University of Bern and McGill University at a Glance
University of Bern – Faculty of Medicine
The University of Bern is one of Switzerland’s leading research universities, known for academic excellence and strong societal impact.
Its Faculty of Medicine is among the country’s largest and most research-active, dedicated to advancing human medicine through close integration with the Inselspital (Bern University Hospital) and the University Psychiatric Services. This academic–clinical alliance ensures research translates directly into better patient care.
Research Strengths in Human Medicine
The Faculty promotes cutting-edge translational research that bridges basic science, translational and clinical practise. Key areas of expertise include:
- Cardiovascular and metabolic health
- Neurosciences
- Oncology
- Endocrinology and diabetes
- Women's and reproductive health
- Pediatrics and rehabilitation
This work is further supported by strong collaborations with The Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), for instance, is a key element to drive biomedical innovation from lab to clinic, through critical infrastructure and expertise.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is supported through innovation hubs like ARTORG and sitem-insel fostering work at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and data science.
Precision Medicine at Bern
Precision medicine is a core focus at the Faculty. The Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM), at the Inselspital, brings together clinicians, researchers, and industry partners to deliver individualized care through genomics, biomarkers, imaging, AI, and digital health solutions.
The BCPM engages faculty from across the University of Bern and the Inselspital. Through strong partnerships and close collaboration, we are committed to advancing research in precision medicine and scaling its impact globally.
Together we want to advance cutting-edge research, rapid clinical translation, and advanced training to shape the future of personalized healthcare.
McGill University
Founded in 1821 in Montréal, McGill University is one of Canada’s top universities, known for academic excellence and research innovation. It serves over 39,000 students from 150+ countries across 11 faculties and 13 schools.
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS)
Established in 1829 as Canada’s first medical faculty, FMHS brings together six schools covering medicine, nursing, therapy, and biomedical sciences. Its mission is to advance health through education, research, and clinical care.
Genome Centre at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine
The Genome Centre drives research in genomic medicine to improve diagnosis and care, using cutting-edge sequencing, proteomics, and spatial genomics technologies. Close clinician collaboration ensures research translates to tangible health benefits.
Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Genomic Medicine
The Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Genomic Medicine located at the Genome Centre of McGill University, was established to turn the promise of genomics into concrete advances in human health. Led by Prof. Vincent Mooser, this program—titled Genes to Drug Targets for Next-Generation Therapies—focuses on translating genomic discoveries into innovative treatments. It integrates large-scale genetics, functional genomics, and clinical trials to drive impact across McGill’s research community.
BioPortal
Based at the Jewish General Hospital in collaboration with the CERC, BioPortal is a biobank and research platform collecting rich clinical and multi-omics data from thousands of patients. It supports real-world precision medicine research, including Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs), while adopting an open science approach to share data responsibly with global partners.