60 Years of Clinical Cancer Research in Switzerland

The Swiss Cancer Institute (formerly SAKK) celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025. This milestone coincided with a period of institutional transformation and combined a look back, an assessment of the current situation and a strategic outlook.

The event held on 11 September 2025 in the Champions Lounge at Wankdorf Stadium in Bern was the highlight of the celebrations. State Councillor Pierre Alain Schnegg opened the event with a welcome address and highlighted the importance of strong, nationally coordinated cancer research in Switzerland.

Six Decades of Clinical Cancer Research

In his address, President of the Institute Prof. Dr. med. Miklos Pless traced the organisation’s development. Drawing on historical insights, he illustrated how a visionary initiative evolved into a nationwide research network that now plays a central role in clinical cancer research in Switzerland.

The Patient Perspective

Lorenz Tanner, a long-standing member of the Patient Council, provided a particularly important perspective. Marking the tenth anniversary of the Patient Council, he demonstrated how consistently patient perspectives are now integrated into the development of clinical trials. Early involvement enhances the practical relevance, accessibility and overall value of clinical research.

Panel Discussion: The Future of Clinical Cancer Research

The panel discussion titled “Does clinical cancer research still have a future in Switzerland?”, moderated by Florian Inhauser, was a central element of the anniversary celebrations.

The panel featured Dr René P. Buholzer (CEO of Interpharma), Dr Regine Sauter (Member of the National Council and President of H+ Swiss Hospitals), Prof. Dr. med. Alessandra Curioni-Fontecedro (HFR), Prof. Dr. med. Felix Gutzwiller (President of prio.swiss), and Vincent Gruntz (CEO of SCI).
The panel discussion examined the future framework conditions for clinical cancer research from the perspectives of industrial policy, health policy and science.

The discussion highlighted both the challenges and the opportunities facing Switzerland as a research location and emphasised the need for clear strategic direction.

Strategic Outlook

The outlook was presented by Prof. Dr. med. Viviane Hess, who takes on the presidency of the Swiss Cancer Institute effective 1 January 2026. She outlined the strategic direction for the coming years and emphasised the importance of institutional stability, academic excellence and national collaboration.

Networking and Exchange

The reception that followed provided an opportunity for representatives from the worlds of research, politics, industry and patient organisations to exchange views in person. The anniversary combined reflection on the past with dialogue, highlighting the Institute’s vibrant and collaborative research community.

Anniversary of the Competence Centre

Earlier in June, the Swiss Cancer Institute’s Competence Centre (CC) celebrated its anniversary on Gurten mountain. Staff and their families gathered in an informal setting and took the opportunity to connect outside their usual working environment.

The event created space for personal conversations and shared experiences, fostering team spirit.
This clearly demonstrated the staff’s strong identification with the institute and its mission, as well as the strong team spirit at the CC.

Thanks to the Sponsors

Special thanks go to the sponsors, whose support played a key role in making the event a success.