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BFHと奈良先端科学技術大学院大学が連携
21.05.2025 BFH and the Japanese Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) aim to jointly develop solutions for chronic and age-related diseases and are signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
Key points at a glance
- BFH and NAIST sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
- The declaration formalises and strengthens their collaboration.
- Both institutions aim to jointly develop innovative solutions for chronic and age-related diseases.
“These topics address the current challenges in both Japan and Switzerland”, emphasised BFH President Sebastian Wörwag, at the signing ceremony in Bern’s town hall. “They serve as a guide for impactful, applied research between the two scientific institutions.”
Christine Häsler, member of the Cantonal Counsil, also referred to demographic developments: “These require new care models that prevent hospital stays, strengthen home care, and curb the growth of healthcare costs.” The cantonal government and BFH work closely together on these issues – including with the Swiss Center for Care at Home SCC.
Planned research areas
- Development of AI-powered tools for health promotion and prevention, especially targeting dementia and chronic diseases common in ageing populations
- Advancement of AI-based tools and methods for early detection, diagnosis, and personalised treatment of dementia and chronic diseases
- Research into the application of AI in analysing health data for predictive analytics and precision medicine
- Interdisciplinary research combining AI, healthcare, and gerontology to develop innovative interventions for dementia and chronic illnesses
- Examination of how AI tools for dementia and chronic age-related diseases can be adapted to different cultural contexts
- Investigation of how AI can facilitate co-creation in the development of health promotion tools
- Design and evaluation of reimbursement and care models tailored to AI-supported self-management in aging populations
- Identification and mitigation of challenges faced by the elderly in managing their health using AI tools
- Study of risks, strategies, policies, and practices relevant to managing, securing, and controlling AI algorithms and digital datasets
In his speech, NAIST Director SHIOZAKI Kazuhiro recalled the fruitful collaboration between the two institutions that has been ongoing for several years. He expressed confidence that the Memorandum of Understanding would further strengthen the existing partnership.
The declaration signed in Bern’s town hall marks an important milestone in the cooperation between BFH and NAIST. The roots of this relationship go back to May 2019, when a BFH delegation visited Japan as part of the friendship agreement between the Canton of Bern and the Nara Prefecture. Back then, the focus was on aging and social innovation. Since then, both sides have deepened their academic relationship – including their teams’ understanding of cross-cultural co-creation.
