Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences SAMS
Ineffectiveness and unlikelihood of benefit: dealing with the concept of futility in medicine
Ineffectiveness and unlikelihood of benefits in treatment are part of medicine. Often this topic is described by the generic term of medical futility. The counselling and support of patients and their relatives in situations where medical treatment may be ineffective is an inherent task of medicine. Involved professionals bear a special professional and ethical responsibility in this matter. In addition to the theoretical background, which critically examines the concept of futility, the publication illustrates concrete examples. The SAMS thus offers practical advice in the hope that this approach will lead to a fundamental reflection on how to deal with ineffectiveness and unlikelihood of benefit in medicine.
Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMS) (2021) Ineffectiveness and unlikelihood of benefit: dealing with the concept of futility in medicine. Swiss Academies Communications 16 (6).
Swiss Young Academy SYA
Innovative Teaching Formats at the Science-Society Interface: Reflections and Future Directions in Swiss Higher Education
Science-society dialogue is crucial for addressing pressing societal challenges. One important avenue for strengthening this link, in an inter- and transdisciplinary perspective, is teaching formats that encourage students to engage in the public sphere. However, an illustrative collection of best practices in Swiss higher education has been lacking so far. This practice-driven report draws on a non-exhaustive stocktake of existing courses in Switzerland and participatory workshops among lecturers. It features illustrative examples from Swiss higher education institutions and introduces a new typology of science-society teaching formats, offering educators a structured way to design and analyze courses across six dimensions. In addition, the publication discusses both the opportunities and challenges of implementing such teaching formats. To further advance science-society education, the report identifies three priority areas for action.
Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT
Strategy for natural history collections in Switzerland
Thirty-seven institutions, take a decisive step towards unlocking the full potential of natural history collections in Switzerland. Together, they publish and endorse a strategy based on 6 pillars and 52 key activities to better preserve collections, ensure their accessibility and promote their use for science and society.
