Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine (sitem-insel)

Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship

Translational medicine is a new, process-oriented discipline that aims to translate new findings and products emerging from private-sector development and basic research into clinical applications. With this program, the sitem Center aims to promote researchers and train executives in the fields of translational medicine and biomedical entrepreneurship. Lecturers and supervisors of the school are representatives from research and development-oriented private companies, scientists from universities, clinicians, collaborators from regulatory agencies and financial experts.

Participants are expected to acquire the necessary skills to initiate and implement the translation process from the stage of development in industrial or basic science institutions into clinical applications with the ultimate purpose of the latters’ commercialization. The acquired theoretical knowledge can be applied to the participants’ own projects in order to provide possible strategies to each individual project. The program addresses professionals from industry, hospitals and academia that are active in the medical sector and interested in translational medicine and biomedical entrepreneurship.

What to expect from this program? 

  • You will become proficient in medical product development
  • You understand the interdisciplinary interaction in translational medicine
  • Our innovative enviornment and network of experts and specialists from industry and academia provide you with a state-of-the-art platform
  • We offer a unique mentoring program and large flexibility our custom designed study program
  • You will be able to take your concept for your medical innovation to the next level and increase the success of your start up

TMBE Brochure

Overview

Project-focused and practice-orientied

The study program is embedded in sitem-insel, which, in collaboration with partners, provides participants access to a vast amount of hightech facilities and services.

MAS students perform activities that are designed to specially address aspects relevant to their projects. This includes regular project discussions with peers and experts, the selection of applicable case studies and site visits at companies, which will give them the opportunity to apply knowledge, skill sets and techniques that they have gained from the classroom in real life situations.

Scientific and entrepreneurial translation 

The program covers all relevant aspects of the translational process – i.e. entrepreneurial know-how in addition to all basic scientific, clinical and technical knowledge.

Expertise of teachers and supervisors

The teachers and supervisors of this program are from research and development oriented private companies, scientists from universities, ETHs and FHS, collaborators from regulatory agencies, financial experts and clinicians.

Flexibility

The study program offers «blended learning», i.e. e-learning complemented with face-toface concept lectures, peer learning sessions and interactive discussions with specialists. Consequently, the program permits you to organize your daily workload and study time according to your background and your specific needs, while the face-to-face sessions allow networking with experts and personal contact with your peers.

MAS / DAS / CAS

Depending on your needs we offer a CAS, DAS or MAS. The program consists of six modules covering different aspects relevant for the development and commercialization of medicinal products and medical devices. Modules 1 to 5 consist of a kick-off event, face-to-face lectures, peer discussions, round table discussions, a wrap-up session and an e-learning part. Module 6 predominantly consists of face-to-face lectures, workshops and round table discussions.

The program is open for all academic disciplines. For academics without a background in natural science, engineering or medicine, a special module «Prerequisites» has been developed. It will allow those participants to acquire fundamental scientific-medical knowledge required for the program.

Modules

Admission

Annual Start

The study program starts in September each year with the exception of the CAS Translational Medicine and the CAS Biomedical Entrepreneurship.

The beginning of the CAS Translational Medicine depends on your selected modules.

The CAS Biomedical Entrepreneurship can be started anytime.

Location

On-site classes are held at sitem-insel, the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine in Bern, Switzerland. E-learning courses may be performed at home. In case of University closures due to Covid-19, planned on-site lessions will be held in virtual classrooms. 

Language

The course language is English.

Requirements

All participants should have a MS or higher degree in life science, medicine, engineering science or equivalent.

MAS participants may additionally have at least two years of experience in research and/or development.
Students can bring a proposal for an own translational medicine project on which they will work during the MAS thesis.

Available Services

Upon successful registration, the participants will get a campus account, which includes an email account in the SWITCH network. MAS students will receive a Unicard and have access to sports, childcare and counselling facilities offered by the University of Bern. 

Fees & Funding

Fees

The following fees cover all expenses within your chosen study program.

CAS Translational Medicine & CAS Biomedical Engineering

CHF 12'600.– for each

DAS Translational Medicine & DAS Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship

CHF 23'100.– for each

MAS Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship

CHF 31'500.–

We accept payment in installments at no additional costs, please contact us for individual conditions.

Funding

Limited scholarships are available to support MAS Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship participants with promising medical projects.  

Testimonials

Life Science Consultant

Dr. He Liu

 As a life science researcher who has worked in the field for many years, this program opened the door for me to experience the beauty of translational medicine – from R&D, quality management, intellectual property, regulations and clinical trials to biomedical entrepreneurship. The program has enabled me to gain an overview of the whole cycle of life science. One of the things I enjoy most about the program is the group work, which also provides us with great networking opportunities. This has really helped me to develop my entrepreneurial mindset. For entrepreneurs and future industry leaders, this MAS program is worth taking.

CEO and co-founder Saverna Therapeutics AG

Dr. Kamal Azzaoui

Very professional interactions between teachers and students through very interesting lectures and wrap up sessions, highly intellectual and innovative projects, very flexible program. I learned a lot about translational medicine, strong team work and personal bonds between participants.

Clinic of Hematology & Central Hematology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern and Inselspital Bern

Dr. c. Raja Prince-Eladnani

The MAS in Translational Medicine and Biomedical Engrepreneurship enabled me to significantly advance my project. I was able to directly apply what I learned through each module and expand my skills in regulatory affairs, project management, business development and entrepreneurship. I am also very thankful to the sitem school directors and coordinator for their availability and support and all module contributors for their efficient interactions during kick off and wrap up sessions.

Edometriosis and Gynaecological Oncology, Department of Biomedical Research University of Bern

Dr. Thomas Andrieu

The MAS program for Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship provides a large amount of information which are essential to transform your idea to a valuable product. Scientist by training, I have seen my horizon enlarged towards regulation and business perspectives. Networking is invaluable too. In this regards, the MAS allows you to exchange with experts and with your peers. It might challenge your project but it definitely brings it further.

Registration & Contact

Registration

Places are available but limited.
Registration is possible throughout the year, please use our registration form.

Contact

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email in case of questions or to book a call: school.sitem@unibe.ch.

Dr. Christian Rosser, Director School

Mark Illi, Head of TMBE programme

Dina Marti, Study Programme Manager and Business Deputy Lead