Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation continues to support the Zurich Kispi; launch major research prize for pediatric medicine

Its donations benefit both infrastructure and research. For example, the Foundation is funding a laboratory in the new Research and Teaching building that is using innovative cell technology to develop skin substitutes for child burn victims. It also supports research projects in intensive care and neonatology, and has purchased the latest medical devices for the Children's Hospital. Finally, the Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation sponsors the Hospital’s art and music therapy program for children.

A major research prize in pediatric medicine

The Foundation's financial support has now been extended to the newly created University Children's Hospital Zurich Thomas and Doris Ammann Prize, which it will award alongside the University Children's Hospital Zurich from 2026 to 2046. With an annual prize award of 250,000 Swiss francs, shared between a principal prize and a prize for young research talent, it has one of the highest endowments of any prize for pediatric medicine anywhere in the world. The Amman Prize will be awarded as part of a scientific conference. It recognizes excellence in pediatric research and clinical practice.

Auction of Warhol's «Shot Sage Blue Marilyn» 

The Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation was established in 2021 in fulfillment of the will of Doris Amman, a Zurich art dealer. She left behind an art collection of extraordinary caliber. It began with her late brother Thomas and was then expanded continually by Doris and her partner Georg Frei. Doris determined in her will that the art collection should be sold to benefit charitable causes. One of its core works – Andy Warhol’s iconic Shot Sage Blue Marilyn – fetched 195 million US dollars at Christie’s New York in 2022 and became the most expensive 20th-century artwork ever sold.

Georg Frei, Chairman of the Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation: “By supporting the new University Children's Hospital Zurich we are putting the legacy of Doris and Thomas Ammann into action. We are offering children a healing environment that unites leading-edge medicine, architecture and art. We're doing this sustainably, and we’re showing the way forward.”

Prof. Dr. med. Michael Grotzer, Medical Director of the University Children's Hospital Zurich: “Advanced medicine, art and architecture are interwoven at the new Children's Hospital, with its research center. They create surroundings that help our patients to heal and give them strength and hope.”