Central health strategy

Against the backdrop of an ageing population and the increase in chronic illnesses, rehabilitation is becoming a key healthcare strategy worldwide and should be integrated into universal health care. Rehabilitation science is an interdisciplinary scientific field within the faculty and focuses on health policy and the integration of rehabilitation in global health systems from a predominantly social perspective. From the perspective of services provision, rehabilitation science covers the entire spectrum of rehabilitation from acute care, post-acute rehabilitation, community-based and occupational rehabilitation to social integration. The aim is to optimize functioning in terms of body functions, activities of daily living and participation in all areas of life.

Important contribution to the education and research location

National and international research at the department is grounded on the profiles of the current professorships. An important role in coordinating research is provided by the Center for Rehabilitation in Global Health Systems, a WHO Collaborating Center. With the establishment of  the department in 2019, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine is making an important contribution to strengthening rehabilitation and functioning sciences in Switzerland as a center of education and research, thereby making a significant contribution to the university's development focus in the field of health.