SPHN
09.03.2026
Swiss Personalized Health Network: Sounding Board launched
Read more CloseLast week, the SPHN Sounding Board convened in Bern for its inaugural meeting. More than 30 experts representing a broad spectrum of institutions gathered at the House of Academies to discuss, among other things, how SPHN’s strategic goals for the period 2026–2028 should be prioritized. The launch of the Sounding Board reflects SPHN’s commitment to including the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders in the network’s strategic development.
The Sounding Board is tasked with reflecting on SPHN’s strategy, guidelines, and implementation plans. It can also propose and endorse projects and working groups that strengthen SPHN’s embedding in the national health research environment and ensure seamless interfaces with all relevant partners. At the first meeting, the board members became acquainted with one another and gained a shared understanding of SPHN’s mission, organization, current activities, and challenges. More information can be found on the SPHN website.
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Academy
05.03.2026
Already discovered? The SAMS on LinkedIn
Read more CloseWe are pleased to announce our presence on LinkedIn. Connect with SAMW / ASSM and follow the latest news from our Academy there as well.
With our new LinkedIn profile, we are strengthening our digital presence and invite you to become part of our network. Follow us to stay informed about the topics that matter to the SAMS. We look forward to your likes and comments.
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Ethics
02.03.2026
Advance care planning: practical information for everyone
Read more CloseYesterday, on «Patients' Day», the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) launched its new website to raise awareness on advance care planning (ACP). The various aspects of the project are explained using concrete examples from everyday life. Whether young or old, healthy or frail, these topic pages demonstrate why this topic concerns us all. Healthcare professionals play a key role as intermediaries and multipliers.
The SAMS co-chairs the national ACP working group with the FOPH. This group has initiated numerous measures to raise awareness and strengthen ACP. One of its priority areas of action is raising public awareness. The FOPH's new website, which are designed for laypeople, form part of this effort. More information about the ACP working group’s various activities can be found on our website, along with a link to the FOPH pages.
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Academy
24.02.2026
South Korea shows interest in programs supporting young scientists
Read more CloseThe SAMS General Secretariat met with a South Korean delegation visiting Bern to attend the Korea-Switzerland Joint Committee on Science and Technology meeting. The discussion focused on the Academy’s funding programs for young medical researchers.
Myriam Tapernoux, Head of the Funding division at the SAMS, presented the Swiss National MD-PhD Fellowships Program and the Young Talents in Clinical Research (YTCR) funding program, which encourages young physicians to take their first steps in clinical research, to a delegation from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. The Koreans showed great interest and invited the SAMS to present its activities at a conference. All information about our funding activities is available on our website.
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Funding
19.02.2026
Call for proposals 2026: National MD-PhD program
Read more CloseThis year, the SAMS is once again awarding competitive MD-PhD fellowships to talented young physicians to complete a doctoral research training in natural sciences, clinical research, public health sciences or biomedical ethics. Thanks to the partnerships with foundations and associated faculties, the national MD-PhD program can be continued. The submission deadline for applications is 15 May 2026.
The National MD-PhD Program fellowships are intended for candidates admitted as doctoral students in the local MD-PhD program at one of the partner universities. The evaluation takes place in two stages: The National MD-PhD Committee evaluates the applications and selects the candidates to be interviewed. The Committee then submits a funding recommendation to the SAMS Senate and the supporting foundations. The list of partner faculties and foundations, the program FAQ, and all details on submission can be found on our website.
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Academy
17.02.2026
Save the date: Symposium on choices for our health system
Read more CloseThe SAMS has long been committed to the sustainable development of the Swiss health system. Within this context, the Academy is organizing a symposium on 24 September 2026 at the Eventforum Bern, focusing on the choices our society will have to make in the near future regarding our health system in order to address the growing human, financial, and environmental constraints.
During the symposium on 24 September 2026, the following questions, among others, will be discussed: Which decisions lie ahead? How can outcomes be measured meaningfully? How can high-value care be promoted? How can the risk of rationing be avoided? What role do patients and citizens play in the decision-making processes? Be sure to mark 24 September 2026 in your calendar. Information on registration and the program will be announced in our newsletter and on our website where you can already find background information on the topic.
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SPHN
16.02.2026
Viktor Award 2025: Vote now for SPHN
Read more CloseThe Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) is one of five organizations nominated for the Viktor Award 2025 in the category «Pioneering Achievement in the Swiss Healthcare System». By voting for SPHN, you are recognizing the commitment of a large community of university and cantonal hospitals, universities, and research institutions throughout Switzerland.
Launched by the Swiss Confederation in 2017, SPHN is under the responsibility of the SAMS in collaboration with the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. SPHN's mission is to provide a data infrastructure for research with health data. There are at least three good reasons why SPHN deserves the Viktor Award: SPHN laid the foundations for data-driven medicine in Switzerland, connected a fragmented ecosystem and delivers lasting impact for patients and the healthcare system. Public voting is open until 2 March 2026.
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Projects
12.02.2026
CPCR Service Finder for clinical research: a new tool to access services across organizations
Read more CloseThe CPCR Service Finder, a new collaborative, user-friendly tool, has been developed by the national Coordination Platform Clinical Research (CPCR) with the technical expertise of Swiss Biobanking. It allows to browse among services from the main national research infrastructures, and to identify whom to approach for support, in one click.
As host of the CPCR, the SAMS is pleased to announce the launch of the CPCR Service Finder. It is a first tangible outcome of the CPCR – whose mission is to foster synergies among organizations conducting and supporting clinical research in Switzerland – the CPCR Service Finder helps academic researchers, study coordinators, data managers, and biobank professionals identify which national infrastructures can provide relevant expertise, data, or resources at different stages of their projects.
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