Agile Data Science Network (ADSN): Innovation in Swiss healthcare

The Agile Data Science Network (ADSN) was founded to strengthen data science expertise and foster innovation. It involves interdisciplinary cooperation among experts from various federal offices.

Our mandate

The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) - specifically the FOPH and Federal Statistical Office (FSO) – has been tasked, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) (Coordinated Medical Services (CMS) and Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)) as well as the Federal Department of Finance (Federal Office of Information Technology, Systems and Telecommunication (FOITT), with advancing data science competence in Switzerland.

To achieve this, they are examining the data evaluation infrastructure required for data analysis. Drawing on experiences gained from the current data science projects of the FSO, the participating federal offices will decide how to structure their future cooperation.

Further information on the original mandate can be found in the Federal Digitalisation Strategy 2020-2023.

Our vision

The ADSN was founded to fulfil the aforementioned mandate. It is more than just an initiative – it is a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and collaboration in the field of data science in the Swiss administrative system.

Our mission

We strive to continually strengthen analytical capabilities and decision-making processes in healthcare by the targeted application of data science.

To that end, our focus lies on

  • The continuous development of data science competencies
  • The improvement of analytical capabilities, particularly for crisis situations
  • Promoting inter-office collaboration and active knowledge exchange

Who we are

Our network currently brings together experts from a number of federal offices:

  • Federal Chancellery (FCh)
  • Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
  • Federal Statistical Office (FSO)
  • Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)
  • Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG)
  • Coordinated Medical Services (CMS)

This interdisciplinary team enables us to look at complex challenges from a variety of perspectives and to develop new and innovative solutions.

Our working methods

We use modern and agile working methods to be able to react to changes in a flexible and efficient manner:

  • Agile methods: we use Kanban and design thinking to structure our projects and develop creative solutions
  • Frequent communication: we ensure a continuous flow of information and quicker decision-making by conducting weekly meetings
  • Digital collaboration: our MS Teams channel enables direct and flexible communication among all team members

Our key projects

1. Comprehensive needs analysis

Once a year we carry out a comprehensive needs assessment by means of a survey. This is a tool for the identification of the real needs and challenges of the different administrative units in the field of data science. The results are fed back directly into our strategy and project development.

2. Enhancing data evaluation at the FOPH

The improvement of the FOPH's analytical capacity is a key priority, particularly with regard to crisis situations.

We work on

  • The combination of data science with specialist skills
  • The development and implementation of innovative analytical methods
  • The improvement of the speed and accuracy of response in crisis situations

3. Support through the expertise of data scientists

Based on the federal data science strategy of the Federal Administration and supported by Federal Council decrees 6 and 4 on the federal data science strategy, we work on:

  • The establishment of efficient processes for the exchange of data and knowledge,
  • The assurance of data availability while taking data protection and security aspects into account.

Get involved

Our network is open to all experts and interested parties from the Federal Administration. There are several ways to get involved:

  • Active participation: attend our weekly meetings and share your expertise
  • Passive networking: join our Teams channel and stay up to date with the latest developments
  • Project work: work on specific projects that match up well with your interests and skills

Interested?

Please contact: adsn@bag.admin.ch.

Further information

Federal Office of Public Health FOPH

Digital Transformation and Steering Directorate
Agile Data Science Network ADSN
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern