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Annual Report 2010
A precious Legacy
“In 2010 Cancer became the number one cause of death, with mortality rates superior to those for cardiovascular diseases. One explanation is the substantial rise in life expectancy; given the strong correlation between age and cancer, we are witnessing an increase of incidence rates. In the western world, the number of cancer cases is expected to double over the next 20 years.
This global challenge can only be dealt with through intensified international efforts. SWISS BRIDGE has thus set benchmarks to support international research and strives to ensure the most promising cancer research projects can be realized in Switzerland and worldwide.”
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Cerny, President, Foundation Cancer Research Switzerland, KFS
Important activities
SWISS BRIDGE AWARD
The SWISS BRIDGE AWARD 2010 awarded a total amount of CHF 500’000 to researchers from Switzerland, Belgium and Israel.
Since 2000, a total of CHF 6.35 Mil has been shared among 29 international researchers. Over 500 projects were submitted and evaluated by our international jury, some of them pioneer projects.
Childhood cancer study at the University of Bern
For several years now, SWISS BRIDGE has been supporting special childhood cancer projects. The project currently supported is the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor study by the University of Bern.
International Extradonal Lymphoma Study Group, IOSI, Bellinzona
With the help of supporters from the Canton of Ticino SWISS BRIDGE will financially contribute for three years to this international project coordinated by the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland.
Donations
Donations for cancer research projects were this year again below the historical average as several perennial donation programs came to an end. However, we are on the lookout for new donors to support SWISS BRIDGE and its projects in the near future.
Partner Organisations
Swiss Cancer League and Foundation Cancer Research Switzerland, Bern
The scientific office of the Swiss Cancer League supports SWISS BRIDGE and its scientific committee each year with the careful evaluation of research projects. www.biobank-suisse.ch
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Geneva
UICC has been an important partner of SWISS BRIDGE since its foundation in 1997. With over 400 members in 120 countries, UICC ensures that the international research organizations we support meet our high-quality requirements. Thomas Hoepli, co-founder and member of the Board of the Foundation, has been named Swiss Ambassador of the UICC World Cancer Declaration. www.uicc.org
Foundation biobank-suisse, Bern
The national biobank, founded in December 2005, has successfully completed its pilot phase and will soon be fully operational. After careful consideration, SWISS BRIDGE has committed to give further financial support to this project to provide researchers in Switzerland with high-quality biological information.
ecancermedicalscience, Zug
This online publishing company which provides access to medical publications and information in the domain of oncology was established in 2008 with the financial support of SWISS BRIDGE. In this short period of time its activities, including the set up of a TV channel, have reached unexpected dimensions. www.ecancer.eu
Annual Report 2010