Zurich's universities and training institutions in the area of health are moving closer together with the establishment of the joint Assistant Professorship for Implementation Science in Nursing Science. The Zurich Interprofessional Clinical Training Ward (ZIPAS), which was established in 2019 as a collaboration between the University of Zurich, the University Hospital Zurich, Careum, the ZHAW and the Centre for Training in Healthcare of the Canton of Zurich (ZAG), along with the «Care and Rehabilitation Sciences» joint doctoral programme of the University of Zurich and the ZHAW School of Health Professions, both already represent milestones in interprofessional cooperation and strengthen the network of the training institutions in the health sector.

Rahel Naef worked at the ZHAW nursing research unit between 2007 and 2016, including the time she spent completing her doctorate. Her research included the area of community-based care and she was also involved in the establishment of a care-led family consultation session for older people in Winterthur, modelled on the «Academic Nursing Centres» found in the English-speaking world. As Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich, she will once again work together with the ZHAW School of Health Professions in both teaching and research.

Rahel Naef has worked at the Centre of Clinical Nursing Sciences at the University Hospital Zurich since 2016, and she will continue to be affiliated with the hospital in her new role as Assistant Professor for Implementation Science in Nursing Science. Her scientific focus will be placed on the effective implementation of evidence-based family interventions and care approaches in acutely critical settings. Her research also includes the experience of illness and the support needs of families during care in later life and in bereavement.

Rahel Naef holds a Master's degree in Nursing from the University of Toronto, Canada, and a PhD in Nursing Science from the University of Manchester, UK.