Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine

Investment thesis

The Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) at the University of Bern exists to preserve and improve population health through high-quality research, education, and the translation of scientific findings into public health practice [1]. Its strategic agenda is defined by four interdisciplinary pillars: health and disease across the lifespan, health and disease in communities, health and disease and the environment, and data science of health and disease [2]. The institute operates as a core academic engine for Swiss public health, providing the epidemiological and biostatistical expertise required to inform national health policy and clinical standards [1].

Credibility: The institute's 14 research groups and its role in the University of Bern's Human Medicine and Biomedical Sciences degree programs confirm its mandate to generate and validate public health knowledge [1].

Value add

Engaging with ISPM provides founders with access to world-class epidemiological expertise, biostatistical validation, and direct channels to Swiss public health authorities.

• Scientific Credibility: Association with a leading university institute enhances the scientific validity of health-tech or public health products.
• Data Access: Potential access to specialized datasets and contact matrices (e.g., CoMix) for model training and validation [2].
• Policy Influence: Collaboration can provide insights into national health policy priorities and regulatory landscapes.
• Fit verdict: Ideal for health-tech, data-science, and public-health-focused startups requiring rigorous epidemiological validation or access to Swiss health data.
• Founder diligence script:

1. Which specific research group aligns with my product's scientific needs? 2. Can the institute provide biostatistical support for my clinical or observational study? 3. Is there a public health mandate or service contract opportunity for my technology? 4. How can my solution be integrated into their postgraduate education or continuing professional development? 5. What data sharing agreements are required for collaboration on their open-source tools?

Portfolio focus

The institute's research output and public engagements highlight its focus areas.

• Infectious Disease Surveillance: Development of tools and methods for monitoring infectious diseases, including projects on 2019-infectious-disease-surveillance [2].
• Environmental Health: Research on the health impacts of environmental factors, such as the link between ultraviolet radiation and childhood cancer [2].
• Social Determinants of Health: Studies on social contact patterns (CoMix), parental employment, and health equity [3].
• Clinical Epidemiology: Research on childhood cancer survivorship, bronchiectasis, and diagnostic test evaluation [1].
• Public Health Education: Training of public health specialists through undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs [1].

Interconnection: These focus areas indicate where a founder's technology or service could complement the institute's ongoing work.