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After eight years of coordinated effort, the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) released the metadata of a uniquely rich national clinical dataset, spanning more than 800’000 patients and billions of semantically harmonized data points across diagnoses, procedures, labs, medications, vital signs, and more. Researchers can now easily discover what data exists in Switzerland and how to access it. 

The Prix de Quervain 2026 will be awarded for outstanding research conducted in, or originat-ing from, the two polar regions, across all scientific disciplines.

Published by the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan), the Health Care Atlas documents the use of healthcare services based on over 100 indicators, ranging from ADHD medication to cardiac catheterization and radiotherapy. Obsan recently announced that the Healthcare Atlas has been updated with data for the year 2024.

Switzerland has had a Competence Centre for Scientific Integrity with effect from 1 January 2026, presided over by Prof. em. Edwin Constable and managed by Viviane Premand, PhD in Law, LL.M. The Competence Centre will serve as a reporting body for higher education institutions and other institutions on matters they have already raised pertaining to procedures, sanctions and measures concerning scientific integrity in Switzerland and will assist these institutions on matters of scientific integrity.

Awarded annually since 1920, the Swiss Science Prize Marcel Benoist recognizes a scientist whose work has had a significant impact on human life and society. In 2026, the Prize, endowed with CHF 250’000, will be awarded in the field of life sciences (biology and medicine). Nominations can be submitted until 23 February 2026.

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.