Publications

19.03.2024

The potential and limits of artificial intelligence in medicine

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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)

Other publications

SPHN

14.03.2024

SPHN: Bottlenecks to health data sharing

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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)

Further information

Funding

05.03.2024

Call for proposals: KZS Seed Grants for junior researchers in biomedical ethics

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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

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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)

Further information

SPHN

16.02.2024

SPHN in the spotlight of the «health terminal» podcast #29

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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

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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

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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)

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Academy

22.01.2024

Become a member of the Swiss Young Academy

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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.

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