Ethics
31.05.2023
Revision of the guidelines for determination of death
Read more CloseThe 2022 popular vote for the principle of presumed consent regarding organ donation will lead to an adaptation of the Transplantation Act. This necessitates a revision of the medical-ethical guidelines from 2017.
When a person donates his or her organs after death, a reliable diagnosis of death must be possible. The determination of death is of crucial ethical and legal significance. In terms of how to proceed, the legislator explicitly refers to the SAMS guidelines «Determination of death with regard to organ transplantation and preparations for organ removal». An interprofessional and interdisciplinary subcommittee with broad representation has been appointed to revise the guidelines. Information on the upcoming work and the composition of the subcommittee can be found online.
Further information
SPHN
17.05.2023
The SPHN Management Office is hiring
Read more CloseThe Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) coordinates the establishment of data infrastructures for the responsible use of health-related data for research in Switzerland. Starting from 1 August 2023 or upon agreement, the SPHN Management Office is looking for a new team member focusing on project management for Ethics, Legal and Societal Implications (ELSI). The deadline for applications is on Monday, 12 June 2023.
The diverse responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, supporting the SPHN Data Governance Working Group, the SPHN ELSI Advisory Group and researchers for legal, ethical and other data governance questions. Please see the job posting (in French) for more details and the contact persons for questions. More information about SPHN can be found on the website.
Job posting (in French) (PDF)
Academy
04.05.2023
Five new members for the Swiss Young Academy
Read more CloseThe Swiss Young Academy (SYA) brings together young researchers from a wide range of scientific disciplines. It creates an inspiring environment for inter- and transdisciplinary exchange. On 1 May 2023 the Board of Directors of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences elected 5 new members to the SYA.
With this election, the Academies acknowledge the ideas and commitment of these young scientists at the interfaces between science, society and politics. Jointly with the other 34 members, they will be able to implement innovative inter- and transdisciplinary projects over the next years. More information about the SYA and the new members can be found in the media release and on the SYA website.
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Academy
20.04.2023
ScienceComm'23: Call for Participation
Read more CloseThe Foundation Science et Cité, a member of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, is organising the twelfth ScienceComm on 2/3 November 2023. The annual congress for science communication understands itself as a platform for professional exchange and networking. The call for participation is open until 18 May 2023.
How should science communication projects be designed to stimulate thought and action? What are examples of successful projects, especially when dealing with complex or difficult topics? Such questions will be discussed at ScienceComm'23. Would you like to make an active contribution to this two-day event? ? All necessary information can be found in the online call for participation (in French or German). Abstracts may also be submitted in English.
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Funding
04.04.2023
Relaunch of the Swiss Health Care Atlas
Read more CloseThe state of the Swiss health system is a matter of concern: health insurance premiums are rising, as are people’s expectations towards medicine – and the number of people who have chronic illnesses. 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 newly launched Swiss Health Care Atlas can provide answers to such questions.
The SAMS promoted health services research in Switzerland for five years. One of the projects supported was the Swiss Atlas of Health Care (2017). In the meantime, the atlas has been updated and expanded: It measures the use of healthcare services in Switzerland with over 100 indicators. Designed as a learning system, the new atlas is to be continuously updated. It thus creates a basis for health services research and can help to plan and manage resources according to needs. Visit the website for further information.
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Funding
30.03.2023
Young Talents in Clinical Research: Call 2023
Read more CloseWith 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. For 2023, 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 2023.
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 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.
Download the flyer (PDF)
Funding
29.03.2023
National MD-PhD Grants Program: changes as of 2025
Read more CloseThe national MD-PhD Grants Program enables young doctors interested in research to obtain the skills necessary for a career as clinician and scientist. The SNSF, co-founder of the program with the SAMS, will withdraw its support as of 2025 – a decision that the SAMS strongly regrets. Convinced of the added value of this funding instrument, the Academy is exploring ways to ensure the continuation of the program.
The MD-PhD grants contribute to motivate particularly talented physicians to complete a doctoral research training in natural sciences, public health sciences, clinical research or biomedical ethics. The SAMS is convinced that these profiles, capable of bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, are essential to deal with the growing complexity of medicine. As the SAMS has no budget to replace the SNSF contributions as of 2025, it has started to approach potential partners to avoid the program being discontinued with the withdrawal of the SNSF. More information can be found on our website.
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Ethics
23.03.2023
Making advance care planning commonplace
Read more CloseAdvance care planning (ACP) strengthens self-determination, for example with regard to treatment after a serious accident, advanced illness or dementia. ACP should be possible for everyone. A national working group co-led by the SAMS and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has published a roadmap with 12 recommendations to establish ACP in everyday life.
Although ACP is voluntary, the importance of the topic was reflected in the more than 170 comments received during the public consultation that preceded the publication of the roadmap. The 12 recommendations address four topics: awareness raising, basic information, the role of professionals and improving the quality of instruments and processes. The roadmap is available online in four languages (d/f/i/e). Our website also offers in-depth information on the topic and on the future activities of the national working group.
Download the roadmap (PDF)