Updates concerning Sciana Fellows in October 2025
Rachel Carey co-founds new Zinc Innovation Partners initiative
Rachel Carey (Cohort 5) has co-founded a new arm of Zinc focused on finding innovative ways of translating science into real-world impact. The initiative is called Zinc Innovation Partners, and Rachel will serve as its chief scientist.
She is keen to hear from others within the Sciana Network who are interested in exploring potential partnerships or collaboration opportunities.
If you'd like to learn more, please read Rachel's recent LinkedIn article, "Reweaving the fabric of our science-for-impact ecosystem".
Tobias Silberzahn contributes chapter to new book on future of digital health
Tobias Silberzahn (Cohort 3) has written a chapter for a new book titled "Digital Business Models in Healthcare: Experts Shaping the Future of Digital Health".
Tobias' chapter focuses on "National Digital Health Ecosystems". View his LinkedIn post for more information, and pre-order the book here.
Daniel Liedtke co-authors articles on machine learning predictions of unplanned readmissions
Daniel Liedtke (Cohort 1) has co-authored a new research article titled "Machine learning predictions of readmissions using electronic medical records: Predictor importance across medical and surgical patient populations".
This retrospective multi-site study was conducted across eight hospitals from a leading private hospital group in Switzerland.
Rishi Das-Gupta co-authors white paper on technology-enabled service change
Rishi Das-Gupta (Cohort 4) has co-authored a white paper outlining a practical blueprint for how health and care organisations can design, implement, and scale technology-enabled services sustainably and beneficially across the system.
He co-authored the paper with Amanda Begley and Ambra Caruso. Read the full paper.
Marcel Napierala shares insights on Medbase
In an interview published by Aargauer Zeitung (and others), Marcel Napierala (Cohort 1) discussed developments concerning Medbase and how to save costs.
Medbase operates around 70 medical centres and 55 pharmacies. It is part of the Migros Group.
Stéfanie Monod joins Swiss Federal Office of Public Health
After several years at the Unisanté academic centre, where she contributed to expert work on the governance of the Swiss health system, Stéfanie Monod (Cohort 7) has joined the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
Since 1 September, she has been serving as vice director and member of senior management at the FOPH. She also heads the Health Protection Directorate, with responsibilities covering key areas related to health protection.
The challenges facing health systems in the coming years are substantial, and the "Health in All Policies" approach will be among the key strategic priorities. Through this appointment, Stéfanie reaffirms her commitment to strengthening and advancing public health policies in Switzerland.
Shera Chok chairs discussion on digital talent pipeline required to deliver NHS Plan
On 7 October, Shera Chok (Cohort 2) chaired a roundtable discussion featuring senior digital and health leaders from the NHS and private sector.
Participants convened for a conversation at the HETT Show titled "Identifying and Growing the Digital Talent Pipeline to Deliver the NHS 10-Year Plan". Participants included Shuri Network members, as well as Dame Donna Kinnair, Ming Tang, and Sonia Patel, all of whom are strong supporters of the Network.
Shera said we're currently still a "long way" from the objective to give the NHS the most AI-enabled workforce in the world. She added, "[Our] discussion highlighted the need for a clear national plan and resources to create digital leadership that is inclusive, able to design services with the user in mind, engage across different settings and sectors, spread and scale innovation, flexible career pathways that meet the needs of future digital leaders and partnerships with industry and professional bodies to build a sustainable talent pipeline."
One day before this roundtable discussion, Shera spoke at an event celebrating Black History Month, where the topic was "Leading for Change and Excellence Through Uncertainty". The event was held at the House of Lords and featured senior leaders from across a range of sectors. To learn more, read Shera's reflection on LinkedIn.
Marc Augustin publishes article on AI-associated psychosis
Marc Augustin (Cohort 4) has published an Open Access article (in German) examining emerging cases of AI-associated psychosis.
This includes instances where interactions with chatbots are alleged to have triggered or intensified psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals.
Marc said, "Health leaders should be aware of this novel risk, educate at-risk patients about safe AI use, and integrate digital safeguards into treatment protocols as AI adoption grows." Read the article online.
Mirjam Lämmle voted among Switzerland's top women in business
Mirjam Lämmle (Cohort 6) has once again been selected by Women in Business Community as one of the Top 100 Women in Business.
Read Mirjam's response to the announcement on LinkedIn, and vote for her to be considered 2025's Woman of the Year.
Sven Streit co-leads Bernese Medical Society's (BEKAG) 2025 workforce survey
Sven Streit (Cohort 5) recently co-led the Bernese Medical Society (BEKAG) 's 2025 workforce survey, presenting findings to over 40 members of parliament in September.
The survey highlights growing shortages in several fields – especially child and adolescent psychiatry, psychiatry/psychotherapy, general practice, and paediatrics. More than 42% of physicians in the canton participated, providing a strong basis for policy decisions. Read this press release (in German) for more information.
Carlo Fabian announces new Health-Promoting Neighbourhood Development training programme
Carlo Fabian (Cohort 7) has shared details for a new continuing training programme titled "Health-Promoting Neighbourhood Development".
The CAS Certificate of Advanced Studies will be taught in German, with the topic available as a continuing education programme in Switzerland for the first time.
Carlo, who launched the programme with Christian Reutlinger, said, "We address structural and formal framework conditions and constantly ask ourselves how these can be developed in a way that promotes health and health equity and involves people, i.e. in a participatory manner."
Sonja Kahlmeier (Cohort 6) will contribute to the programme as a lecturer. For further information on this topic, please read an article co-authored by Carlo and Sonja in The Lancet. Carlo also recommends reading The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion to serve as an additional guide.
On a related note, Carlo has been elected the delegate and management committee member for Switzerland in the new COST Action OBSERVISTA, which combines topics of urban development, health, and health equity. Read his reflections on LinkedIn.
Dominique Allwood appointed to Radar Healthcare's Board of Directors
Dominique Allwood (Cohort 6) has been appointed to Radar Healthcare's Board of Directors.
Radar Healthcare aims to help organisations across health and social care to improve quality and compliance.
Paul Johnson, CEO of Radar Healthcare, said, "Dominique's appointment is a huge step forward for us. Her expertise, vision, and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate. We're delighted to welcome her to help us continue with our mission to truly make a difference in delivering the best possible outcomes across health and social care."
Vaccine Literacy in Switzerland: Key Findings
A new national study by the Careum Center for Health Literacy, and gfs.bern, on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, shows that over half of Switzerland’s adult population struggles to understand and evaluate vaccination information. The majority finds it difficult to judge trustworthiness or identify misinformation.
Socioeconomic factors strongly influence vaccine literacy: people with limited financial means, language barriers, or low social support tend to have lower vaccine literacy and willingness to vaccinate. Physicians remain the most trusted source, far ahead of online platforms or traditional media.
Led by Saskia De Gani, Head of the Careum Center for Health Literacy and Sciana Fellow (Cohort 5), the study highlights the need for clear, evidence-based information and dialogue-oriented approaches to strengthen informed decision-making and public trust.
AI in the NHS 2025
With the opportunities for artificial intelligence (AI) in health care expanding and new technologies igniting political and media debate, the drive to understand how to effectively and responsibly implement AI in the NHS continues unabated.
At the Health Foundation's AI event in July 2024, there was a call for the development of a dedicated strategy for AI in health care. Senior leaders, including Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health with responsibility for NHS data and technology, set out their vision for the strategic direction of AI in the NHS.
Lawrence Tallon (Cohort 5) was a keynote speaker, speaking in his role as Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Watch a recording of his keynote (and others').
