One of the largest research areas in Graubünden is the medical and healthcare sector. In addition to scientific work, particular emphasis is placed on the training and development of future generations of scientists and doctors.
The SIAF, the AO Foundation in Davos and the Swiss Research Institute for Sports Medicine are just three institutions where experienced specialists and young researchers are helping to shape our future. And that is because they ask themselves afresh every day: How do we ensure our long-term well-being and health? Which research projects support us in this endeavour? Important core areas are subjects such as allergies and asthma, sports and orthopaedics.
The need for the best health is great throughout Switzerland – and the coronavirus only reinforced this need. In 2022 every practice in our country treated more than 1,000 patients, according to one study. It is particularly often the case that 26- to 35-year-olds find themselves in the waiting room of a general practitioner or a specialist doctor. Generations Z and Y do a lot for themselves, but they also expect to be provided with a corresponding offering.
Bundled expertise in Switzerland’s largest canton
Graubünden plays a special role in this. Not only is it an ideal place to spend a holiday and relax in beautiful natural surroundings – Switzerland’s largest canton is also home to some of the country’s best institutions and organisations specialising in research and education in the field of medicine and healthcare. The AO Research Institute Davos (ARI), for example, is considered a leading innovator in the surgical treatment of bone fractures and diseases. Around 20,000 surgeons, working in the fields of trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, veterinary and reconstructive surgery, are now part of the organisation’s network.
Cooperation makes innovation possible
The Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma (SIAF) is also based in Davos. The focus here is on research in the area of preventive and curative treatment approaches for allergic and asthmatic diseases. In cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, the DAViS was also launched. The Centre for Data Analytics, Visualisation and Simulation brings together research, industry and teaching in the areas of data analytics and scientific computing in one place. Typically for Graubünden, the question of the use of artificial intelligence, for example in mountain rescue operations or with the question of why top athletes show a higher susceptibility to infections, even though sport is healthy, is also explored in depth. There will be more new coming out of the Davos Mile as a laboratory in the midst of alpine nature in due course.
Research in the spirit of innovation and improvement
In Landquart, the topic of microtechnology also features on the schedule of students and researchers. The CSEM is internationally recognised as a technology innovation centre and has six locations across Switzerland. Ticino’s University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is also located in this municipality of 9,000 inhabitants. The Rehabilitation and Exercise Science Laboratory (RESlab) is a state-of-the-art human research laboratory and focuses on research into physiological mechanisms, always with the aim of testing and, in the best case, improving the effectiveness of therapies and rehabilitation measures. The physiotherapy students are trained in parallel in the premises next door.
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There is great diversity of research and further education opportunities in the field of healthcare and medicine in Graubünden. Together with medical partners such as the Graubünden Cantonal Hospital in Chur or the Medical Campus with the Davos High Mountain Clinic, there is potential to translate research into treatment. And the fresh air and relaxation can be found right outside the door. So why not study, research and live a healthy life here?
