Change in the Presidency of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences

We are delighted to invite you to this year's National Open Research Data Award Ceremony on 27 November 2025 in Bern. Register for the event via the link below.

The number of assisted suicides is on the rise. In some cases, people who intend to end their lives wish to donate their organs after death. Organ donation and assisted suicide have been practised independently of each other in Switzerland for years, combining both practices, however, raises numerous new medical-ethical questions. In an interview with the Tages-Anzeiger, Paul Hoff, president of the Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS explains why he considers an in-depth discussion important.

As part of its commitment to a sustainable healthcare system, the SAMS supports the professional association mfe in its «Workforce» study, which is conducted every five years. The results of the 2025 edition show that the shortage of pediatricians and general practitioners has worsened in recent years. An aging population, reduced working hours, and an increased administrative burden threaten basic medical coverage across the country.