FAQ

There is currently no specific training for non-interventional clinical research projects according to the Human Research Ordinance (HRO).

Even if a training certificate is not mandatory for running prospective observational research projects (HRO, chapter 2) and/or projects involving further-use of data and/or samples (HRO, chapter 3), a 2-day good clinical practice (GCP) course will provide you with a good basis and introduction to the many elements you need to pay attention to when planning and running such research projects.

Be aware that it is mandatory to attend a good clinical practice (GCP) course at the investigator or sponsor-investigator level, depending on your role within the clinical trial you plan to conduct. When performing clinical trials in Switzerland, a certificate of attendance of a GCP training recognised by swissethics needs to be submitted to your local ethics committee before the start of the trial.

Yes, funding opportunities are open to non-swiss citizen. However, you have to be affiliated with a local research institution for all local funding options. Similarly, you must be affiliated to a Swiss research institution to be able to apply for funding options from the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMS) and from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

The sooner the better. If you identify an interest in research during your studies in medicine, ask your professors how to embark on such a career. Some clinical researchers find this interest during or after their specialist training. Read some success stories and find out that planning for a research career can start at any time.