Research in the FOPH
Research provides the FOPH with knowledge that is useful for guiding its decisions and practices and which it needs to fulfil its tasks. It is conducted primarily in the form of federal policy research (federal government research).
Federal policy research in the FOPH
In addition to monitoring and evaluation, federal policy research in the FOPH is aimed at providing knowledge to be used in policy and strategy development and also in the implementation of measures in the field of health.
A sound knowledge base is to be created for the provision of optimum healthcare and preventive healthcare for the population at an affordable cost.
In the FOPH, federal policy research is focused on issues relating to the health protection of the population, to prevention and health promotion and to the provision of healthcare. Federal policy research in the FOPH primarily involves commissioned research and contributions to third parties. The research is practically oriented and generally interdisciplinary in nature.
Research priorities in the policy area of health 2025-2028
The Research Concept Health provides an overview of the federal government's research activities and projects in the field of health for the period 2025–2028. It also outlines the areas on which the focus is placed. In addition to the strategy, a Catalogue of Federal Policy Research Topics in the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) describes the research strategies and topics of the individual divisions of the FOPH. See documents below.
The priorities for research in the policy area of health until 2028 are as follows:
- Federal policy research, in particular in the areas of communicable and non-communicable diseases, food safety, addiction and biomedicine as well as healthcare and health technology assessment.
- Strengthening the ‘One Health’ approach, which is based on the understanding that human, animal and environmental health are closely interlinked
- Federal Council review mandate for a national health (cohort) study
- Health services research: Switzerland's participation in the European partnership ‘Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS)’ as part of ‘Horizon Europe’
- National research programmes, in particular NRP 83 ‘Gender Medicine and Health’
- Consideration of direct or indirect transversal topics such as sustainable development, digitalisation, equal opportunities and national and international cooperation
- Efforts to promote long-term research in the field of vaccines
The ARAMIS Information System
The ARAMIS information system contains information on research, development and evaluation projects in the Swiss Federal Administration. It provides interested parties with information on the research work conducted, commissioned or co-financed by the Confederation. ARAMIS also improve coordination of the federal policy research and create transparency.
Further information
Research topics at the FOPH
Index
Research in the field of radiation protection
In the area of radiation protection, the FOPH carries out monitoring, evaluation and research. This provides us with the necessary basis for optimising the population's radiation exposure. Our research activities focus on medical applications.
Research on chemicals
How dangerous are chemicals that we use every day? The FOPH is committed to improving the methodology for risk analysis of chemicals through its support of research projects and its own participation.
Research in communicable diseases
Why are case numbers rising for certain diseases? Why do some population groups fall ill more frequently or more seriously than others? Are the new vaccination recommendations being implemented? How is the ratio of resistant bacteria developing? The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is conducting research into communicable diseases relevant to public health to be able to answer these and similar questions based on scientific evidence.
Research on non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
The FOPH launches research projects on the theme non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The lines of research are regularly examined and, if necessary, modified.
Research on addictions
The FOPH launches research projects on the theme of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and behavioral addictions (eg Internet, gambling). The Tobacco Prevention Fund supports projects related to tobacco. The lines of research are regularly examined and, if necessary, modified.
Forschung zur Kranken- und Unfallversicherung
Welche Faktoren führen zum Kostenanstieg in der obligatorischen Krankenpflegeversicherung (OKP)? Wie kann die Transparenz über die Kostenflüsse im System der OKP gefördert werden? Das BAG betreibt Forschung, um Antworten auf diese und viele weitere Fragen zu erhalten.
Forschung Gesundheitsberufe
Gesundheitsfachkräfte sind eine knappe Ressource. Ihr Einsatz in der Gesundheitsversorgung soll kompetenzgerecht und effizient sein. Die Qualität muss stimmen. Mit Forschung können dazu notwendige Voraussetzungen identifiziert und für die Praxis aufbereitet werden.
International Health Policy Survey (IHP) of the Commonwealth Fund Foundation
By participating in the international surveys of the Commonwealth Fund Foundation (CWF) since 2010, Switzerland is able to draw comparisons between the health systems of different countries. 2026 is the last year of participation in the surveys.
Further topics
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Evaluation and Research Service
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern