Research on humans

The term “human research” refers to the special scientific situation whereby human beings investigate other human beings in order to glean new findings. Human research is crucial for individual and public health.

People researching people

Natural science research seeks to determine general rules governing the natural world. In this context, research on and into humans presents the special situation whereby human beings investigate other human beings in order to glean new findings. This is done primarily in order to be able to understand and cure diseases.

Advances and risks

Human research has led to impressive progress in healthcare. At the same time there are certain risks for research participants. That is why there are a number of laws and guidelines that regulate human research in Switzerland, with the goal to protect human beings in research.

The key points on human research in Switzerland are briefly summarised here: