50 Years of SPOG: Invitation to the Anniversary Symposium

Since its founding 50 years ago, SPOG has been committed to childhood cancer research in Switzerland. The anniversary symposium honours this work and highlights the importance of close cooperation between hospitals, researchers and affected families for the successful treatment of children and adolescents with cancer.

The symposium will take place on Friday, 5 June 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Auditorium Ettore Rossi at Inselspital Bern. Participation is free of charge. Experts, relatives and other interested parties are invited to attend – accompanied by family, friends or acquaintances. The registration deadline is 22 May 2026, registration via the online form is required.

Looking back and moving forward in paediatric cancer research

On this special occasion, we will look back together on five decades of paediatric cancer care in Switzerland and look to the future.

The event will be moderated by Professor Dr med Katrin Scheinemann, President of SPOG, and PD Dr med Nicolas Gerber, Vice-President of SPOG. Together, they will guide participants through a varied programme featuring retrospectives, current research topics and an outlook on upcoming challenges in clinical care.

Experts highlight advances in paediatric cancer care

Highlights of the anniversary symposium include keynote speeches by international and national experts:

Professor Emeritus Dr med Dr h.c. Günter Henze (Humboldt-Universität Berlin) will shed light on the international development of paediatric oncology using the example of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and show how therapies and survival rates have changed over the decades.

Professor Emerita Dr Maja Beck Popovic (Université de Lausanne) will provide insight into the origins and development of paediatric cancer care in Switzerland and the history of SPOG.

By examining the role of clinical trials – past, present and future – Professor Emerita Pamela Kearns, PhD, FRCPCH (University of Birmingham) will show why research is the foundation of medical progress.

Professor Dr med Dr sc nat Jean-Pierre Bourquin (Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich) looks ahead with his contribution on precision oncology, which enables new, targeted therapeutic approaches for children with cancer.

Networking, music and apero riche

The programme will be complemented by a panel discussion on the future of SPOG with the participation of researchers and members of the Patient Advisory Board. After the musical finale, the apero riche will provide an opportunity for personal exchange.

We look forward to welcoming you there! Click here to register and view the full programme.