August 3, 2025

Genome of Switzerland

Platform

Short Summary

The Genome of Switzerland (GoS) pilot project aims to generate high-quality whole-genome sequences from 1,000 individuals of Swiss origin. Spearheaded by Swiss academic and clinical institutions including CHUV, UNIGE, EPFL, and Swiss Multi-Omics Centers (SMOC) through the Health 2030 Genome Center in Geneva, this initiative will lay the foundation for future national efforts in precision medicine, genomic research, and population health studies. GoS is funded by the two programs the Personalized Health and Related Technologies (PHRT) and the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN). For the pilot, participants samples are recruited through the Swiss Biobank Platform, with their biological samples and clinical data contributing to a secure, ethically governed genomic dataset. For a representative Genome of Switzerland, another 14.000 participants shall be sequenced.

Goals

The main objectives are to comprehensively characterize the genomic diversity of the Swiss population, identify variants of medical relevance, and support the development of personalized medicine strategies. By collecting high-quality reference genomes, the project creates a benchmark for interpreting genomic information in both rare and common diseases. Moreover, it aims to strengthen national research infrastructures and contribute to broader European genomic initiatives, such as “Genome of Europe,” while maintaining strict ethical and data protection standards.

Significance

This initiative represents a major step toward enabling precision medicine in Switzerland. With genome-based diagnostics and therapies becoming increasingly common, understanding the baseline genetic landscape of the Swiss population is critical. The project provides a foundational dataset for researchers and clinicians, empowering the development of targeted treatments and the identification of disease predispositions. By establishing the Genome of Switzerland with representative sequenced samples at the Health 2030 Genome Center, Switzerland catches up to what most European countries have already achieved and demonstrates its position of impactful genomic science.

Background

Swiss Biobanking Platform (SBP) is an independent association, initiated by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) in 2016. An important part if it is the Biobanque Génomique du CHUV (BGC, established in 2013). Both serve as a long-term resource for storing biological specimens and clinical information from patients who consent to research use. Governed by strict ethical and legal frameworks, SBP and BGC support numerous biomedical studies across disciplines. The Genome of Switzerland pilot project builds upon this infrastructure, integrating advanced sequencing technologies and expertise from the PHRT co-funded Health 2030 Genome Center — Switzerland’s national hub for large-scale genomic analysis and part of SMOC. The project is supported by institutions from multiple linguistic regions, emphasizing its commitment to inclusive and representative research.