News
Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences SAMS
Ethical guidelines for animal experiments
The Swiss Animal Welfare Act permits the use of animals for certain scientific purposes; at the same time, however, it requires that the dignity of animals be respected and their welfare protected. The revised ethical guidelines for animal experiments are designed to clarify the margin of discretion left by the legislation and to encourage researchers to reflect on the handling of animals in their experiments.
Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences SAMS
News
smarter medicine: 60'000 francs to promote research
The association «smarter medicine – Choosing Wisely Switzerland», of which the SAMS is a founding member, is committed to optimizing healthcare in Switzerland. This year, it is once again awarding a grant for research projects and supporting up to three applications with up to CHF 20’000 each. Applications can be submitted until 21 August 2026.
Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW
Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences SAMS
News
Organ donation after assisted suicide: Legal opinion for informed debate
Can organ donation take place in a Swiss hospital following assisted suicide? Both practices are legally permitted, widely accepted in society, and are already carried out in Switzerland. However, their combination raises new ethical and legal questions. In 2025, the Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS published a position statement on the ethical aspects of this issue. Today, the SAMS is publishing a commissioned legal opinion on the subject. Both documents are available on our website.