CAS in Translational Medicine

CAS in Translational Medicine

Translational Medicine is a process-oriented discipline that transforms scientific discoveries and industrial innovations into clinically and commercially viable healthcare solutions. It strengthens essential interactions between researchers, clinicians, regulatory bodies, investors, and industry, enabling innovations to move efficiently from the lab to patients and the market.

The 8-month, part-time Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Translational Medicine provides professionals with a focused introduction to the translational pathway, linking research & development, intellectual property, and clinical trial design. Participants develop the skills to navigate complex interdisciplinary processes, coordinate stakeholders, and advance the successful development and commercialization of biomedical innovations.

Class sizes are small, typically up to 15 participants, ensuring personalized support and interactive learning.

What You Will Gain 

• Develop expertise in R&D strategy, intellectual property management, and clinical trial design
• Enhance your career prospects in life sciences, healthcare, pharma, biotech, medtech, and related business roles
• Receive an internationally recognized certificate from the University of Bern
• Gain insights from leading academics and industry experts
• Connect and exchange knowledge with peers, lecturers, and professionals in the field
• Benefit from small class sizes, typically up to 15 participants

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for:

• Professionals from industry, hospitals, and academia looking to gain practical skills and comprehensive knowledge in translational medicine, biomedical innovation, and healthcare entrepreneurship
• Researchers and innovators in medicine, pharmacy, natural sciences, or engineering seeking to translate their ideas into market-ready healthcare solutions or startup

Modular Structure

The CAS in Translational Medicine is an 8-month, part-time program worth 15 ECTS credits, consisting of three modules:

• TM1: Research & Development (4 ETCS)
• TM2: Intellectual Property (3 ETCS)
• TM3: Clinical Trial Design and Performance (6 ETCS)

The modules are complemented by a short CAS project or thesis (2 ETCS), allowing participants to apply their knowledge to a concrete, real-world translational case.

Format

Blended learning, combining flexible e-learning with 2 to 3 in-person sessions in Bern per module, specifically designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.

The CAS in Translational Medicine is part of a modular program in Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship. Participants can seamlessly continue with the CAS in Biomedical Entrepreneurship if desired. Completing these two CAS programs, together with two additional modules and a more extensive MAS project, leads to the MAS in Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship (MAS TMBE).

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

sitem-insel is the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine. It is located on the Insel Campus Bern and benefits from its proximity to Switzerland's largest university hospital (Inselspital) as well as the University of Bern. At sitem-insel, a wide variety of units from clinics, industry, research, and education are networked under one roof, driving innovation for the benefit of patients. Our mission is to establish, operate and develop a National Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine that professionalizes translational research for the benefit of patients, society, and science. An onsite cutting-edge 20,000 m² facility is the sitem-insel catalyst for a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to unlocking ‘bench to bedside’ innovation. 

Bringing Innovation to the Patient – by Connecting People.

How to get a research idea from bench to bedside? 
Together with you, we are committed to bridging the gap between clinical practice, research, entrepreneurship and regulation.

Medical Faculty of the University of Bern

Our education programs in translational medicine, biomedical entrepreneurship, regulatory affairs and artificial intelligence are offered under the umbrella of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bern. 
The Medical Faculty is known for an excellent curriculum in human and dental medicine, and also offers an attractive and high-quality range of training and continuing education in the field of health and medicine. With several institutes and clinics in various disciplines, it has excellent, internationally recognized research performance. It also conducts cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence for medicine and provides access to data science for all research groups. 

Experts from industry and academia

Our experts from academia, clinic, industry and regulatory authorities, carry the teaching responsibility and support us in educating healthcare and regulatory specialists, bridging knowledge gaps, and advancing professional careers. They combine deep theoretical knowledge from their innovative research, with the latest practical insights from their extensive work with industry.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor's degree from a university or university of applied sciences in the fields of life science, medicine, engineering science, business, law or equivalent. Professional experience is not mandatory. If the applicant has no prior academic degree or professional experience, the study commission may define further conditions for the applicant to successfully complete the course.

Admission process

Please submit your complete application including all required attachments via the registration form. Extensions of application deadlines may be granted by the Directorate.
To complete the application, you will need the following documents:

• Copy of your resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
• Recent passport photo (see guideline) and a copy of the passport/ID
• Signed copy of Confidentiality Declaration (see documents below)
• Copy of highest relevant academic degree

Once we have received your application, we will gladly evaluate your documents and get back to you within a few working days. Upon successful registration, you will get a Campus Account from the University of Bern, which allows access to the student area of the University websites, the University´s WLAN network (eduroam), the use of library databases and of e-journals. MAS students will also receive a UNICARD and have access to sports, childcare and counselling facilities offered by the University of Bern.

Deadlines

Application for fall term: July 15
Standalone modules can be admitted anytime, provided places are still available. 
The Directorate may grant exceptions on the above deadlines. 

Tuition fees & installments

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS): CHF 12'600.–

The full study fee can be paid in full at once or in two installments.
There is no entitlement to a refund or waiver of the course fees if parts of the course are not attended. Costs for travel, accommodation and catering are not included. Insurance is in the sole responsibility of participants (accident, travel, cancellation, etc.).
Withdrawal of the registration before the registration deadline is possible without cost consequences. In case of withdrawal after the registration deadline, the full course fee must be paid.