One of our proudest achievements at the INS is our record of consistently attracting talented, highly motivated PhD students, expanding their potential and preparing them not only as top- flight leaders in patient care but also as innovators in nursing education, policy and research. With skills and experience gained, our graduates increase the quality of health care in Switzerland and internationally. This is facilitated both by the Faculty of Medicine’s well-established inter-professional research infrastructure (GSMHS (former PPHS), and SPINE) and by our research teams’ outstanding collaboration with renowned international scientists and institutions.

A PhD from the Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine, together with the Faculty of Science, offers the Graduate School Medical & Health Sciences (GSMHS) since Aug 2025. It addresses population- and system-oriented research; bioethics, policy and law in environment and medicine; infection biology and health; patient-oriented research as well as technology and engineering-oriented research. Candidates can choose from nine doctorate subjects: Medicines Development, Biomedical Engineering, Epidemiology and Public Health, Infection Biology, Clinical Research, Biomedical Ethics, Nursing Science, Sport Science, and Insurance Medicine. 

PhD regulations are decided at the level of the Medical Faculty, subject to approval by the University Council, and primarily include the PhD Regulations (Promotionsordnung) and the PhD Guidelines (Wegleitung). 

A PhD-prepared nurse obtains during her PhD translational research competencies, leadership skills and system changing skills that allow a substantial impact on patients and families, nurses and other health professionals and the overall health care system.

A PhD-prepared nurse…

… develops new knowledge and skills through research
… implements innovations to tackle major healthcare challenges
… establishes interdisciplinary collaboration at all healthcare system levels
… provides leadership in health research, care delivery, policy, and management