Council of States against more funding for research into endometriosis
Published: Monday, Dec 11th 2023, 16:50
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On Monday, the Council of States voted against increased funding for research into the abdominal disease endometriosis as part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Women are affected by the disease.
The Council rejected a motion by Benjamin Roduit (center/VS) adopted in the National Council during the autumn session by 23 votes to 11 with 9 abstentions. This means that the matter is now closed.
With its decision, the Council followed the advice of the Council of States' Committee for Science, Education and Culture (WBK-S). It had requested a no vote by 6 votes to 0 with 3 abstentions.
Councillor of States Isabelle Chassot (center/FR) explained that national research programs should continue to be initiated via a "bottom-up approach" and not "top-down". Commission President Benjamin Würth (center/SG) took the same line: it was not appropriate for politicians to start telling the SNSF which research it should support. It was not acceptable for politicians to set the research priorities.
However, the Commission recognizes the concerns of those affected. It was pleased to note that, as part of the National Research Program (NRP) "Gender Medicine and Research", CHF 11 million has been allocated for projects to investigate the inclusion of sex and gender aspects in medical research. In connection with the NRP, it will also be possible to fund projects on the disease endometriosis.
Not a gender issue
Endometriosis is not a gender issue, but a women's disease, replied Céline Vara (Greens/NE), member of the Council of States. Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger, member of the Lucerne Council of States, pointed out that ten percent of women in Switzerland are affected by endometriosis. She wanted to abstain, but expected the disease to be researched separately in the NRP "Gender Medicine and Research".
Like the WBK-S, the Federal Council spoke out in favor of rejecting the motion. Individual research projects on endometriosis are already being funded by the SNSF, said Research Minister Guy Parmelin. The Federal Council also considers the bottom-up principle to be a central element of today's successful research funding. He therefore does not want to dictate the topic of endometriosis to researchers.
©Keystone/SDA
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