Education and training
Browse through all clinical research training opportunities of the SCTO's Clinical Trial Unit (CTU) Network and a selection of academic training offers. Find what best fits your needs.
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and research ethics courses are all recognised by swissethics. You can also find a selection of training opportunities provided by further organisations.
Disclaimer: Institutions are responsible for the quality of the training opportunities they provide.
Basic understanding of statistical methodology
Science or medical degree (minimum bachelor's degree)
Candidates without a university degree but with a professional qualification ("abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung" or similar) must have at least two years of practical work experience in clinical research (based on "sur dossier" decisions)
Part-time
Compatible with work
- Completion of the CAS Clinical Research I, CAS Study Nurse/Coordinator, or equivalent qualification
- Individuals with a minimum of five years' of experience in clinical research working either in academia or in industry (study nurses, study coordinators, clinical research associates, study physicians, assistant physicians, etc.) may apply to be directly admitted to the CAS Clinical Research II program
Part-time
Compatible with work
BSc in nursing science, a professional qualification (e.g. Dipl. Pflegefachperson HF), or adequate professional experience and qualifications (based on "sur dossier" decisions).
Basic and current research results on the design of clinical studies using practical examples from daily work at the Department of Clinical Research (DKF)
Some seminars might be held in English
Previous update seminars were recorded and are accessible on the DKF website
A seminar series to keep you up to date on new developments and current topics in clinical research
Topics vary from current laws, new national or international regulations and processes, and new working methods and tools
- Individuals holding a science degree (minimum bachelor's) or medical students with an interest in pursuing continuing education in clinical research practices
- Individuals holding a degree equivalent to CAS Clinical Research I or II should contact one of the Directors of Studies for a personal consultation
Part-time
Compatible with work
PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, MDs, and clinical research professionals from academia or industry with minimum of an MSc qualification
Overview of the state-of-the-art research methods commonly used in health sciences
Single modules can be attended independently
GCP Basiskurs or equivalent qualification
This swissethics-accredited GCP course is ideal for investigators, all staff involved and/or interested in clinical research, and beginners
It focuses on participant protection, informed consent, safety reporting, study design, and data management
Basic GCP knowledge/practical experience required
Interactive talks with discussion on advanced methodological or statistical aspects of clinical studies and current research projects
Master or Science degree or "sur dossier" admission
The course is split in two parts. The first part consists of self-learning and home-based exercises to be completed within two weeks. The second part consists of a series of interactive lectures supplemented with workshops taught in one day.
ECTS optional
Basic GCP course completed
This one-day course consists of a series of interactive lectures supplemented with workshops.
ECTS optional
Lectures may be in English
Most past lectures are available online
Previous GCP course completed
Training sessions alternate between German and English
Training documentation is in English
For clinical research coordinators or clinical trial nurses taking over responsibility for clinical trials.
Held in Wengen
The Winterschool offers various independant courses. Each course runs over three days. Participants may subscribe to 1 or 2 courses per year.
Master’s degree acknowledged by ETH or equivalent educational qualifications in a relevant field such as social sciences, medicine, economics, technological sciences, or business.
At least two years of postgraduate work experience in a relevant field.
C1 English proficiency
Access to a computer and a smartphone that support the technical tools used, e.g. allowing to test the digital health interventions of the course participants.
4 course modules:
1. Introduction to digital health
2. Assessing digital health interventions
3. Designing a digital biomarker
4. Designing a just-in-time adaptive intervention
Certificate of "Bonnes Pratiques des Essais Cliniques, Niveau I - Investigateur" or equivalent certificate recognised by swissethics
Formal university degree or BSc in health sciences
"Sur dossier" admissions are also possible
The three-day GCP (Bonnes Pratiques des Essais Cliniques - Niveaux I et II) training sessions can be integrated as an optional module
Degree in nursing, life sciences or medicine
Teaching is in English
Individual DAS modules are available
Degree in nursing, life sciences or medicine
Individual MAS modules are also available
Formal university or applied university degree
For individuals involved or interested in clinical research
At least three years of practical experience in the field of health
This course is aimed at health professionals interested in clinical research
GCP Investigator Level certificate requested
Training particularly aimed at healthcare professionals who wish to take on the role of sponsor-investigator in interventional clinical trials and in the management of observational research projects
GCP Basiskurs or equivalent qualification
Recommended to all individuals working in human research who would like to maintain and update their knowledge on research ethics and GCP
Covers regulatory requirements and practical aspects of conducting human research projects that are not considered a clinical trial and are regulated in the Human Research Ordinance (HRO)
Training certificates issued electronically
For individuals working in clinical research (either in academia or in industry) and interested in extending their expertise in the area of safety management (assessment, documentation, and reporting of safety events)
Visit the website to explore the upcoming program
For individuals who have completed a GCP course and/or are interested in the subject
Intranet access only
Visit the website to explore the upcoming program
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
Also suited for PhD students
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
GCP Investigator Level certificate
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
GCP Investigator Level certificate
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
Also suited for PhD students
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
Some modules may be held in English
Each individual CAS module can be followed independently
List of modules:
Introduction to Epidemiology and Study Designs
Konzepte, Methoden und Anwendungen der deskriptiven und analytischen Epidemiologie
Basic Biostatistics
Einführung in systematische Reviews und Meta-Analysen
From Evidence to Implementation and Evaluation in Public Health
Evidence-based Public Health using the GRADE approach
Statistische Methoden zum Umgang mit Confounding und Interaktionen in epidemiologischen Studien
Some modules may be held in English
Each individual CAS module can be followed independently
List of modules:
Einführung Public Health
Grundlagen der Gesundheitswissenschaft und Sozialepidemiologie
Social Science Research Methods in Public Health
Umwelt und Gesundheit
Soziokulturelle Kontexte, Migration und gesundheitliche Chancengleichheit
Ein Public-Health-Problem erkennen und lösen
Some modules may be held in English
Each individual CAS module can be followed independently
List of modules:
Gesundheitssystem Schweiz
Gesundheitsökonomie
Introduction to Epidemiology and Study Designs
Ökonomische Evaluation im Gesundheitswesen
Bewertung, Vergütung und optimale Versorgung im Gesundheitswesen
Gesundheitsökonomische Modellierung – Hands-on
Some modules may be held in English
Individual CAS modules can be followed independently
List of modules:
Gesundheitssystem Schweiz
Gesundheitsrecht
Gesundheitspolitik
Gesundheitsökonomie
Ökonomische Evaluation im Gesundheitswesen
Health Systems and Services in International Comparison
Generally held in June
Held once a year, generally in November
Master's in medicine, nursing sciences, natural sciences, or a similar degree
"Sur dossier" admissions are also possible
Visit website for more information
Includes additional self-study
CAS Clinical Trial Management or equivalent
Master's in medicine, nursing sciences, natural sciences, or a similar degree
"Sur dossier" admissions are also possible
Visit website for more information
Especially suited for clinical monitors
Includes additional self-study
Master's in medicine, nursing sciences, natural sciences, or a similar degree
"Sur dossier" admissions are also possible
Visit website for more information
Includes additional self-study
Provides GCP certificates as investigator and sponsor-investigator
Seminar can also be presented in Englisch
Takes place once a year, except in years with a trinational congress on clinical trials in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH symposium)
Master's in medicine, nursing sciences, natural sciences, or a similar degree
"Sur Dossier" admissions are also possible
Visit website for more information
Consists of the CAS in Clinical Trial Management, a second CAS (Monitoring or Clinical Data Management), and a diploma thesis in the field of specialisation
Provides GCP certificates as investigator and sponsor-investigator
Takes place once a year
GCP Module 1 and 2 certificate or equivalent certificate
The goal of this training is to gain an overview of the theories, designs, methods, and tools of Implementation Science, as well as to transfer knowledge to research and health care practice.
Track 1 provides an insight to implementation science whereas track 2 provides additional advice and targeted knowledge transfer with regard to one's own work context.
The training starts on Friday 29th of September 2023.
Basic statistics knowledge from bachelor and master programme in medicine