MD-PhD Program: Fellowships awarded to four researchers in Lausanne
© 2025 https://www.samw.ch/
This year, the National MD-PhD Program supports 18 talented young physicians in pursuing a doctorate in natural sciences, clinical research, or public health at one of the universities associated with the program. Among the successful candidates, four will complete their PhD training at UNIL–CHUV and EPFL.
The SAMS (Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences) has awarded competitive individual MD-PhD grants with the support of private foundations and in collaboration with the Swiss School of Public Health.
At the local level, four out of the six applications supported by Lausanne were successful, confirming the strong performance of Lausanne-based candidates in this national competition.
Notably, three of the four Lausanne awardees were also ranked among the top six candidates in the local Lausanne MD-PhD selection process.
These candidates were identified, mentored, trained, and encouraged by the Lausanne MD-PhD Committee to apply for the national selection, illustrating the decisive impact of this local support structure in fostering academic talent.
Lausanne MD-PhD Awardees
Rym Benhassine, Department of Fundamental Oncology, CHUV, Lausanne
Bérénice Favre-Bulle, EPFL, EDNE, Foundation Bertarelli Chair in Cognitive Neuroprosthetics LNCO, Prof.Olaf Blanke
Emmanuelle Mohbat, EPFL, EDCB, Laboratory of Prof. Jacques Fellay
Arnav Sandu, Ludwig Lausanne Branch, UNIL–CHUV, Lausanne
Warm congratulations to all awardees on this remarkable achievement!
This success represents strong recognition of the excellence of the Lausanne MD-PhD programme, the outstanding quality of its candidates, and the commitment of the Lausanne MD-PhD Committee.
We would also like to extend our warmest thanks to the Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM) for its financial support for the national MD-PhD program, as well as for the constant attention and strategic importance it attaches to this program, which is essential for the development of the next generation of academics and medical research in Lausanne.
The Local MD-PhD Commission for Lausanne is chaired by Prof. Lucia Mazzolai, full professor at the FBM and head of the Angiology Service and the Cardiovascular Department at the CHUV.