University of Bern Overview

Trial Radar AI Insights

University of Bern

The University of Bern leads clinical research in Switzerland with a strong emphasis on translational medicine, bridging basic science and patient care to advance treatments in cardiovascular disease, oncology, and neurology. Its extensive portfolio of over 60 lead-sponsored active trials supports diverse patient populations, offering opportunities for participation in innovative studies that prioritize quality of life and preventive strategies.

• Institution Profile: Founded 1834 · Bern, Switzerland · Public · unibe.ch
• Therapeutic Strengths: Cardiovascular Disease, Oncology, Neurology
• Research standing: CRF Scientific Excellence Top 10, Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) at the TCT 2024 Symposium, 2024; AAHRPP Accreditation, 2024
• Partnerships: Inselspital, Bern University Hospital; sitem-insel (Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine); Swiss Clinical Trial Organisation (SCTO); Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)

Clinical Research Infrastructure

The University of Bern maintains a robust clinical research ecosystem centered on integrating academic expertise with clinical practice, fostering collaborations that enhance trial execution across Switzerland and internationally. Key affiliates include the University Hospital of Bern (Inselspital), a major teaching hospital where many trials occur, and the Wiederkäuerklinik, supporting specialized care. The sitem-insel serves as a flagship national center for translational medicine and entrepreneurship, linking research, industry, and clinical settings to accelerate innovation from lab to bedside.

Key Specialties and Therapeutic Focus

• Primary focus areas (prioritized by expertise and reputation):
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Targets conditions like heart failure and coronary artery disease through interventional cardiology; employs drug therapies, devices, and behavioral interventions; led by experts such as Stephan Windecker, a pioneer in interventional cardiology.
  • Oncology: Addresses childhood cancer, head and neck cancer, glioblastoma, and rare diseases with high enrollment in trials exceeding 500,000 participants collectively; utilizes radiation oncology, immunotherapy, surgery, and precision approaches; specialists include Adrian Ochsenbein in medical oncology and immunotherapy, Daniel M. Aebersold in radiation oncology, and Eva Segelov in medical oncology and clinical trials.
  • Neurology: Focuses on cerebral palsy, primary ciliary dyskinesia, Kartagener syndrome, depression, and sleep disorders; incorporates diagnostic tests, procedures, biologics, and non-exercise activities; guided by Claudio Bassetti, an authority in neurology and sleep medicine.
• Therapeutic modalities employed: Small molecules and drugs (12 trials), devices (17 trials), behavioral interventions (16 trials), procedures (9 trials), other modalities including dietary supplements and biologicals.
• Leading specialists and their credentials: Stephan Windecker (Interventional Cardiology); Adrian Ochsenbein (Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy); Claudio Bassetti (Neurology and Sleep Medicine); Daniel M. Aebersold (Radiation Oncology); Eva Segelov (Medical Oncology and Clinical Trials).
• Notable treatment breakthroughs and clinical outcomes: Contributed to four national Innosuisse 'Flagship Initiatives' in 2024 for AI-driven innovations in dementia care, precision oncology, and diabetes prevention, enhancing early detection and personalized therapies.

University of Bern Clinical Trials Landscape

Trial StatisticsApply Below Filters

The University of Bern sponsors 64 active clinical trials as lead, encompassing 62 ongoing studies in recruiting, not yet recruiting, or active-not-recruiting statuses, with a total enrollment of 556,065 participants across 184 locations primarily in Switzerland. These trials span interventional (41) and observational (21) designs, focusing on adults (59 trials), older adults (50 trials), and children (18 trials), while emphasizing conditions like rare diseases and childhood cancer. Key sites include Inselspital in Bern, supporting diverse interventions from drugs to devices and achieving an average enrollment of 8,969 per trial.

Key Clinical Trial Updates

Fifteen trials updated in the past month reflect ongoing momentum in translational research, including advancements in oncology and neurology with interim data suggesting improved quality-of-life outcomes in head and neck cancer and glioblastoma studies. Primary completion dates cluster in late 2025, with expected readouts on preventive strategies for depression and suicide attempts. Notable successes include 2024 involvement in AI-enhanced initiatives for precision oncology, positioning the university for potential regulatory submissions in immunotherapy by mid-2026.

Trial Innovation

The University of Bern integrates novel trial designs through sitem-insel, emphasizing patient-centric approaches like adaptive protocols in rare disease studies and decentralized elements for international sites in South Africa and Tanzania. Digital health tools support remote monitoring in behavioral interventions for physical activity, while real-world evidence from observational trials informs outcomes in cardiovascular and neurological conditions, aligning with translational medicine goals.

Clinical Trial Participation Guide

Use Trial Radar’s participation assistant to simplify trial details, preview steps with What to Expect, and confirm eligibility using Check Eligibility. Explore the Contacts & Locations tab to find site details and reach the study team directly.

Explore University of Bern clinical trials

See 50 of 130 studies.