University of Neuchâtel

The University of Neuchâtel includes 10 SSPH+ Faculty members representing all Faculties (Law, Human and Social Sciences, Economics and Sciences). It fosters a unique environment based on a transdisciplinary approach of public health translated in various research and education programs. Under the leadership of the Institute of Health Law founded in 1993, the University of Neuchâtel has gained recognition for its broad set of research and training programs in the field of health and society. Building on the strong expertise brought by professors coming from all Faculties, it focuses on the specific contributions of the human and social sciences, including economics and law, to public health. Its approach is based on the importance of the social determinants of health, individually and collectively. It aims at developing and implementing evidence-based policies and law in public health, as well as evaluating their impact with the goal to improve it under the model of “Better Health Faster”. While working in close collaboration with physicians and epidemiologists, the expertise of the Neuchâtel SSPH+ Faculty members and fellows is characterized by a non-medical understanding of the various dimensions of public health.

The Institute of Health Law (Institut de droit de la santé, IDS)

The Institute of Health Law (IDS), founded in 1993 by Prof. Olivier Guillod and Prof. Dominique Sprumont, is a University Institute affiliated with the Faculty of Law of the University of Neuchâtel. Unique within Switzerland, IDS is recognised as one of the University of Neuchâtel’s Centers of Excellence.

IDS aims to develop and disseminate teaching, research and academic exchanges relating to Health Law. It offers a full scope of training in health and medical law. This includes a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in health law (a continuing legal education program), a Master of Health and Biotechnology Law, an International Bilingual Master of Comparative Health Law (with Paris V Descartes and King's College London) and a PhD program on Health, Medicine and Society. The latter is supported by swissuniversities as well as CUSO and targets doctoral students in social sciences and humanities who do research on issues related to health and medicine as well as doctoral students in medicine, nursing sciences or public health.

IDS is also offering academic support to public health authorities at the cantonal, federal, European and international levels. For instance, IDS contributed to the drafting of numerous laws and regulations in the fields of patients’ rights, bio-law (organ transplantation, medically assisted reproduction, research involving human participants, end-of-life, etc.), the practice of healthcare professionals, the control of pharmaceuticals and food stuff, the fight against epidemics, access to pharmaceuticals and other public health domains.

IDS regularly organizes conferences and seminars on legal, ethical, social, medical ad public health issues. It operates in a multidisciplinary manner, encouraging a comparative approach to the law and a transdisciplinary approach to public health.