News

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). 

Are you interested in interdisciplinary issues or transdisciplinary collaboration? Do you have an academic connection to Switzerland and would you like to get actively involved in projects at the interface between science and society? Then apply for a five-year membership of the Swiss Young Academy by 28 February 2026.

This year, the National MD-PhD Program is enabling 18 talented young physicians to pursue a doctorate in natural sciences, clinical research, or public health at one of the universities associated with the program. These awards conclude the first evaluation round run entirely at the national level. They are made possible thanks to the generous support of new partners. The next call for proposals will be launched in early 2026, with a submission deadline on 15 May 2026.

With 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. At the end of the 2025 call for applications, 15 talented clinicians are supported with a total amount of CHF 1'049'647. For the first time, Dementia Research Switzerland – Synapsis Foundation is contributing by funding a grant in the field of neurodegeneration.

Want to strengthen your skills in tackling complex societal challenges through transdisciplinary research? The free online course tdMOOC Partnering for Change is back — and the next Learning Group runs from 25 February to 16 April 2026.

Every two years, the SAMS awards the Robert Bing Prize in neurosciences. The Prize is financed from the legacy of Basel neurologist Robert Bing. In accordance with the founder's wishes, it is aimed at young researchers in neuroscience. The Prize honours outstanding work in the recognition, treatment and cure of diseases of the nervous system. The deadline for nominations is 9 March 2026.