CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Hidden ties: How the tobacco industry connects with Swiss universities
1
OxySuisse, Lausanne, Switzerland
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2026;12(Supplement 1):A60
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND-AIM:
This presentation examines the findings of a systematic investigation into collaborations between Swiss universities and the tobacco industry. The study was conducted in a context where the tobacco industry has a significant presence in Switzerland, including the headquarters of two multinational companies and sustained lobbying activities at all political levels. Two well-known earlier cases - the secret employment of Prof. Rylander from the University of Geneva by Philip Morris (PM) and a mandate commissioned by PM on the effectiveness of plain packaging conducted at the University of Zurich - had already revealed the vulnerability of Swiss academia to tobacco industry influence, undermining scientific independence and institutional credibility. These precedents provided an important backdrop for undertaking a broader, systematic investigation.
METHODS:
A total of 31 academic institutions were asked to report any relationships with tobacco manufacturers since June 2019, including scientific partnerships or institutional engagements, based on requests made under Swiss federal and cantonal Freedom of Information laws.
RESULTS:
Of the 31 institutions investigated, 16 reported having had some form of relationship with tobacco manufacturers since June 2019. A total of 29 collaborations were identified. Four institutions refused to provide documents relating to these collaborations, revealing a significant lack of transparency. These collaborations form part of a broader strategy by the tobacco industry to influence scientific production and the academic environment. Through links with researchers and institutional involvement within universities, the industry seeks to shape scientific outcomes, strengthen its legitimacy among academic and political actors and ultimately influence tobacco-related legislation to protect its commercial interests. This investigation also highlighted structural vulnerabilities within Swiss universities as well as a limited awareness on the implications of partnering with an industry whose interest’s undermine public health, sustainability commitments and human rights.
CONCLUSIONS:
The presentation will outline the methodology and results of the investigation and analyse the media impact and public discussions that followed its release.
This presentation examines the findings of a systematic investigation into collaborations between Swiss universities and the tobacco industry. The study was conducted in a context where the tobacco industry has a significant presence in Switzerland, including the headquarters of two multinational companies and sustained lobbying activities at all political levels. Two well-known earlier cases - the secret employment of Prof. Rylander from the University of Geneva by Philip Morris (PM) and a mandate commissioned by PM on the effectiveness of plain packaging conducted at the University of Zurich - had already revealed the vulnerability of Swiss academia to tobacco industry influence, undermining scientific independence and institutional credibility. These precedents provided an important backdrop for undertaking a broader, systematic investigation.
METHODS:
A total of 31 academic institutions were asked to report any relationships with tobacco manufacturers since June 2019, including scientific partnerships or institutional engagements, based on requests made under Swiss federal and cantonal Freedom of Information laws.
RESULTS:
Of the 31 institutions investigated, 16 reported having had some form of relationship with tobacco manufacturers since June 2019. A total of 29 collaborations were identified. Four institutions refused to provide documents relating to these collaborations, revealing a significant lack of transparency. These collaborations form part of a broader strategy by the tobacco industry to influence scientific production and the academic environment. Through links with researchers and institutional involvement within universities, the industry seeks to shape scientific outcomes, strengthen its legitimacy among academic and political actors and ultimately influence tobacco-related legislation to protect its commercial interests. This investigation also highlighted structural vulnerabilities within Swiss universities as well as a limited awareness on the implications of partnering with an industry whose interest’s undermine public health, sustainability commitments and human rights.
CONCLUSIONS:
The presentation will outline the methodology and results of the investigation and analyse the media impact and public discussions that followed its release.
| eISSN: | 2459-3087 |
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