Bernhard Rütsche

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Rütsche is a Professor of Public Law and Philosophy of Law at the University of Lucerne and currently serves as Vice-Rector for University Development. He previously held roles such as Dean of the Faculty of Law (2015–2019) and CEO of the Center for Law & Health. His academic career includes a postdoctoral degree from the University of Zurich (2009) and a Ph.D. from the University of Bern (2002), recognized with the Walther Hug Prize. Rütsche’s research focuses on biomedical ethics, health law, and public law, with contributions to legal frameworks in reproductive medicine, competition law, and healthcare governance. He actively advises on national biomedical ethics and health policy, and his work bridges legal, ethical, and technological dimensions of public health challenges.

Education:
- 1991–1997: Studied Law at Universities of Bern and Lausanne
- 2002: Dr. iur. (Ph.D.) with Rechtsfolgen von Grundrechtsverletzungen
- 2009: Postdoc (SNSF) on biomedical law at University of Zurich

Research Interests:
Rütsche’s work addresses complex intersections of law and ethics, particularly in healthcare and technology. Key areas include:
- Legal aspects of medical treatment for minors with gender dysphoria
- Bioethical regulation of CRISPR/Cas9 and human enhancement technologies
- Competition law in healthcare and public transportation
- Rationing and resource allocation in healthcare systems
- Legal frameworks for reproductive medicine and biotechnology.
His interdisciplinary approach integrates constitutional law, medical ethics, and public policy.

Awards:
- Walther Hug Prize (2002) for his doctoral thesis

Advisory Roles & Grants:
- Member, National Advisory Commission on Biomedical Ethics (since 2014)
- Director, Center for Law & Health (since 2011)
- Swiss Judicial Academy courses on forensic law and business criminal law.
His work influences policy through expert opinions on healthcare, competition, and public interest law.

Labs/Teams:
- Center for Law & Health at University of Lucerne, focusing on legal-ethical challenges in healthcare innovation.