One of the major areas of inquiry in biomedical science is in the study of infectious diseases and their biological triggers. Once a cause of a disease is known, research into what can prevent or lessen its effects can potentially help save many lives.

Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers. Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and stable modern market economy with low unemployment.