BACKGROUND: The case of the University of Zurich, where a contract granted Philip Morris full control to research on plain packaging effectiveness, highlights the vulnerability of Swiss academic institutions to tobacco industry (TI) influence. This study examines the extent and nature of collaborations between tobacco companies and Swiss academia. Historically, the TI, secretly or under the guise of scientific engagement, has sought to leverage scientific partnerships to corrupt science, creating “safe research”, enhance its credibility, bolster its image, and support its commercial interests.
METHODS: Using Swiss cantonal and federal transparency laws, requests for information were sent to 12 universities, 10 universities of applied sciences and 5 university hospitals to identify contracts concluded with tobacco or nicotine companies over the last five years. In cases of non-disclosure, legal action was taken to obtain the requested data. Further research (documentation, internet, etc.) identified other types of collaboration that were not mentioned in the institutions' responses.
RESULTS: The study reveals significant TI involvement in Swiss academic institutions. More than half of the institutions surveyed have collaborations with tobacco companies (or their representatives), including research mandates, participation in joint research projects, project or event funding, staff working in parallel at academic institutions and tobacco companies and participation in joint research/platforms/events. The collaborations encompass a wide range of themes, including tobacco economics, illegal trading, biometrics, plant physiology, work psychology, continuing education, management, and gender equality. Many institutions failed to comply with transparency laws, prioritizing private corporate interests over legal obligations.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate a pervasive and concerning relationship between the TI and Swiss academia. These collaborations enable the industry to legitimize its operations, enhance its public image, and secure scientific credibility. The study underscores the need for stricter enforcement of transparency laws, institutional accountability, and robust guidelines to safeguard academic integrity and independence from TI influence.