Since the Chair of Biomedical Ethics was established twenty years ago, IBME has grown into a vibrant community dedicated to research, collaboration, and innovation. Over the years we have reached many milestones, produced a wealth of publications, and welcomed colleagues who have shaped our work. This timeline offers a window into our journey and the story we continue to write.
2005 |
Founded at the Ethics Center beside the Botanical Gardens, our institution began with a core team comprising the Chair, 1.5 staff positions, administrative and library support, and a dedicated group of adjunct lecturers.
|
| 2006 | The Chair was tasked with the development of clinical ethics structures at the University Hospital Zurich. |
| 2007 | The Institute of Biomedical Ethics was established around the Chair, providing the core structure for research and teaching in biomedical ethics. |
| 2008 | Clinical ethics services at the University Hospital Zurich become fully operational, following pioneering work at the Institute of Biomedical Ethics. |
| 2009 | ThePhD program was launched in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, marking an important milestone in the Institute's academic development. |
| 2009 | The Institute was designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre, further enhancing its international profile and commitment to global health ethics. |
| 2014 | The Chair of Medical History joined IBME, and the Center for Medical Humanities was founded as a platform for inter- and transdisciplinary work extending beyond the Institute's core disciplines. |
| 2015 | The IBME Institutional Review Board (CEBES) started its activities, providing advice for studies not falling under the jurisdiction of the Cantonal Ethics Review Committee. It was subsequently replaced by the Faculty of Medicine's Review Board, which it helped to model and which the IBME staff continues to coordinate. |
| 2020 | The Forum for Global Health Ethics was founded as a community that shares knowledge, exchanges ideas, and addresses the pressing ethical challenges of global health. Through its Webinar Series, the Forum has welcomed more than 1,700 participants from over 100 countries across 11 events. Over 20 bioethicists have contributed expert opinion pieces and reports linked to the webinars, and we have hosted more than 40 speakers from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. |
| 2021 | The public Dipex.ch database was launched to expand access to patient narratives. This project harnesses the power of patient voices to drive healthcare improvement. Through systematic collection of evidence, it addresses the lack of patient representation in medical education and provides easily accessible patient experiences that complement traditional bedside teaching. |
| 2023 | The Institute co-founded the Digital Health Design Living Lab. At DHD LL, we develop and implement innovative healthcare solutions, including products, processes, and services, based on individual and societal needs and the latest interdisciplinary research findings. We also generate new knowledge and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. |
| 2025 | The Center for Medical Humanities evolved into an inter-university forum in partnership with the University of St. Gallen. It continues to provide a space for critical reflection on medicine as both a science and a practice, focusing on the sociocultural, historical, and ethical dimensions of medicine, health, and illness. |
| 2026 | The Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine will move into its new home in Zurich’s historic first high-rise building, currently undergoing a full refurbishment.
|
