For medicine that puts patients first
Practical research from Central Switzerland: We give young clinicians the time and resources to research alongside their clinical work — hand in hand with LUKS and the University of Lucerne.
With your support, we are shaping the future of medicine.
Projects
Investing in knowledge for better patient outcomes – Our commitment to clinical research excellence.
Thanks to your support we can research
Philipp Stein
Christoph Würnschimmel
It matters to me that research is conducted responsibly. The Centre for Clinical Research LUKS backs ideas bold enough to challenge the status quo — so that medicine can become more effective, more humane, and sustainable for the long term.»
Exec.MBA/MsCOM
Marco Castellaneta
Cultural Commissioner of the Canton of Lucerne
The LUKS Foundation for Clinical Research brings research directly to the bedside, and strengthens LUKS as a leading university teaching and research hospital.
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil.
Sacha Zeerleder
Co-Head of the Department of Medicine, Chief of Hematology
Practical
Effective
Connected
From Central Switzerland
News
Annual Report 2025
The LUKS Foundation for Clinical Research looks back on a successful year in 2025. Learn more about the projects we supported, the recipient of the Research Award, and the Foundation’s ongoing strategic development.
Giving patients a voice in research
Gia Thư Lý and Michael Buettcher have launched a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) initiative at Lucerne Cantonal Hospital with support from the LUKS Foundation for Clinical Research. Their goal is to ensure that patients’ perspectives become an integral part of research in Central Switzerland, creating lasting impact both nationally and internationally.
Academic biotope
- Research – Supporting innovative projects
- Education – Training the next generation
- Patient Wellbeing – Medicine that works
The LUKS Clinical Research Foundation promotes an "academic biotope" where research, teaching, and practice are closely linked to develop innovations and transfer them directly to patient care.
Research success: publication by Fabian Pretz in JSES
Dr. med. Fabian Pretz completed a biomechanical study at the AO Research Institute Davos with the support of a research grant from the Foundation and subsequently published the results in the renowned Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (JSES). The study forms part of his PhD programme at the University of Lucerne and demonstrates how targeted funding can advance both clinical research and academic careers.
Four young resident physicians received grants for protected research time, while five innovative projects were funded, including the digitalisation of vaccination records and greater patient involvement in research. This is how practical research from Central Switzerland creates real-world impact.
Clinical research seeks new, innovative approaches. We want to offer our clinical staff financial support in that pursuit.
Prof. em. Dr. med.
Reto Babst
Chairman of the Board
Share innovative research:
Innovation Hub Central Switzerland
The new center uses the state-of-the-art LUKiS clinical information system to conduct innovative research aimed at improving treatment processes and quality of care. By promoting interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration, it significantly contributes to strengthening Central Switzerland as an innovation hub.