Promoting sleep and development in infants with "good" gut bacteria
The interaction between the gut and the brain plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of many processes in the body. There is growing evidence that the gut microbiome, i.e. the totality of all microorganisms in the digestive tract, also influences sleep and cognitive functions. The microbiome changes rapidly, especially during the important developmental phase of the first two years of life. Disturbances during this time can lead to long-term health problems. Premature babies are particularly affected by this. It is therefore important to find effective preventive measures and therapies. The NapBiome Trial, a study conducted by the Universities of Lucerne and Fribourg and ETH Zurich, is investigating how the administration of synbiotics – "good" gut bacteria and their food – affects the sleep and neurological development of premature and full-term infants. 380 children are being studied over a period of two years.

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Fundamentals of value-based health insurance
Value-based insurance design (VBID) is an insurance policy concept that seeks to align incentives within the healthcare system with the medical value of services. The aim is to promote high-quality, cost-effective care while reducing the use of low-value services. A research project led by Professor Stefan Boes now aims to make a scientifically robust contribution to the ongoing development of an efficient, fair and widely accepted health insurance system in Switzerland, taking VBID into account. To achieve this, the project will first develop an operational framework that considers existing regulatory conditions. Secondly, it will analyse public preferences regarding specific aspects of VBID. Thirdly, it will assess the long-term effects of VBID on costs, health outcomes and overall welfare. The project will employ a range of scientific methods, including a systematic review of the relevant academic literature, a representative population survey, and the development of new statistical models to analyse the data.

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Polarisation in health issues
The project, led by Assistant Professor David Weisstanner, seeks to enhance understanding of the political debates surrounding healthcare. Traditionally viewed as a factual and non-partisan matter, health is increasingly being discussed in economic and cultural terms - such as in the context of environmental issues or social debates relating to origin, gender and social identity. This research explores how political parties in Western democracies ideologise and politicise health, how closely party positions align with voters' attitudes, and whether the politicisation of health contributes to political polarisation. The project combines content analysis of more than 2,600 election manifestos from 25 countries dating back to the 1960s with contemporary survey data and experimental studies conducted in four countries.

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Gender differences in treatment decisions
One possible explanation for regional differences in healthcare utilisation and costs lies in the principle of medical freedom of choice. In many instances, treatment decisions are not guided by clearly defined protocols but rather rely on the individual judgement of doctors. Alongside personal beliefs and professional experience, gender may also play a role. The research project, led by Dr Lukas Kauer and Dr Samuel Lordemus, investigates whether and how the gender of doctors influences medical decisions, and whether this might partly explain regional cost disparities in the Swiss healthcare system. As part of the study, doctors take part in an experiment in which they assess fictitious patient scenarios and provide diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Additionally, data from Switzerland's basic health insurance is analysed to examine the type and cost of prescribed treatments.

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Overview of all ongoing research projects