Ethics
11.11.2024
No to the popular initiative for a future without animal testing
Read more Closeswissuniversities, 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
Read more CloseThe 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
Read more CloseThe 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»
Read more CloseThe 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
09.10.2024
Call for Abstracts: 19th International Conference on Clinical Ethics and Consultation (ICCEC)
Read more CloseThe 2025 International Conference on Clinical Ethics and Consultation (ICCEC) will take place in Lausanne from 5 to 7 June 2025. Under the title «Plurality, Power, and Patient Care», it will focus on the socio-political dimensions of clinical ethics.
The SAMS supports the 2025 Conference financially and ideally and would welcome Swiss contributions to be made to the conference. Abstracts can be submitted until 10 november 2024 on the website. That is also where further information can be found regarding the ICCEC and the submission of abstracts.
Visit the website
Ethics
30.09.2024
Lawfulness of the guidelines on management of dying and death
Read more CloseThe 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.
Visit the website
SPHN
20.09.2024
Cantonal hospitals are joining SPHN
Read more CloseThe 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
Read more CloseThe 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