Academy
18.12.2025
The SAMS as a bridge between science and society
For science, for medicine, for society – the SAMS remains true to its motto. But society is changing, and the Academy must evolve with it. What are the practical implications for our activities? In the final newsletter of the year, President Arnaud Perrier shares his personal perspective on this question. We hope you enjoy reading it and wish you a happy holiday season!
After his first year as President of the SAMS, Arnaud Perrier asks himself: Is it time to change our name to «Academy of Health Sciences»? His answer is no. Our primary vocation is to remain an Academy of Medicine. Yet public health is part of our mission, and addressing it is an ethical duty. Moreover, we are not just an Academy for physicians. We promote interprofessionality and the development of collaborative teams to serve patients. Read our newsletter, available in French and German, to find out more.
Further information
Funding
17.12.2025
National MD-PhD Program: 18 fellowships thanks to new partners
This year, the National MD-PhD Program is enabling 18 talented young physicians to pursue a doctorate in natural sciences, clinical research, or public health at one of the universities associated with the program. These awards conclude the first evaluation round run entirely at the national level. They are made possible thanks to the generous support of new partners. The next call for proposals will be launched in early 2026, with a submission deadline on 15 May 2026.
The MD-PhD fellowships cover the recipients' salaries and are funded this year by the Faculty Pool (joint funding by the faculties associated with the program), the SAMS, and several private foundations and partner organizations for a total amount of over CHF 3 million. Half of the fellowships go to clinical research projects, reflecting the steady increase in demand in these disciplines. The grantees are listed in the synopsis. Information on the program partners and evaluation procedure is available on our website.
Synopsis of grantees (PDF)
Funding
12.12.2025
Young Talents in Clinical Research: 15 grants awarded
With the Young Talents in Clinical Research program, the Gottfried and Julia Bangerter-Rhyner Foundation and the SAMS encourage young medical doctors to start out in clinical research. At the end of the 2025 call for applications, 15 talented clinicians are supported with a total amount of CHF 1'049'647. For the first time, Dementia Research Switzerland – Synapsis Foundation is contributing by funding a grant in the field of neurodegeneration.
This year, 14 persons receive «Beginner Grants» for protected time for research during their clinical residency. In addition, one person is awarded a «Project Grant» to consolidate the expertise acquired during the «Beginner Grant» and to realize her own research project. The next call for applications will be launched in March 2026. For more information about the program, please visit our website.
List of grantees (PDF)
Funding
09.12.2025
Neurosciences: Call for nominations for the Robert Bing Prize
Every two years, the SAMS awards the Robert Bing Prize in neurosciences. The Prize is financed from the legacy of Basel neurologist Robert Bing. In accordance with the founder's wishes, it is aimed at young researchers in neuroscience. The Prize honours outstanding work in the recognition, treatment and cure of diseases of the nervous system. The deadline for nominations is 9 March 2026.
The Prize money is CHF 50’000 for a single laureate or CHF 30'000 each if two Prizes are awarded simultaneously. Nominations can be submitted by a third party or an academic institution. Details are set out in the regulations. Further information and the nomination form can be found on our website.
Prize Regulations, French version (PDF)
Funding
09.12.2025
Call for nominations: Stern-Gattiker-Prize for women in academic medicine
Every two years, the SAMS awards the Stern-Gattiker Prize to a female medical scientist who acts as a role model in academic medicine and motivates young people to pursue such a career. The Stern-Gattiker Prize is endowed with CHF 15’000. The deadline for nominations is 9 March 2026.
The nomination procedure has been updated. It now follows the same procedure as for the other SAMS scientific prizes. Nominations can be made by third parties or by an academic institution – newly bundled in a single form. Detailed information and the nomination form can be found on our website.
Prize regulations, French version (PDF)
Funding
04.12.2025
New funding program: Research in migration and health
The Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation and the SAMS are launching the funding program «Research in migration and health». Its goal is to promote equitable access to healthcare for vulnerable migrants in Switzerland and to strengthen research capacity and cooperation between research groups.
Despite a growing research activity in migration and health in Switzerland in the past years, research is still largely dispersed across disciplines and institutions. To address this gap, the Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation is providing CHF 2.7 million over a period of three years. The program funds project grants that encourage collaboration between research groups and disciplines. Priority is given to intervention studies aimed at improving health care provision. The submission deadline is 1st June 2026. Detailed information can be found on our website.
Regulations of the funding program (PDF)
Projects
03.12.2025
Swiss PPIE Network: the SAMS is a founding member
The Swiss PPIE Network was launched on 22 November 2025 as a non-profit association whose mission is to promote patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in healthcare. Its founding members include representatives of patients, interested citizens, and institutions, including the SAMS.
The Swiss PPIE Network aims to strengthen and anchor the participation and influence of patients, relatives, and representatives of the general public in all areas of healthcare, namely care, research, education, and policy. It will work to support existing projects and promote new initiatives. You can find more information in the new association’s press release.
Download media release (PDF)
Agenda
02.12.2025
Swiss Public Health Conference 2026: Call for Abstracts
«Public Health and the Beauty of Complexity» is the motto of the 2026 Swiss Public Health Conference. The call for abstracts is now open to all interested parties, including those from the fields of research, practice, politics and patient advocacy, until 1 February 2026.
While complexity is often seen as a challenge, in public health it is a strength. It reflects the richness of human lives, the diversity of the systems and perspectives involved, and the need for dialogue across disciplines and sectors. This year's conference, which the SAMS is participating in as a partner, aims to encourage the formulation of new questions. Do you have ideas? Information about the conference and the call for abstracts can be found on the event page.
Visit the website
Publications
28.11.2025
Strengthening self-determination through advance care planning
What happens if we lose our capacity to make decisions due to accident or illness? Advance care planning (ACP) means addressing such questions beforehand in order to preserve self-determination and autonomy even when you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. In the main article of the SAMS Bulletin, Prof. Miodrag Filipovic explains why ACP goes beyond the traditional advance directive.
The Bulletin 4/2025 also provides information on various new developments: the brochure to strengthen ACP in retirement and nursing homes, the subcommittee on «Differences of sex development», and the funding program «Research on Migration and Health». Information from the SAMS Senate, SPHN, as well as the results of the bulletin survey, complete this issue.
SAMS Bulletin 4/2025, French version (PDF)
Ethics
27.11.2025
Public consultation: Advance care planning for emergency situations
Medical emergencies require swift action. At the same time the patient’s wishes must be taken into account, for example the wish not to be resuscitated or transferred to a hospital. To provide clarity in such situations, a national expert group has developed the concept «Advance care planning (ACP) for emergency situations». The concept is under public consultation until the end of February 2026.
The most common ACP document is the advance directives. Some templates include a set of instructions for emergency situations. If this is not the case, a separate form can be a useful addition. The national expert group proposes the development of a nationwide standardised ACP emergency form and has formulated related recommendations in a concept. As part of a public consultation, all interested persons and institutions are invited to submit their comments. Further information and all necessary materials are available on our topic page.
Download concept, French Version (DOCX)
Projects
20.11.2025
New federal law on rare diseases: position statement
As a founding member of the National Coordination of Rare Diseases (kosek), the SAMS supports the umbrella organization's position statement on the new federal law on measures to combat rare diseases. The text provides, among other things, for the creation of a register and the granting of financial aid for the identification and monitoring of specialized care facilities.
Like kosek, the SAMS sees this long-awaited new legal basis as an important step towards improving the care and quality of life of some 500,000 people affected in our country. However, it regrets that measures to address gaps in care have been excluded from the law: on the one hand, the reimbursement of costs incurred by individuals and institutions subject to the obligation to report rare diseases and, on the other hand, coordination costs at the level of hospitals and networks. You can download the kosek position statement below.
Position statement, French Version (PDF)
SPHN
19.11.2025
SPHN publication with insight into data governance at university hospitals
Aiming to share knowledge and advance data sharing across the country, SPHN has published a report on data governance practices for data sharing at all five university hospitals in Switzerland. The analysis sheds light on how individual institutions process requests for health data access and on what grounds decisions are taken.
Local data governance bodies within health data providing institutions play a central role in shaping the secondary use of routine health data. The report «Exploring Data Governance for Data Sharing at Swiss University Hospitals» describes relevant commonalities and portrays future challenges in governance practices relating to the secondary use of data. This publication aims to increase transparency and share knowledge to further enable efficient and fair data sharing across interested parties. Read more in the PDF and on the SPHN website.
Download the report (PDF)
Ethics
12.11.2025
Forcible Deportations: Disclosure of medical data
With regard to forcible deportations, physicians are legally obliged to share relevant health data to enable the assessment of transportability of the persons affected. As of January 1, 2026, a standardised nationwide report form will be introduced in Switzerland for this purpose. The aim is to ensure the disclosure of medical data in compliance with legal requirements.
Medical confidentiality under Article 321 of the Swiss Criminal Code must also be respected in the context of the enforcement of deportations orders. If the affected person refuses to give consent to data disclosure, a release from medical confidentiality is to be requested. The FMH, the Conference of Swiss Prison Doctors and the SAMS explicitly recommend this. Today the three institutions published a comprehensive article in the Swiss Medical Journal (Bulletin des médecins suisses, BMS). Further information and the new medical report form can be found on our topic page.
Download BMS article in French (PDF)
Projects
12.11.2025
smarter medicine: Top 5 list for pediatric surgery
The 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 November 2025, the Swiss Society for Pediatric Surgery (SSCP) published such a list.
In its Top 5 list, the SSCP advises against surgical intervention for uncomplicated or asymptomatic clavicle fracture, umbilical hernias, phimosis or popliteal cysts. Whole-body computed tomography scans after accidents should also be used with caution. Many of these situations can be treated without surgery or with less invasive procedures. The aim is to promote child-friendly, safe and responsible treatment. You can download the SSCP's 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)
Funding
06.11.2025
Swiss Health Care Atlas: Understanding regional differences and improving quality
In Switzerland, the use of healthcare services is not uniform across the country, as illustrated by the Swiss Health Care Atlas. This digital map highlights many regional differences that require closer examination. Significant differences may indicate, for example, overuse or under-provision of care. The SAMS has supported a dialogue project that uses the «treasure trove» of the Swiss Health Care Atlas to gain insights into the quality of healthcare and derive measures.
Published by the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan), the Health Care Atlas documents the use of healthcare services based on over 120 indicators, ranging from ADHD medication to cardiac catheterization and radiotherapy. Regional differences were discussed with representatives of the population, the medical profession, research, health insurance companies and health authorities, and measures for improving quality were outlined. The action plan published in October by Interface summarizes the results (in French, German and Italian). The Swiss Health Care Atlas can be found on the Obsan website.
Action plan, French version (PDF)
Ethics
20.10.2025
Organ donation after assisted suicide? Interview with CEC President Paul Hoff
The number of assisted suicides is on the rise. In some cases, people who intend to end their lives wish to donate their organs after death. Organ donation and assisted suicide have been practised independently of each other in Switzerland for years, combining both practices, however, raises numerous new medical-ethical questions. In an interview with the Tages-Anzeiger, Paul Hoff, president of the Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS explains why he considers an in-depth discussion important.
In August, the CEC published a position statement on organ donation after assisted suicide. Asked about the most important point of the statement, Paul Hoff replies: «For me it is the autonomy of those affected, their self-determination.» The donor had thought thoroughly about the issue and clearly expressed his wishes shortly before his death. «This is usually not the case when it comes to organ donation.» Apart from this positive aspect, Hoff points to numerous sensitive issues, ranging from professional ethics questions to organizational questions. Find out more about the topic in the interview published today (in German) and on our website.
Download the interview (PDF)
Projects
16.10.2025
Need for action in family medicine and pediatrics
As part of its commitment to a sustainable healthcare system, the SAMS supports the professional association mfe in its «Workforce» study, which is conducted every five years. The results of the 2025 edition show that the shortage of pediatricians and general practitioners has worsened in recent years. An aging population, reduced working hours, and an increased administrative burden threaten basic medical coverage across the country.
Despite growing challenges, many respondents say they are very satisfied with their job, especially in group practices, where shared responsibilities and teamwork lighten the workload. However, it is alarming that a majority of respondents report a shortage of general practitioners in their region. The report outlines a series of measures to address this problem: reducing bureaucracy, digital innovation, intensifying the promotion of young talent, and funding additional initial and postgraduate training. Details of the study can be found in the latest issue of the online magazine mfe ACTU (in French).
mfe ACTU 1/2025 (PDF)
SPHN
14.10.2025
SPHN acts as a trusted partner between hospitals and private companies
A new collaboration framework within the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) allows private partners to transform Swiss health data into actionable insights while preserving patients’ privacy. The first project of this kind examines a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. SPHN has partnered with the Cantonal Hospital Aarau, the University Hospital Basel and Novartis.
The process is simple and privacy-preserving: Novartis has submitted a research question concerning a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The hospitals transferred the necessary data in anonymized form to the Trusted Research Environment BioMedIT, where SPHN’s Data Coordination Center conducted the analysis and delivered aggregated results back to Novartis. No personal data is shared with the industry partner. With this new model, SPHN enables research collaboration while adhering to high ethical and data protection standards. Further information can be found on the SPHN website.
Visit the website
Ethics
25.09.2025
Work in progress on new guidelines: Differences of sex development
«Differences of sex development» (DSD) refers to cases where a person cannot be unequivocally assigned to the category of «male» or «female» on the basis of their physical characteristics. In such cases, complex medical-ethical questions arise. To provide guidance for practice, the SAMS has decided to develop guidelines and has set up a subcommittee for this purpose.
The subcommittee’s work began with a constituting session in August 2025. It includes not only specialists from the relevant medical disciplines but also persons with expertise based on lived experience, as well as experts in the fields of law, psychology and ethics. The complete composition of the subcommittee, information on the procedure for the preparation of guidelines and the medical-ethical questions can be found on our topic page.
Further information
Ethics
17.09.2025
ACP in retirement and nursing homes: Brochure available in three languages
Advance care planning (ACP) should be available to anyone interested, including those living in retirement and nursing homes. The brochure published today describes how ACP can be implemented in long-term inpatient care institutions. The aim is to support residents and determine how they would like to be treated and cared for in the event of incapacity.
ACP is a continuous process involving residents, professionals, and where available, relatives. The new brochure provides practical support for introducing and implementing ACP in retirement and nursing homes. It is particularly aimed at nurses, doctors and ACP consultants. In six steps, the when, what and how of ACP are described. Further information can be found on our topic page, where the brochure can be ordered in print or downloaded as a PDF (available in German, French and Italian).
Download brochure, French Version (PDF)
Academy
12.09.2025
Viruses as hope against antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic-resistant germs are posing an increasing problem for medicine. Phage therapy offers a ray of hope. Phages are viruses that only attack and destroy bacteria. This can be used as a therapy if a suitable virus is found for the disease-causing bacterium. A film commissioned by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) summarises the current state of knowledge on this subject.
In Switzerland, phages may currently only be used in emergencies. But how does phage therapy work? Where is it already being used? And what are its limitations? These questions and more are answered in the film «Phage therapy – medicine goes viral» by science journalist Thomas Häusler. Following its premiere in Bern, the film is now available to watch on the SCNAT Youtube channel.
Visit the website
Projects
02.09.2025
Invitation to test the new «Service Finder for Researchers»
A new tool called the «Service Finder for Researchers» has been developed within the National Coordination Platform Clinical Research (CPCR) thanks to the technical expertise of the Swiss Biobanking Platform (SBP). The tool, which encompasses four national research infrastructures, is designed to help researchers navigate the complex world of clinical research.
Thanks to the use of a common vocabulary, the tool enables users to explore the range of available resources and to quickly find the right contact person depending on their needs. Following an internal test phase, the tool is now ready for beta testing. If you are interested in trying out the «Service Finder for Researchers», please register on the SBP website. You will be given access between September 15 and 30, allowing you to contribute to this important project.
Registration
Publications
26.08.2025
Advanced Practice Nurses: What role do they play in Switzerland?
The SAMS Bulletin 3/2025 focuses on the nursing professions and highlights the roles of advanced practice nurses (APNs), which remain relatively underdeveloped in Switzerland. A report commissioned by the SAMS aims to promote an informed debate on this complex issue. In this Bulletin, the author Urs Brügger summarizes the most important findings and two members of the SAMS Executive Board contribute their perspectives from the fields of medicine and nursing sciences.
The Bulletin 3/2025 also presents the revised ethical guidelines for animal experiments, outlines the continuation of the Coordination Platform Clinical Research (CPCR) and highlights issues surrounding organ donation after assisted suicide. It also contains a comprehensive double interview on the strengths and challenges of the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN). Last but not least we would like to thank you for your active participation in our survey on the bulletin. The responses are currently being evaluated and will be presented in a later issue.
SAMS Bulletin 3/2025, French version (PDF)
Projects
14.08.2025
Innovation Qualité: a prize to promote quality in healthcare
The «Innovation Qualité» Prize of the Swiss Academy for Quality in Medicine (ASQM), a FMH-related organisation, is intended to highlight tried and tested projects, make knowledge in the field more visible in Switzerland and provide innovative impetus for debate among specialists. The SAMS supports this prize.
Projects can be submitted in two different categories: successful transition to outpatient care and patient safety. In addition, there is awarded a «Jury’s Special Prize». The prize money ranges from CHF 10’000 to CHF 15’000. The deadline for submissions is 1 December 2025, and the award ceremony will take place on 12 June 2026 in Bern. Further information can be found on the FMH website (French, German, Italian).
Visit the website
Projects
12.08.2025
New mandate for the National Coordination Platform Clinical Research
The Coordination Platform Clinical Research (CPCR) will continue its efforts to strengthen the institutional cooperation between academic actors. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) has given the SAMS a new mandate to pursue the platform’s work until 2028. As host of the CPCR, the SAMS has decided to invest additional resources of its own to support the ambitious program of the platform more effectively.
The CPCR was established in 2021 by the SAMS on behalf of the SERI. At the end of the pilot period, a large majority of members expressed the desire to continue working together within the CPCR. The aim is to strengthen cooperation between the main academic stakeholders of clinical research in the broadest sense, including public health research and data-based research. The new mandate summarizes the thematic priorities for 2025–2028. Further information and details of the CPCR's composition can be found on our website.
Mandate, in German (PDF)
Ethics
05.08.2025
Flyer on the medical-ethical guidelines
Our new flyer provides an overview of the medical-ethical guidelines of the SAMS. Available in four languages, it provides information on the role, function and legal significance of the guidelines. Three case studies illustrate how the guidelines help with difficult decisions in practice.
The guidelines cover a wide range of topics – from general to specific ethical issues. They have therefore been a key element of professional ethics for over five decades and an indispensable guide for health professionals. The flyer on the guidelines can be found on our website, where you can also order print versions free of charge in the desired quantity in English, German, French or Italian.
Flyer (PDF)
Projects
15.07.2025
smarter medicine: 40'000 francs to promote research
The association «smarter medicine – Choosing Wisely Switzerland», of which the SAMS is a founding member, is committed to optimizing healthcare in Switzerland. This year, it is once again awarding a grant for research projects and supporting two applications with up to CHF 20’000 each. Applications can be submitted until 26 September 2025.
The focus of this year’s call is «Patient Involvement in smarter medicine». It is open to research projects that encourage the collaboration of healthcare professionals and patients in outpatient and/or inpatient care settings. Projects can be submitted by individuals, research groups, or organizations. Further information and the application form can be found on the smarter medicine – Choosing Wisely Switzerland website (in French or German).
Visit the website
SPHN
14.07.2025
SPHN introduces new governance structure and funding scheme
With the formal signing of the mandate 2025–2028 by the Confederation, the governance structure of the Swiss Personalized Health Network as well as its funding instruments are evolving. SPHN’s goal for the next four years is to firmly anchor the infrastructure it has built for personalized medicine in Switzerland and to support more research projects with expertise. The funding for the core activities of SPHN is secured. A newly established Steering Board strengthens strategic oversight, while a Sounding Board ensures broad stakeholder involvement.
SPHN’s core financing from the ERI Dispatch 2025–2028 covers the Data Coordination Center (DCC) and the essential core services and infrastructures of the federated network components at hospitals, BioMedIT nodes, and national repositories. This adapted setup aims to establish the optimal foundations for the long-term coordination of clinical and health-related data from 2029 onwards. The strategy will be developed with SERI’s mandated expert group, in close alignment with the DigiSanté program of the Federal Office of Public Health and the Federal Statistical Office. Further information is available on the SPHN website.
Visit the website
Projects
10.07.2025
Watch the webinar on the Federal Health Act online
On 25 June 2025, the Smarter Health Care Network held a webinar asking: Can a federal law cure what has been plaguing our healthcare system for years? This one hour-long webinar is now available to watch online.
Where does our current legal framework reach its limits? How could a Federal Health Act improve the situation? What are the chances of implementation, and what are the possible alternatives? These and other questions were discussed during the webinar. Would you like to find out more? Watch the recording on YouTube. Please note that the webinar is in French, with German slides.
Visit the website
Ethics
07.07.2025
Organ donation after assisted suicide? Medical-ethical considerations
The number of assisted suicides is on the rise. In some cases, people who intend to end their lives wish to donate their organs after death. In Switzerland, organ donation after assisted suicide is currently not practised. If this were to change, new medical-ethical questions would have to be clarified. The Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS has published a position statement to initiate a discussion.
Organ donation and assisted suicide have been practised independently of each other in Switzerland for many years. When combined, however, this practice raises extended medical and professional ethical challenges. In addition, legal and organisational issues must be clarified in advance. The CEC addresses all of these issues in its position statement, thereby providing a solid basis for further discussion.
Download the statement, French version (PDF)
Publications
23.06.2025
Bulletin 2/2025: Challenges and tensions surrounding global health
Just a few years after the pandemic, the world is facing new challenges that have global health implications. These include significant reductions in development aid by some countries, including the United States. In the main article of the SAMS Bulletin, Professor Antoine Flahault calls for commitment to multilateral strategies, urging that the vision of a world with equitable access to healthcare must not be abandoned.
Other topics addressed in the SAMS Bulletin 2/2025 include data governance models within the Swiss Personalised Health Network, advance care planning in nursing homes, and the MD-PhD programme, with a breakdown of the 2025 requests. On the last page, we invite you to take part in a survey. We would like to hear your thoughts on the Bulletin to help us tailor it to the needs of our readers. You can download the Bulletin below or go to the «Publications» menu (in French or German).
SAMS Bulletin 2/2025, French version (PDF)
Projects
17.06.2025
Ethical guidelines for animal experiments
The Swiss Animal Welfare Act permits the use of animals for certain scientific purposes; at the same time, however, it requires that the dignity of animals be respected and their welfare protected. The revised ethical guidelines for animal experiments are designed to clarify the margin of discretion left by the legislation and to encourage researchers to reflect on the handling of animals in their experiments.
Almost 20 years after the last revision (2005), the Ethics Committee for Animal Experimentation (ECAE) – a body jointly operated by the SAMS and the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) – has updated the ethical guidelines for animal experiments in the light of new scientific knowledge and research methods, as well as changes in the legal framework. The revised guidelines are available in three languages (English/German/French) and can be downloaded free of charge.
Download the guidelines (PDF)
Ethics
16.06.2025
Consultation: Guidelines «Determination of Death with Regard to Organ Transplantation»
Switzerland is changing its organ donation system by adopting an extended presumed consent model. The new legislation requires revisions to the SAMS guidelines. The Academy is taking this opportunity to comprehensively revise the 2017 guidelines. The subcommittee responsible has examined the new medical developments and updated and expanded the guidelines accordingly. The three-month public consultation period begins today. Feedback can be submitted until 19 September 2025.
A medically reliable determination of death is a crucial prerequisite for post mortem organ removal. The SAMS medical-ethical guidelines establish a standardised procedure for this and provide clarity through defined processes, requirements for the training of specialists, as well as principles for transparent communication. All interested institutions and individuals are invited to comment on the draft guidelines. Detailed information and all necessary documents can be found on our dedicated webpage.
Invitation to comment, French version (PDF)
Ethics
13.06.2025
New topic page: Medical-ethical considerations on assisted suicide
Assisted suicide is a controversial topic, raising numerous medical-ethical questions. The SAMS has long been concerned with this subject. In the guidelines on «Management of dying and death», a separate chapter is dedicated to assisted suicide. The SAMS provides a sound medical-ethical framework for physicians who have to make complex case-by-case decisions on assisted suicide. A new topic page delves deeper into this complex issue and answers frequently asked questions (FAQ).
In Switzerland, every physician is free to decide whether or not to provide assisted suicide. The SAMS guidelines give medical-ethical guidance for those in the medical profession who are willing to consider it. The new topic page offers a comprehensive overview of the legal framework and the role of physicians, as well as the conditions for medical-ethical responsible assisted suicide in accordance with the guidelines. The FAQ section explains key aspects of the ethical, social, and political debate in easily understandable terms.
Visit the website
Academy
12.06.2025
The SAMS’ Senate is growing and becoming more female
In its meeting on June 10, the Senate elected additional individual and honorary members from various disciplines and institutions. For the first time, there is a clear majority of women: eight of the nine newly elected members are women.
The Senate is the highest organ of the SAMS and comprises a total of about 280 members. Elections are usually held during the summer meeting in May/June, and new members are officially admitted during the Senate meeting in November. All names of the newly elected can be found in our newsletter of 12 June 2025 (in French).
Further information
Projects
05.06.2025
Advanced Practice Nurses: a sound factual basis
Over the last two decades, the Swiss educational landscape has undergone fundamental changes in the health sector. The integration of health professions into the national education system has given rise to a large number of new training pathways, with the emergence of so called advanced practice roles – first in nursing and then also in other health professions. A report commissioned by the SAMS aims to promote informed debate on this complex issue.
The author Prof. Urs Brügger (methodix) presents a variety of viewpoints and helps to bring this complex matter into sharper focus. It aims to provide decision-makers with a sound factual basis for pursuing discussions on the classification, regulation and integration of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) within the Swiss health system. The report includes a summary in English and French. The complete French version of the report will be published here by the end of June. The recommendations included in the report are those of the author. The SAMS intends to explore this topic in more depth in the coming months. Further information will be provided via our Newsletter and published here on our website.
Report in German with a summary in English (PDF)
Agenda
23.05.2025
Invitation to the Meet & Greet of the Biomedical Libraries
The «Biomedical Libraries» Commission, hosted by the SAMS, is holding a Meet & Greet. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, 12 August 2025 in Zurich. Participation is free of charge, registrations are requested until 13 July 2025.
Under the title «Innovative Teaching in Swiss Medical Libraries – Current Trends and Perspectives», the «Meet & Greet» is dedicated to teaching and training activities within Swiss medical libraries. The program will feature insights and discussions on self-education and e-learning tools, artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and educational offerings for medical students and clinicians.
Download the program (PDF)
SPHN
22.05.2025
Register now: PHRT-SPHN Conference 28–29 August 2025
On 28–29 August 2025, the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) and its sister initiative Personalized Health and Related Technologies (PHRT) from the ETH Domain host the conference «From Technology to Treatment: Advancing Precision Medicine» in Zurich. Register now and come explore with us the latest advances in personalized medicine.
The two-day event will bring together international leading experts from academia, healthcare, and industry to explore the latest breakthroughs in personalized medicine. The conference focuses on how cutting-edge technologies can transform clinical practice and improve patient care. Click the link below for the program and registration. The event will be held in English.
Visit the website
Projects
20.05.2025
The SAMW is ending its co-funding of the Cochrane Library
At the end of 2024, the SAMW renewed its financial commitment to national license for the Cochrane Library for another year. This means that healthcare professionals and the entire Swiss population will continue to have free access to evidence-based information that helps them make informed healthcare decisions. However, the Academy will withdraw from this funding in 2026.
There are two main reasons why the SAMS has decided to end its financial commitment. Firstly, in its role as a catalyst, the Academy only funds projects for a limited period of time. Secondly, the development of federal contributions for the period 2025–2028 necessitates budget cuts in certain areas. Until the end of the year, the SAMS will continue to cover two thirds of the licensing costs. Unfortunately, we have not found an institution through our contacts willing to take over this share. If you have any questions or are interested in co-financing, please visit our website for more information and contact details.
Visit the website
Academy
29.04.2025
The SAMS Annual Report 2024 is online
The year 2024 of the SAMS has featured inspiring ideas, revealing insights and successfully completed milestones. As a result, the Academy's activities attracted significant attention.
The retrospective continues to be the heart of our online annual report. It provides an overview of past year's activities. The different colours by department show the variety of our activities and our commitment to science, medicine and society. Scroll through the eventful year 2024 once again or download a printable PDF of the report (available in French or German).
Download the report, in French (PDF)
Academy
24.04.2025
CAS One Health: Sustainable health for humans, animals and the environment
To successfully tackle the complex problems of our time, all disciplines, sectors and population groups must work together. This also applies to medicine. That is why the One Health approach aims to restore the balance between humans, animals and ecosystems. The University of Bern is launching Switzerland's first CAS on this topic. The program starts in September 2025 and the application deadline is 31 May 2025.
The One Health approach, which the SAMS supports in its position papers, proposes to extend the recognition of the ecosystem-animal-human interconnection into professional actions, aiming at sustainably maintaining health in the broadest sense. Among others, the «Network for Transdisciplinary Research» (td-net) of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (a+) supports the CAS One Health at the University of Bern. Detailed information is available on the program website. The SAMS’ position paper «Promotion of health services respecting planetary boundaries» can be downloaded in French and German.
Position paper, French/German (PDF)
Projects
23.04.2025
smarter medicine: Top 5 lists for occupational therapy and pharmacy
The association «Smarter Medicine – Choosing Wisely Switzerland», of which the SAMS is a member, is committed to optimising 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 April 2025, the Swiss Association of Occupational Therapists (ASE) and the Pharmaceutical Care Network Switzerland (PCN-S) published their Top 5 lists.
The publication of these two lists continues a welcome development: the ASE and PCN-S – in collaboration with the Swiss Pharmacists Association and the Swiss Association of Public Health and Hospital Pharmacists – are two further non-medical health associations that have each compiled a Top 5 list. This clearly shows that there is also a problem of under- and over-treatment in these fields. The associations aim to counteract this phenomenon and to promote knowledge transfer between the various healthcare sectors. All Top 5 lists are available on the smarter medicine website (French or German).
Visit the website
Funding
01.04.2025
Young Talents in Clinical Research: Call 2025
With the Young Talents in Clinical Research program, the Gottfried and Julia Bangerter-Rhyner Foundation and the SAMS wish to encourage young medical doctors to start out in clinical research. In 2025, CHF 1 million is made available to finance protected research time and small research projects for junior researchers. The submission deadline is 30 June 2025.
The YTCR program comprises two funding instruments: Beginner Grants and Project Grants. Its target audience are residents who wish to be freed from clinical duty to gain a first experience in clinical research. Applications must be written in English and registered online. More information on the participation criteria, submission and evaluation procedure can be found in the program regulations, on our website, and in the FAQ.
Visit the website
Publications
25.03.2025
Real-world studies in medicine: opportunities and risks
Health-related activities, such as those of hospitals and insurance companies, generate large amounts of data every day. This so-called «real-world data» can be used in various ways for health research and is attracting a lot of attention. In the lead article of the current SAMS Bulletin, Dr Michaela Egli, philosopher and project manager at the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN), discusses the opportunities and risks of real-world studies.
Bulletin 1/2025 also features the first editorial by Prof. Arnaud Perrier, who, as SAMS President, puts the importance of health data and SPHN into perspective. Prof. Urs Frey reflects in a «Carte blanche» on his time als SPHN-president and the role of the SAMS. Information from the Careum event on the Federal Health Act and news from our Departments Ethics and Promotion round off the first issue of the year.
SAMS Bulletin 1/2025, French version (PDF)
SPHN
17.03.2025
Swiss Personalized Health Network ensures continuity
The development phase of the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) was successfully completed at the end of 2024. Over the next four years, the network will focus on maintaining and establishing its services and infrastructures. From 2029, SPHN aims to become an integral part of the national data infrastructure.
For the 2025–2028 funding period, SAMS will be responsible for the mandate of SPHN’s Data Coordination Center (DCC) and will continue its successful collaboration with the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. The federal government plans to support the DCC with CHF 20.7 million over the next four years. In the future, the network partners will also be increasingly involved financially. This will broadly support the transition from a national funding initiative to an integral part of the data infrastructure. More information on the future of SPHN can be found in our newsletter.
Further information
Academy
13.03.2025
«Science et politique à table!»: Is assisted suicide in Switzerland sufficiently regulated?
With «Science et Politique à table!», the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (a+) invite members of parliament to discuss current topics with experts from the scientific community. On March 4, 2025, the discussion focused on the appropriate legal and institutional framework for assisted suicide in Switzerland. The summary of the discussions, the speakers' presentations as well as relevant contacts are now available on the a+ website.
In recent years, the number of assisted suicides relative to all deaths has increased significantly in Switzerland: from 0.2% (1999) to 2.1% (2022). If this trend continues, the proportion is likely to be 5% in 10 to 15 years. The legal framework for assisted suicide is defined by the Swiss Criminal Code and the Narcotics Act. The medical-ethical guidelines of the SAMS provide guidelines for physicians, but assisted suicide is largely in the hands of private institutions. At what point does self-regulation reach its limits? What options are there for action? Related documents and contacts can be found on the a+ website.
Summary of the discussion, in French (PDF)
Projects
06.03.2025
Forum of the ETHICH Consortium: Save-the-Date and Call for Abstracts
On September 2 2025, the Swiss Consortium for Sustainable Health and Ecological Change in the Health System (ETHICH), founded by the SAMS, is organizing a national forum in Bern. New projects and initiatives will be presented, and the exchanges initiated during the two previous editions will be continued and strengthened. Abstracts of projects can now be submitted.
Projects may be specific to the topic of this year's Forum «Resource consumption in the healthcare sector - from oversupply to a circular economy» or on one of the seven proposals of the position paper «Promotion of health services respecting planetary boundaries» (SAMS, 2022). Abstracts can be submitted in English, German or French until May 31 2025. Further information can be found on the website.
SAMS position paper, in French (PDF)
SPHN
03.03.2025
SPHN: New group leader of the SIB Personalized Health Informatics Group
Dr. Davide Chiarugi joins SPHN as the new leader of the SIB Personalized Health Informatics Group (PHI), succeeding Katrin Crameri. With a PhD in Computer Science and extensive leadership experience, he brings strong expertise in data management and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects.
In the past years, Dr. Chiarugi led different groups in the domain of data-driven research, scientific computing, and data management in the context of prestigious institutions such as the Max Planck Society and the University of Cambridge (UK). In his new role, Dr. Davide Chiarugi will oversee the part of the SPHN Data Coordination Center (DCC) that is hosted by the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics in Basel. The general management of the SPHN DCC is under the responsibility of Thomas Geiger. More information can be found on the SPHN website.
Visit the website
SPHN
27.02.2025
New SPHN guidance for genomic data in human research
The secondary use of human genomic data not only offers significant opportunities for research, but also entails considerable responsibility. The new guidance of the Advisory Group for Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSIag) of the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) offers practical ethical recommendations.
The guidance particularly addresses challenges regarding autonomous decision-making and the responsible communication of genetic findings, privacy protection and data access conditions for genomic data. It also emphasizes the importance of active participation of patients and citizens in genomic research. The guidance aims to promote a harmonized national approach to genomic data governance, enabling both national and international collaboration. By adopting these recommendations, stakeholders can help establish a trustworthy framework for genomic research.
Guidance (PDF)
Academy
25.02.2025
Focus on interprofessionality and patient involvement
In our last Newsletter in 2024, we invited our readers to express their wishes regarding the SAMS. From the responses we received, the three most common themes were: promoting all health professions, involving patients and the public, and strengthening primary care.
«If you were to take over from Prof. Arnaud Perrier as head of the SAMS in 2025, what topics would you focus on?» This was the question we asked. Even before the detailed evaluation it was clear that the promotion of all health professions was high on the list of concerns. For example, there is a desire for an MD-PhD program like the one available for doctors interested in research. More ideas can be found in our newsletter published today (available in French or German).
Further information
Funding
19.02.2025
Call open: For Women in Science
«For Woman in Science» is the successful global cooperation of UNESCO and L'Oréal. Since 1998, these two partners have been promoting women in science, fostering gender equality and highlighting the visibility of women in research as role models. The Swiss Program is launched in 2025 in partnership with the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW).
For this first edition, the program will award a total of CHF 100’000 distributed in 4 endowments of CHF 25’000 each to postdoctoral female researchers conducting exceptional work in STEM fields in Switzerland. The call for applications is also open to medical professionals. Registration is possible until 31 March 2025. Details can be found online.
Visit the website
Projects
18.02.2025
Federal Health Act: time to debate
The SAMS is convinced that the major challenges in the healthcare system cannot be solved with the current governance mechanisms and legal basis. It has therefore launched the idea of a Federal Health Act. The advantages and disadvantages of such an Act were discussed at a meeting organized by the Careum Foundation in Zurich in early January and again by the Population council in Neuchâtel in mid-February.
Staff shortages, uneven distribution of services, poor digitalization, lack of a national strategies for health promotion and prevention, ever-increasing costs – the list of challenges is long and the concern is great. New solutions to these problems are regularly proposed, but they are almost never implemented due to a lack of governance instruments. The competences between the Confederation and the cantons are intertwined, and the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal) as the most important legal basis is reaching its limits. A Federal Health Act could clarify competences and create a basis for the necessary reforms. Read more on our project page, which also contains the discussion report of the Careum Foundation.
Discussion Report Careum, French version (PDF)
Funding
13.02.2025
National MD-PhD program: Call for proposals thanks to new partners
Since 1992, the SAMS, together with private foundations and until 2024 with the SNSF, has awarded each year a limited number of competitive MD-PhD grants. Thanks to new partnerships with foundations and associated faculties, the national MD-PhD program can be continued. The submission deadline for applications is 15 May 2025.
National MD-PhD fellowships offer young physicians interested in research the opportunity to complete a doctorate in natural sciences, public health sciences, clinical research or biomedical ethics. Thanks to partnerships with foundations and all major medical faculties as well as the EPFL, the program can be continued. The objectives remain unchanged, but the regulations and evaluation procedure have been slightly adapted. The most important changes and all information on application submission can be found in the FAQ and on the program website.
Visit the website
Ethics
12.02.2025
The SAMS guidelines in use: Collaboration between medical professionals and industry
For over 50 years the SAMS medical-ethical guidelines provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance on ethically challenging situations in everyday clinical practice. The SAMS illustrates the guidelines on an ongoing basis using concrete practical examples. The current issue focuses on «Collaboration between medical professionals and industry». It is now available on our website in French and in German.
Medical-ethical guidelines need to be put to the test in practice. In this context, not only one's own experiences are important, but also those of professional colleagues. It is for this reason that, since 2018, «Primary and Hospital Care» has published a series of case studies illustrating how various SAMS guidelines can be applied in practice. Previous topics have included for example cardiopulmonary resuscitation, coercive measures in medicine and assessment of capacity in medical practice. As of 2025, the «Gazette médicale» will carry on the series with part 9, dedicated to the collaboration between medical professionals and industry. Download this article here. All the previous articles are available on our website.
Download the article, French version (PDF)
Ethics
11.02.2025
Workshop on the revision of the guidelines «Coercive Measures in Medicine»
The Central Ethics Committee of the SAMS has set up a subcommittee to revise the guidelines «Coercive Measures in Medicine». As part of this revision, a discussion on the medical-ethical issues open to all professionals will take place in Berne on 22 May 2025. Registration is open until 30 April 2025.
The workshop, which will be held in French and German, presents the interim results of the revision process and provides a forum for in-depth discussion among experts. Take this opportunity to contribute your expertise to the medical-ethical debate, and play a role in the direction of the revision. Detailed information can be found in the programme (pdf). Participation is free but registration is compulsory.
Programm (PDF)
Publications
07.02.2025
Federal Health Act: report presents pros and cons
At the invitation of the Careum Foundation, an event was held on January 9, 2025 in Zurich to debate the pros and cons of a Federal Health Act. Conclusion: the healthcare system needs a «combination therapy» of immediate measures and long-term structural reforms. Find out more about the arguments put forward by the audience in the report published today by Careum.
Having launched the idea of Federal Health Act in 2024, the SAMS accepted the Careum Foundation’s invitation to explore the subject in more detail at an event. Representatives of various stakeholders in the healthcare system discussed the need for a paradigm shift and possible approaches. For further details, please consult the report (in French or German) and our topic page.
Download the Report, French version (PDF)
Funding
24.01.2025
Update of the Swiss Health Care Atlas with data for 2023
Our healthcare system gives cause for concern: costs keep rising, the shortage of healthcare professionals is an issue, and the number of chronically ill people is increasing. Can we identify a link between a given service and a region? Are there indicators to examine in order to improve the system? Can services be bundled regionally? The Swiss Health Care Atlas can provide answers to such questions.
The Swiss Health Care Atlas uses over 100 indicators to document the use of health services in Switzerland. Designed as a learning system, it is to be continuously updated. The indicators were recently expanded to include data for 2023. This creates a basis for health services research and can help to plan and manage resources according to needs. The SAMS had co-financed the first version of the Atlas and continues to promote its use. Visit the website for further information.
Visit the website
Projects
14.01.2025
Cochrane Library: Renewal of the national licence
The SAMS renewed the national licence for the Cochrane Library for the year 2025. The Cochrane Library is available free of charge to professionals, but also to the Swiss population, enabling everyone to make informed health-related decisions thanks to reliable information.
The Cochrane network has been working together for almost 30 years to produce systematic reviews without any commercial funding. It summarizes research findings in the field of medical care and serve as a reliable basis for evidence-based medicine. The national licence is financed by the SAMS, the Federal Office of Public Health, the Swiss Medical Association as well as university libraries and hospitals. More information can be found on our website.
Further information
Academy
09.01.2025
Become a member of the Swiss Young Academy
The 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 2025, offers the opportunity to apply for a five-year membership.
The Swiss Young Academy consists currently of 42 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. Are you interested in becoming actively involved in the largest scientific network in Switzerland? New members 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
02.01.2025
Handover: Arnaud Perrier is now President of the SAMS
At the beginning of the year, Arnaud Perrier (left) took over the presidency from Henri Bounameaux. The latter will remain on the SAMS Executive Board as Vice President in order to actively support his successor. This ensures continuity within the SAMS.
Arnaud Perrier was elected as the new President of the SAMS by the Senate in June 2024. He has since familiarized himself with the Academy's tasks as a member of the Executive Board. The General Secretariat looks forward to working with this experienced clinician and clinical researcher, who was Medical Director at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) until the end of 2024. Visit our portrait page to get to know all members of the SAMS Executive Board.
Visit the website
Academy
19.12.2024
Wishes for the New Year... Write to us!
The gift list is as much a part of the Christmas tradition as the candlelight, the tree, the stockings and the candy canes. Making good resolutions is also closely linked to this time of the year. Inspired by these rituals, we are taking advantage of this last News of 2024 to ask you what you would like to see happen at the SAMS.
We will not be able to implement your suggestions overnight, but with an eye to our 2029–2032 multi-year plan, which we will prepare next year, we are interested in gathering a wide range of views. To find out how to take part and which thank-you gift we'll be offering, please read our Newsletter linked below. We look forward to hearing from you and wish you a peaceful end to the year and a happy 2025.
Further information
Ethics
17.12.2024
Advance care planning for emergencies: aiming for a standardized form
Medical emergencies require immediate action. At the same time, these must take into account the patient's wishes. To ensure this, various forms exist. A working group has analyzed existing documents and defined a first set of principles for a standardized form throughout Switzerland.
Advance care planning (ACP) can also be considered for acute emergencies. In contrast to an advance directive or a treatment plan, the form solely deals with situations that require an immediate decision about the use of medical measures. The SAMS has entrusted Professor Regina Aebi-Müller to clarify the legal significance of «medical orders for life-sustaining treatment». In her expert opinion, she states that the ACP form for emergency situations must be taken into account during treatment.
Legal opinion, French Version (PDF)
Funding
12.12.2024
Young Talents in Clinical Research: 15 grants awarded
With the Young Talents in Clinical Research program, the Gottfried and Julia Bangerter-Rhyner Foundation and the SAMS encourage young medical doctors to start out in clinical research. At the end of the 2024 call for applications, 15 talented clinicians are supported with a total amount of CHF 959’702.
The YTCR program comprises two instruments: «beginner grants» provide protected time for research, while «project grants» finance a consecutive research project to broaden and consolidate the expertise acquired during the «beginner grant». This year, 14 «beginner grants» and one «project grant» were awarded. The next call for applications will be launched in spring 2025, with a submission deadline on 30 June 2025. For more information about the program and the list of grantees, please visit our website.
Flyer «Young Talents in Clinical Research» (PDF)
Funding
05.12.2024
KZS Fund: 3 Seed Grants for junior researchers in biomedical ethics
The 2024 call from the Käthe Zingg-Schwichtenberg (KZS) Fund was thematically open and intended for junior researchers in biomedical ethics. 3 Seed Grants with a total amount of CHF 219’658 will allow grantees to explore an innovative research idea, to realize a small, independent pilot project and/or to prepare their own project proposal to be submitted to a larger funding agency.
The objective of the call was to support junior researchers in obtaining independent research experience, facilitating the transition to the next step of their academic career. Before the next call for proposals is launched, the SAMS will conduct a survey among previous recipients of the KZS Fund in order to evaluate the added value of the instrument. Results will be communicated via newsletter and on our website.
Synopsis of grantees (PDF)
Publications
26.11.2024
Not giving up on federalism, but rethinking it
Should health be anchored in the Swiss Constitution? Luca Crivelli, Full Professor of Health Economics and Policy at SUPSI, explores this topic in the lead article of our latest Bulletin. He shows how federalism shapes the current healthcare system and discusses the possibility of redistributing responsibilities between the Confederation and the cantons.
In addition, interviews reveal how Prof. Henri Bounameaux has perceived his time as SAMS President and what hurdles this year's laureate of the Stern-Gattiker Prize has overcome. The expansion of the Swiss Personalised Health Network (SPHN), the President of the Central Ethics Committee’s impressions of the Symposium on medical-ethical guidelines, the presentation of the new Senate’s members and the Seed Grants from the KZS Fund complete Bulletin 4/2024.
SAMS Bulletin 4/2024, French version (PDF)
SPHN
21.11.2024
A new president for the Swiss Personalized Health Network from 2025
Prof. Urs Frey, Basel, has chaired the Swiss Personalized Network (SPHN) since 2019. At its meeting in November, the SAMS Senate elected Prof. Matthias Baumgartner, Zurich, as his successor. From 2025, he will accompany SPHN with the Data Coordination Center (DCC) into the maintenance phase.
Matthias Baumgartner is Full Professor of Metabolic Diseases at the University of Zurich, Director of Research and Teaching at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, and head of the Department of Metabolic Diseases. After Urs Frey, we are delighted to once again have an experienced physician and clinical researcher with a Swiss-wide network at the helm of SPHN. More information on the current and future SPHN President can be found in the newsletter published today.
Further information
Agenda
20.11.2024
CitSciHelvetia'25: Call for participation
Citizen Science Helvetia 2025 (CitSciHelvetia'25), the Swiss conference for citizen and participatory research will take place on June 5 and 6 2025 in Lausanne. The event is initiated by the Science et Cité Foundation and supported by the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences and the University of Lausanne (UNIL). CitSciHelvetia’25 will focus on «Citizen science in action. Collaborations between civil society and academia».
The partnership between civil society and academia has never been more relevant. The challenges facing our contemporary societies are multiple and complex: biodiversity loss, climate disruption, damaged social ties, health challenges, and more. They call for collective responses drawing on the wealth of scientific, professional and experiential knowledge. Contributions in the form of presentations, workshops or posters can be submitted until December 15, 2024. The call for participation including the six thematic areas can be found on the website.
Visit the website
Ethics
19.11.2024
Interview on Advance Care Planning: «What are the most important tools?»
Everyone wants their needs to be respected right up to their final hours. This means thinking about emergencies at an early stage, in other words, advance care planning (ACP). Prof. Miodrag Filipovic is a member of the SAMS board and president of the national working group on ACP. In an interview, he describes the objectives of the group and explains the value of ACP using concrete examples from his daily work as an intensive care physician.
A well-known instrument of ACP is the advance care directive. In an interview with the members' magazine of the association Exit, Miodrag Filipovic says: «Advance care directives provide answers and considerable help when decisions have to be made: Who is the proxy decision-maker? What made life worth living for the person who is now lacking capacity? What therapeutic goals can be derived from this? Which medical measures would be in their interest and which would not?» You can download the interview in German below. More information on advance care planning and the activities of the working group can be found on our website.
Download interview (PDF)
Ethics
11.11.2024
No to the popular initiative for a future without animal testing
swissuniversities, the umbrella organisation of the Swiss universities, warns of the consequences of accepting the popular initiative for a future without animal testing. The SAMS supports swissuniversities' clear arguments and shares its position and concerns.
The initiative, submitted on 11 November 2024, proposes a comprehensive ban on animal testing in Switzerland, which would have serious consequences for numerous areas of research and would significantly hamper progress, innovation and education in human and veterinary medicine, as well as other scientific disciplines. Switzerland has one of the strictest animal protection laws in the world, which ensures that animal experiments are carried out under responsible and ethical conditions. Not long ago, in February 2022, the Swiss people clearly said No to a similar initiative. Like swissuniversities, the SAMS considers the new initiative to be the wrong approach and rejects it.
Further information
Projects
05.11.2024
PPIE: four letters for a major participation in healthcare
The four letters of the acronym PPIE stand for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement in Healthcare. For the past three years, the SAMS has been supporting a course at the University of Basel’s Department of Clinical Research (DKF) for patients, in order for them to be able to actively participate in the planning and design of research projects.
The full value of the knowledge acquired through research is realized when it meets the specific needs of patients. This is best achieved if those affected are involved in the planning and design of research projects. The course prepares interested individuals for such involvement. The DKF offers online modules in three national languages. More information and contact details can be found on the DKF website.
Visit the website
Funding
31.10.2024
Neuroscience: Robert Bing Prize for three outstanding researchers
The Robert Bing Prize 2024 is awarded to three outstanding neuroscientists: Alexander and Mackenzie W. Mathis, EPFL, are being distinguished together for their pioneering work bridging machine learning and behavioral neurobiological research. Susanne Wegener, USZ/UZH, is honored for her translational research on the pathophysiology and treatment of stroke. Both prizes are worth CHF 30’000.
The Prize, bestowed every two years by the SAMS, originates from a generous bequest of Basel neurologist Robert Bing (1878–1956). In accordance with the donor’s will, the Prize is awarded to researchers who have done outstanding work to improve the recognition, treatment or cure of neurological diseases. Read the impressive short biographies of the three laureates in our media release published today. More information about the Bing Prize can be found on our website.
Media release (PDF)
Agenda
22.10.2024
Workshop on the guidelines «Coercive Measures in Medicine»
The Central Ethics Committee of the SAMS has set up a subcommittee to revise the guidelines «Coercive Measures in Medicine». As part of this revision, a discussion open to all professionals will take place. The workshop will be held on 22 May 2025 in Berne. The detailed programme and registration link will be published at the beginning of 2025.
The subcommittee will present its preliminary findings for discussion: When may – when must – urgent medical measures be taken when the person concerned does not consent or even actively resists them? How can they be kept to a minimum? The workshop offers an opportunity to discuss such questions. Save the date to share your knowledge and experience. Visit our webpage for more background information.
Further information
Ethics
30.09.2024
Lawfulness of the guidelines on management of dying and death
The Public Prosecutor's Office of the Canton of Berne has decided to dismiss a complaint filed against the SAMS and the FMH. The plaintiffs considered a chapter of the medical-ethical guidelines «Management of dying and death» to be unlawful. The SAMS sees this decision as a reinforcement of the role of the ethical standards attributed to its medical-ethical guidelines.
On 23 November 2023, a criminal complaint was brought against the SAMS and the FMH, claiming that the guidelines «Management of dying and death», as amended in 2021, placed doctors in a dilemma: either they were obliged to act against their conscience in certain cases and not provide assisted suicide, or they risked being expelled from the FMH. In its ruling of 19 August 2024, the public prosecutor's office of the Canton of Bern clearly rejected these accusations. Its conclusion was based in part on the legal opinion drawn up by Prof. Franziska Sprecher from July 2024 on behalf of the SAMS.
Decision, in German (PDF)
SPHN
20.09.2024
Cantonal hospitals are joining SPHN
The Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) has launched a new program to integrate cantonal hospitals in its network. By participating in the SPHN network, the hospitals can now standardize and securely share consented health data. This step is key for advancing multi-site research in personalized medicine.
The hospitals participating are the Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Cantonal Hospital Baden, and Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen. Additionally, the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research, a non-profit organization, is also joining the initiative. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in personalized medicine promoting better healthcare outcomes for all.
Further information
Projects
16.09.2024
One Health: a holistic approach to human, animal and environmental health
The SAMS is committed to promoting a holistic understanding of health in Switzerland in the sense of One Health. A multimedia web report highlights the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health in an impressive way. With the financial and staff support of the SAMS, the «One Health Story» could also be realised in French.
The publication of the French version is reason enough to recall the project that was awarded the 2022 «Prix Média» by the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. In seven chapters, various aspects of the One Health concept are explored in depth using text, illustrations, videos and audio. Visit the website to learn more about zoonoses, ways to prevent pandemics or why nature is systematically relevant for our health.
Further information
Ethics
04.09.2024
Symposium «Governing by Values»: Medical-ethical guidelines in transition
Together with the University of Bern, the SAMS organized a symposium on 3 September 2024 on the significance, legitimacy and further development of the guidelines. Various presentations from the conference are available online.
The symposium was based on the SNSF project «Governing by Values». It examined the history of the SAMS guidelines from a historical and legal perspective. In addition to questions relating to the legal framework, the symposium reflected on the current relevance and utility of the guidelines. Some of the presentations (in German and French) can be found on our website. The SAMS will publish a report on the relevance of the guidelines. The results of the SNSF project will be published by the researchers in due course.
Visit the website
Publications
27.08.2024
Clinical research: the CPCR at a crossroads
The national Coordination Platform Clinical Research (CPCR) is intended to strengthen the dialogue between the public actors of clinical research in Switzerland in the broader sense, to better harmonise their objectives and to clarify responsibilities. The focus of the current SAMS Bulletin shows how far this initiative has progressed, what challenges there are and what role the CPCR could play in the future.
You can also look forward to an interview with Franziska Sprecher on the legal status of the SAMS medical-ethical guidelines and find out how the Swiss Personalised Health Network (SPHN) is moving into the consolidation phase. In addition, there is news from our Senate and about our funding programs and prizes.
Bulletin 3/2024, French version (PDF)
Projects
21.08.2024
SAMS podcast on the Federal Health Act
In its statement of May 2024, the SAMS proposed anchoring health in a constitutional article and drafting a Federal Health Act on this basis. In the «Morgen:Rapport» podcast, Daniel Scheidegger, former President of the SAMS, talks about this idea, its purpose and the urgency of rethinking health issues.
An article on health in the Federal Constitution would have to take into account the «One Health» approach, at the interface between humans, animals and the environment and promote the concept of «Health in all Policies». A Federal Health Act should strengthen prevention and health promotion, as well as guaranteeing care and effective governance. Daniel Scheidegger explains how this will improve the Swiss healthcare system with some surprising comparisons with other sectors. Visit the Morgen:Rapport to listen to the podcast in German.
Visit the website
Ethics
13.08.2024
SAMS guidelines: relevant to practice, not legally binding
For more than 50 years, the SAMS medical-ethical guidelines have been providing practical advice to health professionals. They reinforce values such as patient autonomy, justice and the principle of non-harm. Many guidelines concern topics that affect fundamental rights. The fact that such ethical standards are drawn up by a foundation under private law raises questions about the legal framework and their legitimacy. The SAMS commissioned a legal opinion to examine these issues. The results are now available.
The legal opinion, written by Prof. Franziska Sprecher, University of Bern, provides a comprehensive overview of the complex legal framework in which the SAMS medical-ethical guidelines operate. As the SAMS has no legal mandate to draw up guidelines, they have no direct binding legal effect. However, their practical and conceptual importance is expressly recognised, both by health professionals and legal and political bodies. Download below the full version of the legal opinion (in German) or visit our website for a summary in German or French.
Legal opinion, in German (PDF)
Funding
09.07.2024
Magdalena Filipowicz Sinnreich winner of the Stern-Gattiker Award 2024
A lack of role models can slow down professional careers. This also applies to academic medicine and especially to women. Yet female role models do exist, and the Stern-Gattiker Award is dedicated to them. This year's prize, which is endowed with CHF 15’000, is awarded to Prof. Magdalena Filipowicz Sinnreich.
The Jury was particularly impressed by Prof. Filipowicz Sinnreich’s career path, which combines cutting-edge clinical medicine with outstanding basic research. The award winner also acts as a mentor for the next generation of scientists. Despite her demanding professional commitments, she sets an remarkable example in balancing family life and career. Find out more about the reasons for this choice and Prof. Filipowicz Sinnreich’s career path in our press release.
Press release, French version (PDF)
Funding
08.07.2024
Study on the national MD-PhD program: Career paths in focus
Since 1992, individual MD-PhD grants have supported young physicians to equip them with the skills necessary to bridge experimental research, patient-oriented research and clinical practice. The SAMS is convinced that these profiles are essential in view of the growing complexity of medicine. A study published in Swiss Medical Weekly shows how successfully the careers of grantees have actually developed since the program was launched.
The data collected for this study confirms that the National MD-PhD Program remarkably promotes promising physicians who remain active in both research and clinical practice in the long term. Eight years or more after completing the MD-PhD – when most have a stable position – 55% are working in a paid research position, 64% continue their scientific activity in a university hospital and 25% hold a professorship. The complete study and two complementary «Viewpoints» can be found online on Swiss Medical Weekly (Volume 154, No. 7).
Visit the website
Funding
04.07.2024
2024 grants and future of the national MD-PhD program
This year, 13 talented young physicians receive a national MD-PhD grant to realize a doctorate in natural sciences, public health or clinical research at a Swiss university. The 2024 grants conclude the last joint call for applications of the national MD-PhD program with the SNSF. Thanks to the partnerships that have been established, and those currently under discussion, the SAMS hopes to continue the program with a next call for applications early 2025.
This year’s grants amount to a total of CHF 2.4 million and cover the salaries of 13 young researchers. Details are given in the synopsis below. We conducted a survey of former MD-PhD grantees to assess whether the national MD-PhD program is reaching its goals and paving the way for a career as physician-scientist. The data collected suggest that this is indeed the case. The link to the full study and information on the future of the national program can be found on our website.
Synopsis of grantees (PDF)
Projects
01.07.2024
smarter medicine: 40'000 francs to promote research
The association «smarter medicine – Choosing Wisely Switzerland», of which the SAMS is a member, is committed to optimising healthcare in Switzerland. In order to support quality-enhancing research projects, the association is once again offering a grant. Applications can be submitted until 30 September 2024.
Research projects that focus on medical overuse and misuse or on the extent of this phenomenon are still rare in Switzerland. This is why «smarter medicine» is investing up to CHF 40’000 to support research projects that investigate the problem and/or identify solutions. The call for proposals is open from 1 July to 30 September 2024. Further information on the call for proposals and the composition of the jury can be found on the website (in French or German).
Further information
Publications
26.06.2024
Developing the healthcare system: our SAMS Bulletin presents ideas
The DIPEx database enables patients to document their individual experiences and thus make their voices heard within the healthcare system. The current Bulletin of the SAMS, available in French or German, will enable you to discover what additional benefits these resources bring to research, training and a learning health system.
In Bulletin 2/2024, you will also find an interview with Katrin Crameri and Thomas Geiger on the future of the Swiss Personalized Health Network, and our proposal for a new article in the Constitution and a Federal Health Act. As usual, you will find the latest news from our General Secretariat and our Departments Ethics and Promotion as well. We hope you enjoy reading it.
Bulletin 2/2024, French version (PDF)
Academy
18.06.2024
The SAMS has updated its mission statement
At its meeting on June 13, the Senate approved an updated version of the SAMS Charter. The one-page document summarizes the Academy's guiding principles, objectives and missions. The SAMS is not reinventing itself, but refining its self-perception in a constantly changing environment.
Based on several months of strategic reflection, the document last revised in 2009 has undergone a number of changes. The first part now focuses on the principles of independence, transparency and inclusiveness. The second part details the three missions pursued by the Academy: 1. Medicine and society, 2. Medicine as a science and a practical discipline 3. The SAMS as a member of the scientific community. The Senate welcomed this initiative and approved the update.
Mission statement, French version (PDF)
Academy
14.06.2024
The SAMS will have a new President in January 2025
At its meeting on June 13, the Senate elected Prof. Arnaud Perrier as the new President of the SAMS. Prof. Perrier will succeed Prof. Henri Bounameaux, who is extending his mandate until December 31, 2024. A member of the Senate since 2018, Prof. Perrier is well acquainted with the SAMS, having served on the Executive Committee between 2013 and 2016 and participated in the work of several commissions.
Trained as an internist, Prof. Perrier spent most of his career at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), where he headed the general internal medicine department. During this time, he has been an active clinician and clinical researcher, and has been involved in the reform of medical studies. He is currently Medical Director of the HUG until the end of the year. Visit our website for the current composition of our Executive Board.
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Ethics
11.06.2024
The SAMS guidelines in use: questions about assessment of capacity
The medical-ethical guidelines provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance on ethically challenging situations in everyday clinical practice. In the journal «Primary and Hospital Care», the SAMS guidelines are illustrated with concrete practical examples. The last article of the series deals with assessment of capacity. It is now available on our website in French and in German.
Medical-ethical guidelines need to be put to the test in practice. In this context, not only one's own experiences are important, but also those of professional colleagues. For this reason, «Primary and Hospital Care» has published a series of case studies since 2018 in which various SAMS guidelines are applied in practice. Previous topics have included for example palliative care, coercive measures in medicine and the medical care of people with dementia. The last contribution deals with assessment of capacity. It can be downloaded here, in French and in German. Previous articles are available on our website.
Download, French version (PDF)
Academy
10.06.2024
RNA technologies: mechanisms of action and applications
Ribonucleic acids (RNA) play an essential role in all cells of all organisms. The Covid-19 pandemic brought RNAs in the form of mRNA vaccines into the spotlight: less than a year after the outbreak of the pandemic, mRNA-based vaccines against Sars-CoV-2 were available in most western countries. A report published by the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences (SCNAT) describes these and other RNA-based technologies.
The aim of the report is to provide a technical and scientific overview of the various currently relevant RNA technologies. It provides information on the mechanisms of action of the various RNA-based approaches, their fields of application and their development status. The report is intended to help assess and discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of the various RNA technologies and their products. It is also intended to support the legal categorisation of RNA products.
Report (PDF)
Agenda
27.05.2024
Register now: Network event of the Biomedical Libraries
The «Biomedical Libraries» Commission, hosted by the SAMS, is holding a network event. This year’s «Exchange between Systematic Reviews experts» will take place on Tuesday, 27 August 2024 in Basel. Participation is free of charge, registrations are requested until 21 June 2024.
The event offers Systematic Reviews experts from the different institutions an opportunity to exchange experiences and learn from each other. After short input speeches, various aspects of systematic reviews services will be discussed in a «World Café». The event will be held in English. More information can be found in the program.
Program (PDF)
Academy
23.05.2024
Statement in favour of a Federal Health Act
At the beginning of June, the Swiss people will vote on two initiatives concerning costs in our health care system. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, a number of major issues will remain unsolved: an ageing population, staff shortages, the electronic patient record, etc. On the basis of a scientific analysis, the SAMS is now proposing a new article in the Constitution and a Federal Health Act in order to find long-term solutions and enable effective governance of the healthcare system.
Health must be understood as a holistic concept in the sense of «One Health», at the interface between humans, animals and the environment. This requires endeavours towards «Health in all Policies». In its statement, the SAMS therefore supports the idea of a Federal Health Act and also proposes that health should be enshrined in the Constitution. You will find a concrete proposal for this new article in our statement (pdf). Further documents and background information are available on our website.
Statement, French version (PDF)
SPHN
06.05.2024
SPHN: Continuity despite change in DCC leadership
After 5 years as Director of the SPHN Data Coordination Center (DCC) and Group Leader of the SIB Personalized Health Informatics Group, Katrin Crameri will join the Swiss Confederation to take up a new position from 1 June 2024. Among other things, she will co-lead the DigiSanté program to promote the digital transformation in the healthcare sector. Thomas Geiger, Managing Director of SPHN, will assume ad interim the responsibility for the DCC’s activities.
In her new position, Katrin Crameri is also taking on a bridging role: there are many overlaps and potential synergies between the SPHN-DCC and DigiSanté, and relations with the FOPH's Digital Transformation department can be further strengthened. Thanks to Thomas Geiger, Managing Director of SPHN since 2021, continuity has also been ensured within SPHN. His comprehensive knowledge and his good relations with the DCC team and network partners will ensure a smooth transition. More information can be found on the SPHN website.
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SPHN
02.05.2024
SPHN and PHRT invite for the «Data for Health» symposium
The Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) and ETH-Domain Personalized Health and Related Technologies (PHRT) initiatives jointly organize the «Data for Health» symposium. The all-day event will take place on 31 October 2024 in Bern and aims to present the results of the two initiatives and to shape a vision of the future data ecosystem for Swiss health research. Registration is now open.
Over the past eight years, the collaborative efforts of SPHN and PHRT have laid important groundwork for advancing personalized health research and care in Switzerland. The symposium will not only look back, but also forward. Special emphasis will be given to the interfaces with the DigiSanté program and the National Strategy for Open Research Data. Participants can look forward to keynotes by well-known personalities, including Prof. Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation. More information is available on the SPHN website.
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Academy
26.04.2024
Call: National Prize for Open Research Data
For the second time, the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences are launching the National Prize for Open Research Data (ORD Prize). This is part of the «Open Research Data» action plan implemented by the Academies as part of the National Strategy. The Prize rewards researchers for innovative practices in the field of ORD and aims to promote the transition to open research practices.
Open research data promotes transparency, reproducibility and collaboration within the scientific community, and enables society to benefit from scientific knowledge. Further information on the ORD Prize, the conditions for participation and the application form can be found on the Academies’ website. The call is open until 31 July 2024.
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Academy
23.04.2024
Essential investment in education, research and innovation
At the beginning of March, the Federal Council submitted the Dispatch on Education, Research and Innovation for 2025–2028 (ERI Dispatch) to Parliament. It sets out the objectives and funding for institutions promoting research and innovation. For the first time since the 1990s, the resources allocated are lower than in the previous year. This will also affect the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (a+), which face cuts of CHF 6.8 million a year.
At a media conference held yesterday, a+, together with its ERI partners, explained how this declining investment policy could jeopardise the development of Switzerland as a scientific hub. The Academies, including the SAMS, are facing a deficit of more than CHF 27 million for the years 2025–2028. Furthermore, they will have to finance additional projects as part of their core mandate, despite the fact that the 2024 budget has already been reduced. Further information can be found on the a+ website.
Further information
Agenda
16.04.2024
Symposium «Governing by Values»: Medical-ethical guidelines in transition
The medical-ethical guidelines of the SAMS are at the crossroads of medicine, ethics, law and health policy. Together with the University of Bern, the Academy is organizing a symposium on the significance, legitimacy and further development of the guidelines. Join the discussion on Tuesday, September 3 2024, at the Eventforum Bern. Participation is free, but registration is required.
Who should be and who is permitted to develop medical-ethical guidelines in Switzerland? How effective and binding are they? These questions will be addressed at the symposium. The starting point is the University's SNSF project «Governing by Values», which examined the history of the SAMS guidelines from a historical and legal perspective. In addition to the project research findings, the current relevance and utility of the guidelines are reflected. The symposium aims to contribute to a transparent and practice-oriented further development. The event is in French and German.
Program, French version (PDF)
SPHN
15.04.2024
Swiss Personalized Health Network: Short Report 2023
The Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) coordinates the development of an infrastructure for the responsible and efficient reuse of health-related data throughout Switzerland. The Short Report 2023 provides an overview of the various SPHN activities over the past year and the progress made.
In 2023, the SPHN National Steering Board published its report on the continuation of the SPHN infrastructures from 2025 onwards. The ERI Dispatch 2025–2028 includes the consolidation of the SPHN-DCC as a national coordination and competence center in the area of health data. How this can be successfully operationalized in a financially challenging environment has been a key concern over the past year and will remain so in the current year. More information and other SPHN publications are available on our project page.
SPHN Short Report 2023 (PDF)
Funding
09.04.2024
Young Talents in Clinical Research: Call 2024
With the Young Talents in Clinical Research program, the Gottfried and Julia Bangerter-Rhyner Foundation and the SAMS wish to encourage young medical doctors to start out in clinical research. For 2024, CHF 1 million is made available to finance protected research time and project grants for a consecutive research project. The submission deadline is 30 June 2024.
The YTCR program comprises two funding instruments: beginner grants and project grants. Its target audience are residents who wish to be freed from clinical duty to gain a first experience in clinical research. Applications must be written in English and registered online. More information on the participation criteria, submission and evaluation procedure can be found in the program regulations, on our website, and in the FAQ.
Visit the website
Academy
26.03.2024
The SAMS Annual Report 2023 is online
The year 2023 was perfectly aligned with the SAMS motto «For science, for medicine, for society». Work continued on a number of projects, and collaborations were strengthened or partly reoriented. There was also cause for celebration: 80 years of SAMS – cheers!
The retrospective remains the centrepiece of our online annual report. It provides a quick overview of the work carried out over the reporting year. The boxes in the colours of our subdivisions illustrate the variety of our activities and testify to our diverse commitment to science, medicine and society. Scroll through the multicoloured year 2023 and find again familiar milestones or discover new ones. A PDF of the report is also available if you prefer to print rather than scroll.
Download the report, in French (PDF)
Publications
19.03.2024
The potential and limits of artificial intelligence in medicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) is on everyone’s lips these days. The dazzling progress made by this technology explains this craze, with ChatGPT as its main ambassador. But what is the potential of AI in medicine? The lead article in the SAMS Bulletin 1/2024, written by Prof. Andreas Wicki of the University of Zurich, offers some answers for the author’s speciality, oncology.
The processing of data in certain areas of medicine is such an immense task that it cannot be carried out by human beings, and AI must be used for this purpose. In his contribution, Andreas Wicki looks in particular at the benefits of AI applications in tumour boards in the search for the right treatment recommendation. Further, SPHN’s article is dedicated to the topic of AI, and as always, you will also find news in the fields of ethics, promotion and projects.
SAMS Bulletin, French version (PDF)
SPHN
14.03.2024
SPHN: Bottlenecks to health data sharing
The Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) has laid important foundations to enable and promote the responsible use of health data in research. The sharing of health data however faces repeatedly hurdles and bottlenecks. A recently published study now provides new insights.
In addition to the technical aspects, the study also sheds light on the legal and ethical challenges that arise when sharing sensitive health data. It concludes that facilitating data access and exchange in Switzerland primarily requires further legal clarification, training and investments in sustainable infrastructures. You can download the Swiss Medical Weekly article here.
Read the article (PDF)
Funding
05.03.2024
Call for proposals: KZS Seed Grants for junior researchers in biomedical ethics
This year the SAMS provides a total of CHF 250’000 from the Käthe-Zingg-Schwichtenberg (KZS) Fund to support junior researchers in biomedical ethics who wish to carry out an independent research project. The submission deadline is 1 May 2024.
Per Seed Grant, up to CHF 80’000 can be awarded for a maximum period of 18 months. The contributions allow grantees to explore an innovative research idea, to realize a small, independent pilot project, and/or to prepare their own project proposal to be submitted to a larger funding agency. Visit our website for more information on the participation requirements and submission procedure.
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Ethics
27.02.2024
Advance Care Planning: logo, annual report and new subprojects
The project has been given a logo so that Advance Care Planning (ACP) is not only addressed in theory, but also anchored in people's minds. It stands for the common goal of the national working group to further establish ACP in Switzerland and make it part of everyday life. In addition, subprojects are ongoing to take the recommendations of the roadmap published in 2023 one step further.
One current focus is on ACP for people living in retirement and nursing homes. A national survey will be conducted to determine the current status of ACP in nursing homes. Based on the results, practical solutions will be developed to improve ACP in this setting. Information on other activities and projects of the ACP Working Group can be found in the 2023 Annual Report (available in German and French).
Download the annual report (in French) (PDF)
SPHN
16.02.2024
SPHN in the spotlight of the «health terminal» podcast #29
The «health terminal» podcast gets to the heart of topics relating to the digitalisation of the Swiss healthcare system. Episode 29 focuses on the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN). Find out in the double interview why it is such a major challenge to make health data available and usable for research.
Thomas Geiger, Managing Director of SPHN, and Katrin Crameri, Director of the SPHN Data Coordination Center, explain what SPHN has achieved so far – and what still needs to be done. Further, they discuss why in Switzerland it is sometimes difficult to establish sustainable research infrastructures of national importance, and to find a supporting alliances and long-term funding. Visit the website to listen to the interview (in German).
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Projects
14.02.2024
The recommendations for health-related registries have been updated
Health-related registers are a key component of quality assurance and development in the health system. They contribute to the transparency and comparability of medical services, form the basis for clinical and epidemiological research and provide important data for health policy. The 2019 registry recommendations have been updated.
The editing organisations, among them the SAMS, have updated the «Recommendations for the development and operation of health-related registries» to take account of the introduction of the new federal legislation on data protection on 1 September 2023. You will find the new version (2.1) of the recommendations and the checklist on the ANQ website.
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Funding
30.01.2024
Stern-Gattiker Prize 2024 for female role models in academic medicine
For the fourth time, the SAMS is launching a call for nominations for the Stern-Gattiker Prize to acknowledge the role of women in academic medicine and to motivate early-career female scientists. The Prize carries an award of CHF 15,000, the deadline for submission is 21 March 2024.
With the Stern-Gattiker Prize, the SAMS rewards every two years a female medical scientist who has obtained her postdoctoral qualification within the past ten years, holds a permanent position in a hospital, and who, in her own way, is considered as a role model. The proximity to the next generation of doctors and the commitment to gender equality are a plus. Detailed information on the nomination process and the synopsis all previous prizes winners can be found on our website.
Download the synopsis (PDF)
Academy
22.01.2024
Become a member of the Swiss Young Academy
The 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 29 February 2024, offers the opportunity to apply for a five-year membership.
The Swiss Young Academy consists of 25 to 30 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. Are you interested in becoming actively involved in the largest scientific network in Switzerland? New members 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
19.01.2024
Health data: call for project outlines
TA-SWISS, the Foundation for Technology Assessment and member of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, is launching an interdisciplinary study on health data. The aim is to assess the opportunities and risks of using data for early detection, prevention and research. Project outlines can be submitted until 28 March 2024.
The call for proposals is organized in a two-stage process. The first stage involves submitting a project outline describing the planned content of the study and the envisaged procedure. Further information can be found on the TA-SWISS website and in the call documentation (French or German).
Documentation, French version (PDF)
Academy
02.01.2024
Interview with the new President of a+
As of this year, the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences (a+) have a new President: Yves Flückiger will succeed Marcel Tanner, who is handing over the reins after more than three years. In an interview published in the latest issue of the research magazine «Horizons», Flückiger says: «My main objective will be to strengthen the climate of trust between science and society.»
In this interview, the current Rector of the University of Geneva talks about the state of science in Switzerland, relations with Europe and working conditions at universities. Read more on pages 34 and 35 of the research magazine «Horizons» no. 139.
Download the interview (PDF)