The focus of this year's first SAMS Bulletin is dedicated to SPHN. As the first SPHN funding period 2017-2020 has come to an end, the article summarizes work, milestones and challenges of SPHN and outlines plans for the second funding period 2021-2024. Switzerland is well-positioned to create a data-driven, learning health system, but hurdles to health data exchange and interoperability remain. Important progress has been made in recent years in establishing an ethical and legal framework, data harmonization and interoperability, and building a secure platform for sensitive data (BioMedIT). New infrastructures have been tested in SPHN-funded projects. In the coming years, these infrastructures will be consolidated and implemented toward a sustainable health data ecosystem. National «Data Streams» with scientific lighthouse projects will sustainably strengthen the SPHN network of trusted partners in the second funding period.
