Workshops

The Brocher Foundation Workshops bring together 20 to 30 experts from different disciplines and countries for two to three days of intensive discussion. Held in the peaceful and collaborative setting of the Brocher estate, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to explore the ethical, legal, and social issues raised by medical and technological advances.

The rigorous selection process conducted by the scientific committee guarantees high-quality, topical, and innovative themes. Each year, the Foundation hosts between twelve and twenty workshops, depending on the balance that the scientific committee wishes to establish between residencies and workshops in the annual program.

Through these meetings, the Foundation promotes international dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling participants to remain at the forefront of ethical thinking and health policy debates in an ever-changing medical landscape.

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FAQ – Workshops at the Brocher Foundation

Who can organize a workshop at the Brocher Foundation?

Anyone from academia, public policy circles, or international organizations working on the ethical, legal, and social (ELSI) dimensions of new developments in medicine, public health, or medical technologies may submit a workshop proposal. Interdisciplinary projects are particularly encouraged.

How to submit a workshop proposal?

Applications are made exclusively via our Call for Candidates, which is open for approximately three months each year.

The next call for proposals will be open from January¹ to March 11, 2026, for workshops organized in 2027. The online form asks applicants to present the workshop's objectives, an indicative list of prospective participants, and a description of the format and benefits of organizing the meeting at the Brocher Foundation.

All proposals are evaluated by the Scientific Committee, which selects the projects to be funded. The process is competitive, but there is no limit to the number of applications: project leaders can reapply if they are not selected on their first attempt.

How long does a workshop last?

The workshops take place over two to three days, on weekdays, between January, May, June, October, November, and December.

How many participants can be invited?

Each workshop can accommodate up to 21 participants staying on site. The Foundation can also cover lunch for nine additional participants, for a total of 30 people attending the sessions.

What expenses are covered by the Brocher Foundation?

The Foundation covers:

on-site accommodation for 21 participants,
meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner for those staying overnight) throughout the duration of the workshop,
as well as travel expenses up to a total of CHF 6,000.

All expenses must be justified in a financial report submitted to the Foundation. Participants do not have to pay any registration fees.

What spaces and facilities are available?

Participants are accommodated on the estate in single rooms. Some rooms have an en-suite bathroom, others have a private bathroom accessible from the hallway, and a few share a communal bathroom located in the hallway. Meals are taken in the villa's communal dining room.

The working sessions take place in the Brocher auditorium, which is equipped with desks, a computer, a complete audiovisual system, and microphones to ensure good sound quality, including during remote participation via Zoom.

In which language are the workshops held?

The workshops are held in English to facilitate the participation of international experts.

Can the results or conclusions of a workshop be published?

Yes. Organizers and participants are strongly encouraged to disseminate the results of their workshops, particularly in the form of scientific articles, public policy briefs, or collective publications. These outputs contribute to the sharing and visibility of the discussions held at the Brocher Foundation.