Workshops

For two or three days, the Brocher Foundation Workshops bring together some twenty to thirty experts from different disciplines and countries for an intensive exchange of ideas. Organized in the peaceful, collaborative setting of the Brocher estate, these Workshops offer an exceptional opportunity to explore the ethical, legal and social issues raised by medical and technological advances.

The rigorous selection process led by the Scientific Committee guarantees high-quality, up-to-date 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 fosters international dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling participants to remain at the forefront of ethical reflection and health policy debates in a constantly evolving medical context.

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FAQ - Workshops at the Brocher Foundation

Who can organize a workshop at the Brocher Foundation?

Anyone from the academic world, 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 can submit a Workshop proposal. Interdisciplinary projects are particularly encouraged.

How do I submit a Workshop proposal?

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

The next call will be open from January¹ to March 11, 2026, for Workshops to be held in 2027. The online form asks for an outline of the Workshop's objectives, an indicative list of proposed participants, and a description of the format and interest in holding the meeting at the Brocher Foundation.

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

How long does a Workshop last?

Workshops generally take place over two or three weekdays between January, May, June, October, November and December.

How many participants can be invited?

Each Workshop can accommodate up to 21 participants with accommodation on site. The Foundation can also provide lunch for nine additional participants, for a total of 30 people attending the sessions.

What costs are covered by the Brocher Foundation?

The Foundation covers :

on-site accommodation for 21 participants,
meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the duration of the Workshop,
and travel expenses up to a total of CHF 6,000.

All expenses must be justified in a financial report sent to the Foundation. There is no registration fee for participants.

What spaces and equipment are available?

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

Working sessions take place in the Brocher auditorium, equipped with desks, a computer, a complete audio-visual system, and microphones to guarantee good sound quality, including when participating remotely via Zoom.

What language are the workshops held in?

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 Workshop, notably in the form of scientific articles, public policy briefs or collective publications. These productions contribute to the sharing and visibility of the exchanges held at the Brocher Foundation.