News

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 2026, offers the opportunity to apply for a five-year membership.

The Ethics Committee for Animal Experimentation (ECAE) is a joint commission of the SAMS and the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT). It acts as an expert and advisory body in the field of animal experimentation. At its meeting in November 2025, the SAMS Senate elected Prof. Michael Hottiger, Zürich, as chair of the ECAE. It also approved the entry into force of the revised by-laws. These describe the Commission’s composition, define the processes and clarify the roles of the two Academies.

At the end of the year, CH Media spoke with Arnaud Perrier, President of the SAMS, about rising healthcare costs, increasing administrative responsibilities, and other challenges within the healthcare system. Prof. Perrier advocates for easily accessible primary care organized through networks and a better distribution of tasks between doctors and nurses. He also explained why Switzerland needs an article on health in the Constitution.

The Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS identifies and discusses ethical challenges in medicine. Together with its subcommittees, it releases medical-ethical guidelines and publishes position statements on current issues. The CEC comprises physicians from various specialties as well as experts in nursing, ethics and law. As of 1 January 2026, the Committee will have a second Vice President: Professor Regina Aebi-Müller, a long-standing member of the CEC, has been elected to the Board.

The Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS identifies and discusses ethical challenges in medicine. Together with its subcommittees, it releases medical-ethical guidelines and publishes position statements on current issues. The CEC comprises physicians from various specialties as well as experts in nursing, ethics and law. As of 1 January 2026, the Committee will have a second Vice President: Professor Regina Aebi-Müller, a long-standing member of the CEC, has been elected to the Board.

The Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS identifies and discusses ethical challenges in medicine. Together with its subcommittees, it releases medical-ethical guidelines and publishes position statements on current issues. The CEC comprises physicians from various specialties as well as experts in nursing, ethics and law. As of 1 January 2026, the Committee will have a second Vice President: Professor Regina Aebi-Müller, a long-standing member of the CEC, has been elected to the Board.

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!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming research, teaching and science communication. Against this backdrop, the newly released publication Impact of AI on Early Career Researchers: Challenges, Opportunities, and Responsibilities offers a timely and interdisciplinary reflection on how AI is reshaping academic work, with a particular focus on Early Career Researchers (ECRs).