New NCCR for Pediatric Oncology at University of Zurich
The University of Zurich has been awarded National Centre of Competence in Research to revolutionize childhood cancer treatment. This long-term initiative aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application for young patients.
The Swiss Federal Council has selected the project "Children & Cancer" as one of six new National Centres of Competence in Research, providing nearly seventeen million francs in federal funding over the next four years. Led by Professor Jean-Pierre Bourquin from the University of Zurich and the Zurich Children’s Hospital, the center addresses the unique biological challenges of pediatric tumors which differ significantly from adult cancers. Researchers intend to investigate innovative approaches such as starving cancer cells by disrupting their metabolism and improving the effectiveness of immunotherapies in children. A central pillar of the initiative is the creation of a national platform for precise and individualized cancer diagnostics to ensure every child in Switzerland receives the best possible standard of care. This collaboration between the University of Zurich and the University of Lausanne marks a historic success for Zurich’s medical faculty and its strategic focus on precision medicine. According to Professor Bourquin, the federal support serves as a gamechanger that allows for the national repositioning of pediatric oncology from the laboratory to the bedside. The ultimate goal of the twelve-year program is to establish a sustainable center of excellence that combines basic innovation with clinical excellence.
Source: https://www.news.uzh.ch/en/articles/news/2026/new-nccr.html