The University of Bern, its Faculty of Medicine, and the Insel Gruppe are jointly pursuing an ambitious project: A digital research platform is being developed as part of the “Digital Medicine” program, which is set to establish new standards for data-driven medical research in Switzerland. This platform will create a flexible, secure, and data protection-compliant infrastructure that will enable research to be conducted more efficiently.
After successfully completing the concept phase in June 2024, the project has been given the green light for the implementation phase. The first version of the platform is expected to be available by May 2025, followed by full implementation by the end of 2025.
Strengthening collaboration
The project is the result of a long-standing, successful collaboration between the University of Bern, its Faculty of Medicine, the Insel Gruppe, and the University Psychiatric Services Bern (UPD). This project further intensifies the existing partnership by providing a digital infrastructure that will enhance the efficiency of joint research efforts and strengthen collaboration with national and international research partners, positively impacting the entire medical research landscape.
More efficient use of patient data for research
The goal of the new platform is to make the best and most efficient use of health data that patients voluntarily provide for research purposes. This will not only enable valuable new research insights and improved medical care but will also be carried out in strict compliance with all data protection regulations. These measures ensure the necessary legal security – both now and in the long term.
Another goal of the platform is to replace the previously used, often isolated data exchange solutions within the Faculty of Medicine. This will help reduce costs while ensuring the highest standards in ICT security and the protection of patient data.
Research spaces for specific needs
Researchers will have access to specialized virtual project rooms on the platform – from “Test” and “Sandbox” to “Topic” and “SPHN.” The latter is specifically designed for national projects under the Swiss Personalized Health Network, strengthening Bern's role on the national and international stage of medical research.
Partnership with Switch
We are pleased to have found a strong strategic partner in the Switch Foundation for the implementation and operation of the platform. As a foundation serving Swiss universities, Switch has over 35 years of experience in collaborating with universities and university-affiliated organizations, such as university hospitals.
The partnership involves the joint development of the research platform based on Switch Cloud. The focus is not on commercial interests, but on supporting research freedom and digital sovereignty in Switzerland. The goal is to create an interoperable solution that can be used by other universities and research institutions across Switzerland in the long term.
As the pilot site, Bern is taking on a pioneering role in this project. The platform will be developed by the Switch Foundation, while the University of Bern and the Insel Gruppe are actively involved in its design and implementation.
Contact persons for questions about the project
