Foreword by the CEO — Vincent Gruntz
Taking Responsibility. Shaping the Future.
For the Swiss Cancer Institute (SCI), 2025 was a year of deliberate choice: we not only marked our 60th anniversary, but also redefined our role in clinical cancer research in Switzerland.
With a sharpened strategy, strengthened governance, new alliances and and operational realignment, we have created the conditions necessary to fully assume our responsibility as a national research infrastructure.
Strategic clarity as a leadership instrument
The Board unanimously adopted our new vision, mission and overall strategy, as well as a further developed research strategy. These documents are not merely formal statements of intent – they constitute a clear mandate for action.
They define what the SCI stands for: independent clinical research dedicated exclusively to improving treatment outcomes and the quality of life of cancer patients in a sustainable way.
With the renaming of SAKK to Swiss Cancer Institute, we also sent a clear signal. Nationally and internationally, we now present ourselves for what we are: a research infrastructure of national importance under Article 15 of the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (FIFG), with the corresponding expectations regarding quality, efficiency and impact.
«We accelerate research – without compromising quality or scientific integrity.»
From strategy to implementation
2025 was not only a year of strategic decisions, but of consistent implementation. Across multiple cancer types, a high number of new clinical studies were initiated. In addition, more than twenty new studies were approved by the Scientific Committee and the Directors Committee.
This lays the foundation for a further increase in study activations in 2026 – with improved cost structures and greater operational efficiency.
A key lever is the modular structure of clinical studies introduced in 2025. Researchers can now access precisely the services they require. This approach shortens development timelines, increases transparency and strengthens the economic sustainability of our work.
We accelerate research – without compromising quality or scientific integrity.
Advancing partnerships
Excellence in clinical research is built on collaboration. The support of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), as well as partners such as the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Krebsforschung Schweiz (KFS) and the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR), forms a cornerstone of our activities.
Collaboration with industry is also essential for the development of innovative therapies. At the same time, we have established new political alliances and strengthened cooperation with health insurers in order to actively shape the structural framework for clinical cancer research.
Together with partners such as Philas, KPT, Cornèrcard and KFS, we have developed new formats that more closely connect research, funding and societal engagement. We are deliberately expanding our network with the ambition to scale our impact.
Leadership means responsibility
The achievements of 2025 are the result of the commitment of more than 900 researchers, study coordinators and staff across our member centres, as well as the team in Bern.
As CEO, I see it as my responsibility to ensure strategic clarity, demand operational excellence and strengthen the institution’s independence.
Today, the Swiss Cancer Institute stands on solid structural foundations, with a clear strategic focus and strong operational capabilities. We are ready to further expand our key role as an independent driving force of clinical cancer research in Switzerland – with determination, reliability and a clear sense of purpose.