Institut de droit de la santé

The Institute of Health Law (IDS), founded in 1993 by Prof. Olivier Guillod and Prof. Dominique Sprumont, is a University Institute affiliated with the Faculty of Law of the University of Neuchâtel. Unique within Switzerland, the IDS is recognised as one of the University of Neuchâtel’s Centres of Excellence.

The IDS aims to develop and disseminate teaching, research and academic exchanges relating to Health Law. It regularly organises conferences and seminars on issues within the law, biomedical sciences and ethics. It operates in a multidisciplinary manner, and encourages a comparative approach to the law.

The Institute regularly publishes books and its own review in the field of Health Law.

A brief history of the Institute of Health Law (in French).

• Presentation of a report to the European Parliament's research department on "The Right to Health" written by Profs. Anne-Sylvie DUPONT, Sabrina BURGAT, Sandra HOTZ, Mélanie LÉVY
• Article of the interview of Prof. Mélanie Lévy published in the  Schaffhauser Nachrichten concerning the vote of 15 May 2022 on presumed consent for organ donation
• Plaidoyer (magazin) Interview with Prof. Mélanie Lévy on the 15 May 2022 vote on presumed consent for organ donation
• Professor Olivier Guillod is the winner of the Walther Hug Prize 2022 for his contribution to the development of health law in Switzerland. More information here
• Publication of an article in the January Jusletter by Mélanie Lévy and Aude Guillot. "Healthy urban planning" and administrative law. Using geomedical data and spatial planning tools to promote healthy urban planning. Article to download here
• In 2023, a new CAS will start within the framework of our MAS in Health Law. This CAS 1 will focus on Patients' rights and public health. Programme and course dates (January to November 2023) are available HERE
• MAS in Health Law: You don't have the possibility to follow the full course? Our solution: we offer you the opportunity to follow short courses of 1, 2 or 3 days!
• Forensic epidemiology, results of the pilot project
• The website of the project on the legal recognition of family caregivers in Franco-Swiss comparative law (PROXIJURIS) is available online here