Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)

About the Institution

Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) in Zurich is an academic center operating within university structures, dedicated to research and education in the field of social and preventive medicine. The institute develops knowledge about population health, risk factors for diseases, and effective preventive actions, combining clinical, social, and public health perspectives.

History and Context

The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Zurich was established in 1962. Since then, the institute has gradually expanded its educational and research activities in response to changing health challenges.

Areas of Activity

ISPM focuses on research on population health, epidemiology, and disease prevention, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of health programs. The institute's work includes issues related to cardiovascular diseases, physical activity and its impact on health, substance abuse, nutrition, and health education. The institute combines methods from medical sciences, epidemiology, public health, and social sciences to better understand health determinants and design effective preventive actions.

Education and Training

ISPM participates in the education of students in medical and related fields, introducing topics of social medicine, prevention, and epidemiology into the curricula. Educational activities include both basic and more advanced courses, preparing students for work in public health, planning preventive programs, and interpreting epidemiological data.

Health Services and Support

The institute provides health consulting services, supporting individuals and institutions in making decisions regarding prevention and health protection. As part of this activity, consultations on disease prevention and vaccinations for travelers are offered, aimed at reducing health risks associated with trips to various regions of the world.

Who is it for

The knowledge and expertise of ISPM are utilized by:

• individuals interested in health prevention and conscious health management,
• students and researchers in medicine, public health, and related fields,
• institutions planning or evaluating health and preventive programs,
• travelers needing professional advice and vaccinations related to their trips.

Approach

The institute's activities are based on scientific evidence, an interdisciplinary approach, and a close connection between research and practice. The results of scientific work are used to better plan preventive actions, improve the quality of healthcare, and support health policies aimed at the well-being of the population.

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Old data replaced by AI research (2026-06-28) — verify and remove after checking.

• WWW (old): https://www.ispm.uzh.ch/en.html