sitem-insel AG

The Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine (sitem-insel) is a research institution of national importance and international appeal. The project has been designated highest priority by the Swiss Confederation, which is why the Canton of Bern and the federal government will both be supporting the institution from 2017 to 2020 with approximately CHF 25 million each.

The private sector has already recognized the potential of sitem-insel - in fact, the privately funded Diabetes Centre Berne (DCB), under the stewardship of Willy Michel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ypsomed Group, has confirmed that it will be moving to the new sitem-insel building. Major companies such als CSL Behring and Straumann AG are also involved in the project, while other companies are signaling their interest. Furthermore, the new premises will be open to start-ups and spin-offs. 

Medical technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology are trendsetting branches, and sitem-insel strengthens the innovation potential of these branches, opening up new opportunities and providing the ideal working environment in the field of translational medicine.

Thanks to sitem-insel, the five cantons of Switzerland's Capital Region are taking a major step closer to their goal of expanding their medical location still further and positioning it on the international stage, with a strong medical technology sector and rapidly growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

The Canton of Bern has established the new legal framework to support this research institution twice as quickly as usual, and granted the building permit in record time. As Minister of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Bern, I remain fully committed to helping maximize sitem-insel's impact. 

From the perspective of the University of Bern, founding member of sitem-insel, the new institution offers a unique infrastructure to translate findings from basic research in biomedicine and medical technology into marketable products.

Basic research enjoys high priority at the University of Bern. In the biomedical field, for instance, the University of Bern hosts two National Centers of Competence in Research of the Swiss National Science Foundation - TransCure and RNA & Disease. Both centers aim to develop new treatments for previously untreatable diseases. 

The University of Bern is also contributing to optimizing clinical operation technologies from an interdisciplinary perspective with the ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research and the Institute of Surgical Technology and Biomechanics, ISTB, involving engineers and surgeons. In this context, sitem-insel will complement and intensify existing activities for the benefit of our health care system.

A novelty at sitem-insel are the further training opportunities in the fields of translation, entrepreneurship, and regulatory affairs for medical products. These opportunities are unique in Switzerland's university landscape.

Overall, sitem-insel strengthens the position of the capital region of Bern in the medical sector to take a leading role in Switzerland and in Europe. 

sitem-insel is a future-oriented project. In the new institution, research findings and industrial products are developed into clinical application. This process is called «translation» and involves both industry, basic research, investors and physicians. They are all part of a network in which each member is relevant. Such networks are exactly in the focus of the innovation policy of the Swiss Confederation and in line with the support of the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse.

The Swiss innovation policy neither finances projects top-down nor pays direct subsidies to companies. This policy was successful in the past, a statement backed by Switzerland’s continuous top position in international rankings. The pivotal role of innovation policy for todays economic policy is growing. Our policy calls for collaboration between partners from different industries and research groups and, accordingly for new models of cooperation. This brings us back to sitem-insel, a model project ensuring the involvement of all partners.

The strategy of sitem-insel opens new perspectives within the health care system. I recommend to make use of that opportunity for your own profit in your research projects. Research today is more than ever interdisciplinary and benefits from exchange and cooperation. In the face of limited resources and international competition, a partnership approach is a must.