The NCCR “sesam” (Swiss etiological study of adjustment and mental health), begun in 2005 at the University of Basel, aimed to examine the complex reasons for healthy mental development in humans throughout their life span. The 3,000 expectant mothers required for the core study could not be recruited as planned. At the SNSF’s request, the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (DHA) discontinued the NCCR as of 30 September 2009.

Accusations unfounded
In July 2007, a group of interests from Basel filed a petition with the Supervisory Board for Foundations concerning the NCCR sesam. It alleged that statutory regulations were violated by approving the NCCR sesam. The Swiss Federal Supervisory Board evaluated the petition as a charge, and has now reached clear conclusions that give the SNSF a clean report and in no way confirms the allegations raised. Among others, it establishes that:

• the SNSF took all possible and necessary precautions to implement the NCCR sesam within the applicable statutory regulations and in observance of the relevant ethical principles;
• the discontinuation of the NCCR sesam was a prompt and appropriate reaction to developments, and reflects a responsible and competent handling by the persons involved;
• the appointment of a work group by the SNSF demonstrates the SNSF’s desire to learn from the experience for future foundation activities.

The Swiss Federal Supervisory Board summarised by saying that the SNSF cannot be charged with any conduct of supervisory relevance in connection with the NCCR sesam. Its mission to promote research activity in Switzerland is at the same time an obligation to look towards the future by being involved with new and complex issues. Such issues may not always meet with positive reactions from the general public but may arouse criticism and resistance.