s most prestigious research prize. On behalf of the Marcel Benoist Foundation, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is responsible for evaluating all nominees and selecting the winner on behalf of the Foundation’s Board. Detailed information on the nomination criteria and conditions can be found on the Foundation’s website.
Visit the website
Academy
09.01.2026
Become a member of the Swiss Young Academy
Read more CloseThe Swiss Young Academy (SYA) brings together young researchers from a wide range of scientific disciplines. It creates an inspiring environment for inter- and transdisciplinary exchange. The current call for applications, with submission deadline on 28 February 2026, offers the opportunity to apply for a five-year membership.
The Swiss Young Academy consists of members from different scientific disciplines and universities. They are regarded as the young voice of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences and can raise concerns relevant to the next generation of researchers. Would you like to become actively involved in Switzerland's largest scientific network? Individuals with a background in medical sciences are welcome to apply. Please visit the JAS website for more information on the requirements and application procedure.
Visit the website
Academy
08.01.2026
ECAE: New President and revised by-laws
Read more CloseThe Ethics Committee for Animal Experimentation (ECAE) is a joint commission of the SAMS and the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT). It acts as an expert and advisory body in the field of animal experimentation. At its meeting in November 2025, the SAMS Senate elected Prof. Michael Hottiger, Zürich, as chair of the ECAE. It also approved the entry into force of the revised by-laws. These describe the Commission’s composition, define the processes and clarify the roles of the two Academies.
Prof. Michael Hottiger will assume the role of President in summer 2026. In the meantime, Prof. Michael Schmid, Vice-Chair of the ECAE, will serve as interim chair. The Academies would like to express their sincere thanks to Prof. Hanno Würbel for his excellent presidency (2018–2025). Under his leadership, the ECAE achieved many major milestones, such as the revision of the «Ethical Guidelines for animal experiments», the «Weighing of interests for proposed animal experiments» and the development of a document on possible reforms to the authorization procedure. Further information about the ECAE, its activities, and its publications can be found on our website.
By-laws, French version (PDF)
Academy
05.01.2026
«The Health Insurance Act is a law about money flows, not about health»
Read more CloseAt the end of the year, CH Media spoke with Arnaud Perrier, President of the SAMS, about rising healthcare costs, increasing administrative responsibilities, and other challenges within the healthcare system. Prof. Perrier advocates for easily accessible primary care organized through networks and a better distribution of tasks between doctors and nurses. He also explained why Switzerland needs an article on health in the Constitution.
«The Health Insurance Act is a success story. For 30 years, it has guaranteed insurance coverage and basic services for everyone. However, it is a law about money flows, not about health. Therefore, it is not suitable as a framework for a national health strategy.» Read the CH Media interview to learn why Switzerland needs such a strategy, what key points it could contain, and why it should not be equated with centralization of the system. The full article, published in various Swiss German newspapers, is also available on the online platform «watson».
Visit the website