Professor Mirko Trajkovski leads the Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva. He completed his PhD at the International Max Planck School in Dresden (2005), followed by postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich, before establishing his lab at University College London (2012) and moving to Geneva (2013). His work focuses on adipose tissue plasticity , gut microbiota , and their roles in obesity , diabetes , and insulin resistance . Swiss National Science Foundation Professor (2014) ERC Starting Grant (2014) & Consolidator Grant (2019) Dr Walter Seipp Prize & Carl Gustav Carus Prize (2005) His lab investigates fat browning mechanisms , microbiota-host communication , and multi-tissue metabolic regulation using in vivo , in vitro , and human cohort approaches. Recent publications emphasize microbiome-based therapies , temperature effects on metabolism , and gut-bone-adipose crosstalk . Current advisees include PhD student Silas Kieser, with past members like Jing Xue, Salvatore Fabbiano, and Claire Chevalier contributing to immuno-metabolism and microbial engineering projects.
Dr. Neashan Mathavan is a Lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Institut für Biomechanik . His research focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics, aging-related bone deterioration, and spatial omics approaches to study fracture healing and mechanoregulation. He has pioneered work on mouse models of premature aging (e.g., PolgA mice) to investigate sex-specific mechanisms of bone regeneration and frailty. Key areas include spatial transcriptomics, osteocyte function, and the role of mechanical loading in musculoskeletal repair. Dr. Mathavan’s research integrates advanced imaging techniques (e.g., spatial μProBe, super-resolution spatial transcriptomics) with biomechanical testing to elucidate molecular and structural changes in aging bones. His recent studies emphasize the interplay between mechanical signals and molecular pathways in bone regeneration, particularly in contexts like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. He has also developed novel osteochondral explant models to study cartilage-bone crosstalk in osteoarthritis. His publications span 2009–2025, with a focus on translational studies linking mechanobiology to clinical outcomes. Notable contributions include investigating the efficacy of BMP-7 and zoledronate therapies in bone regeneration, as well as the role of IL-1β in osteochondral tissues. His work has implications for personalized therapies targeting musculoskeletal aging and degenerative diseases. Dr. Mathavan supervises PhD students like Riyin Tay, who explored palliative care for advanced dementia patients. He collaborates on grants involving biomechanical modeling, spatial omics, and transgenic mouse models. His laboratory at ETH Zürich’s Institut für Biomechanik is equipped for advanced imaging, mechanical testing, and molecular biology.
Dr. Sung Sik Lee serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Materials at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Affiliated with ScopeM (Scientific Center for Optical and Electron Microscopy), he develops microfluidic platforms for real-time cellular analysis at the HPM C 52.2 facility (Otto-Stern-Weg 3, Zürich). His research bridges engineering and biology to investigate cellular responses to mechanical and chemical stimuli. His primary research domains include: Microfluidics : Design of microfabricated devices for cell stretching, particle separation, and dynamic stimulation Cellular Aging : Mechanisms of chromosome loss and nuclear pore complex reorganization in yeast models Nanotoxicology : Impact of nanoplastics on macrophage inflammation and intestinal barrier integrity Advanced Imaging : Application of holotomography and Raman spectroscopy for label-free cellular analysis His work consistently targets translational applications in disease modeling and diagnostics. Analysis of his 50+ publications reveals strong interdisciplinary integration, particularly the convergence of machine learning with microscopy (e.g., automated vacuole quantification in yeast) and the development of open-access resources like MicrobioRaman. Recent trends emphasize nanoparticle-cell interactions and microfluidic solutions for inflammatory conditions including IBD and acute kidney injury. Dr. Lee actively contributes to ScopeM's mission of advancing microscopy techniques, maintaining collaborations across ETH Zurich's research ecosystem. His laboratory focuses on microfluidic device fabrication, cellular mechanotransduction studies, and biophysical characterization of particles and cells, with ongoing projects extending through 2025.
Dr. Philipp Fisch is a Researcher affiliated with ETH Zurich's Institute for Biomechanics, specifically within the Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication research group. His work focuses on advancing biofabrication techniques for complex biological structures, particularly in cartilage regeneration and auricular reconstruction. Key areas of expertise include 3D bioprinting, hydrogel development, and patient-specific tissue engineering solutions. Research Interests: Dr. Fisch's research integrates biomaterial science, cell biology, and engineering principles to create functional tissues. Central themes include: Development of biodegradable materials for cartilage and bone regeneration Optimization of bioprinting parameters for clinical translation Integration of patient-derived cells for personalized therapies Investigation of immune responses in transplanted biofabricated tissues Recent Work Trends: His publications emphasize translational applications, such as auricular reconstruction for microtia patients and immunocompetent animal model validation. Thematic clusters include hydrogel-based systems, anisotropic material design, and inflammation-resistant tissue engineering strategies. Labs/Teams: Active contributor to the Institute for Biomechanics' biofabrication initiatives, collaborating on projects involving eluting mold casting, multi-layered tissue transplants, and advanced scaffold development.
Prof. Xiao-Hua Qin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, leading the Biomaterials Engineering research team and co-leading the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics. He specializes in creating biomaterials for tissue biomanufacturing and regenerative medicine, with a focus on miniaturized in vitro bone models for disease modeling and drug discovery. His work has been recognized by prestigious grants such as the ERC Starting Grant and SNSF NRP 79, and he co-leads editorial roles for Biomedical Materials . He teaches courses on engineering with living materials and multiscale bone biomechanics. His research emphasizes constructing 3D microenvironments to study bone physiology/pathology, with recent breakthroughs in hydrogel-based systems for cell network formation and organoid-on-chip tools. He has pioneered techniques like two-photon subtractive biofabrication and volumetric bioprinting. Qin's honors include Young Academy of Europe membership and multiple awards for innovative biomaterials and poster presentations. He mentors 6 PhD students and collaborates across disciplines, aiming to replace animal experiments with human organoid models (3Rs principle). His lab's innovations span biodegradable hydrogels, photoresponsive materials, and microscale 3D printing technologies.
Margherita Bernero is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, where she pursues her PhD under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ralph Müller and Prof. Dr. Xiao-Hua Qin. Previously, she completed her BSc in Biology and MSc in Biomedical Engineering at ETH Zürich, focusing on bone biomechanics. PhD Student, ETH Zürich (2022–present) BSc in Biology, ETH Zürich (2019) MSc in Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich (2021) Her research spans bone tissue engineering, bioprinting, and mechanobiology, emphasizing hydrogel scaffold design, cell-material interactions, and mineralization processes. She explores how matrix properties influence osteocyte behavior and integrates photosynthetic living materials for sustainable applications. Margherita’s publications (2021–2025) focus on bioprinting technologies, hydrogel fabrication, and immunomodulatory nanoscale systems. Notably, she has advanced volumetric bioprinting and mineralizing hydrogels for bone regeneration. ETH ALIVE doctoral fellow Her work aligns with the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics, contributing to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biomedical engineering and materials science.
Prof. Stephen J. Ferguson is a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology and Head of the Institute for Biomechanics. His research focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics, biomaterials, and implant technologies addressing aging-related health challenges. He holds a Venia Docendi in Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and has led the Biomechanics Division at the University of Bern. Key honors include the ETH Golden Owl (2021) and ESB Clinical Biomechanics Award (2022). Education: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto (1991) Master's, Queen's University (1994) PhD, Queen's University (2000) Postdoc, University of Bern (2000-2002) Research Interests: Biomaterials for implants, musculoskeletal disorder mechanisms, computational biomechanics, and translational medical devices. Awards: ESB Clinical Biomechanics Award (2022) ETH Golden Owl (2021) European Spine Journal GRAMMER prize (2009) CTI Medtech Award (2005) Professional Activities: Five patent applications, course leadership in Biomedical Engineering and Spine Research, and director roles at ARTORG Spine Research Center. Labs/Teams: Leads the Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich, focusing on cutting-edge biomechanical research and clinical translation.
Federica Marone Welford is a Beamline Scientist at the TOMCAT beamline of the Swiss Light Source (SLS) at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) . She holds an Earth Sciences degree with a focus on seismology and a PhD in seismology from ETH Zurich , following a postdoctoral fellowship at the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory . Her work centers on advancing tomographic reconstruction algorithms, mitigating artifacts, and optimizing computational infrastructure for high-speed X-ray imaging at the TOMCAT beamline. Research Focus: X-ray tomography methodology, data compression, real-time reconstruction systems, and applications in paleontology, earth sciences, additive manufacturing, and energy research. Collaborations: Engages with global researchers and industry partners, particularly in battery/fuel cell analysis and laser powder bed fusion. Teaching: Lectures at ETH Zurich on X-ray imaging techniques. Publications highlight her contributions to X-ray scattering tensor tomography, dynamic process visualization, and computational advancements in imaging systems.
Prof. Dr. Ralph Müller is affiliated with the ETH Zurich , where he leads the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics under the Institute for Biomechanics. His research focuses on quantitative image processing for three-dimensional biomaterials models to enhance tissue engineering strategies, particularly in skeletal applications like bone and cartilage repair. Specializes in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine Develops advanced micro-tomographic imaging techniques Investigates bioreactor systems for biomechanical stimulation of tissue cultures Studies relationships between cell in-growth, viability, and material structural features Targets predictive modeling of material failure and therapy response The group’s work bridges biomedical imaging technology with therapeutic innovations in skeletal pathophysiology.
Martin Broome is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and serves as Chief Physician of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV). His surgical practice is diverse, with a growing emphasis on oncology, trauma, and reconstructive procedures, and he leads a team of six physicians performing approximately 400 operations annually under general anesthesia. He also supervises the dental medicine sector and is set to head the Dental Medicine Department starting in 2024. Academic Appointment: Associate Professor at UNIL since February 1, 2018 Clinical Role: Chief Physician, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, CHUV since 2011 Leadership: Interim Director (2011–2015), then permanent Chief Physician from 2015 Training Center: CHUV unit recognized as a Training Center A since 2009, with expanded scope starting summer 2018 Martin Broome's research focuses on bone reconstruction, integrating technological innovations such as 3D printing, surgical planning, and tissue engineering to enhance functional outcomes and quality of life. His work bridges fundamental science and therapeutic applications, with active collaborations with EPFL laboratories on anatomical data analysis and regenerative medicine. Current clinical trials are evaluating composite hydrogels that promote bone regeneration. His teaching philosophy emphasizes mentorship and historical context, often referencing milestones in maxillofacial surgery such as World War I facial reconstruction and industrial jaw diseases. He is deeply involved in training future specialists and advancing the field through interdisciplinary collaboration. Martin Broome maintains strong professional ties with the French Association of Facial Surgery and the University of Amiens, known for performing the first face transplant in 2005. These collaborations support his ongoing work in complex reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. He has no listed scientific awards or publications in the provided text, and there is no information on advisees or email contact details. His academic trajectory includes prior roles as MER1 at UNIL (2011–2014) and private lecturer (2015–2018), reflecting a steady progression to his current associate professorship. The surgical division under his leadership collaborates extensively with specialties including ENT, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and neurosurgery, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of maxillofacial care. The unit's recognition as a high-level training center highlights its national and international significance in surgical education.
Dr. Thomas-Bruno Schweizer is a Lecturer in the Department of Materials at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on polymer rheology, materials science, and nanocomposite development. He specializes in studying the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers, colloidal gels, and composite materials, with applications in corrosion protection, biomedical materials, and advanced material design. His research interests include the rheological behavior of polymers under shear and extensional flows, the development of novel biomimetic composites, and the creation of functionalized materials for biomedical and industrial uses. He has contributed to the design of specialized rheometers to measure complex fluid properties and has explored applications of polymer-based coatings and nanocomposites. Key areas of expertise include polymer blends, shear banding phenomena, and the integration of organic/inorganic materials for enhanced material performance. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaborations, bridging chemistry, physics, and engineering to advance material science applications.
Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón is a Research Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), with multiple appointments across the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. He holds positions in the Department of Surgery and the Department of Physiology, and is affiliated with the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, the NUS Centre for Cancer Research, and the Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme. He leads the Biolonic Currents Electromagnetic Pulsing Systems (BICEPS) Laboratory, which focuses on developing non-invasive electromagnetic technologies to enhance muscle function and systemic health, particularly for aging populations and those with mobility limitations. Dr. Franco-Obregón's research centers on understanding how biophysical forces, particularly mechanical and electromagnetic stimuli, translate into tissue regeneration and survival. His work specifically investigates the role of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, particularly TRPC1, in skeletal muscle development and how magnetic fields can activate mitochondrial respiration through a process he terms "Magnetic Mitohormesis." This research has significant implications for metabolic health, cancer therapy, and aging interventions. His laboratory has demonstrated that brief (10-minute) weekly exposure to low-energy pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) can enhance muscle development, improve metabolic efficiency, and even produce anticancer effects through the activation of muscle secretome responses. His recent publication record demonstrates a strong focus on translating these findings into clinical applications, with numerous randomized controlled trials examining the effects of PEMF therapy on conditions including knee osteoarthritis, Achilles tendinopathy, metabolic disorders, and breast cancer. His research bridges fundamental cellular mechanisms with practical clinical applications, showing how magnetic field exposure can serve as a non-invasive exercise mimetic for populations unable to engage in physical activity. 2020: Innovation of the Year Product Winner by the Ageing Asia World Ageing Festival (for QuantumTx) 2015: Wong Hock Boon Society Best Mentor Award (NUS) 2008: Goldenen Eule (The Golden Owl Excellence in Teaching Award) (ETH) 1990: Martin Luther King Mentorship Award (UCSF) Dr. Franco-Obregón is actively engaged in mentoring students and collaborating on international research projects. He has established the BICEPS Laboratory as a hub for interdisciplinary research, bringing together engineers, clinicians, and basic scientists. His work has led to the founding of QuantumTx Pte. Ltd., a NUS spin-off company developing magnetic therapeutic devices, and he is currently conducting human clinical trials in Singapore, China, Southeast Asia, and the US to evaluate the efficacy of his magnetic therapeutic platforms. The BICEPS Laboratory operates at the intersection of engineering and clinical medicine, with a mission to develop non-invasive technologies that enhance muscle function and bioenergetics. The lab's research has significant potential to transform clinical practice, particularly in preventative medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Franco-Obregón is also working to establish international collaborations, including potential student exchange programs between ETH/UZH and NUS, to further advance this field of research.
Susanne Grässel is affiliated with the Department of Experimental Orthopedics at the Orthopedic Clinic of the University of Regensburg, Germany. Her work is situated within the Faculty of Medicine, indicating a strong focus on translational and experimental musculoskeletal research. Her research interests include: Regenerative medicine Cartilage and bone tissue engineering Osteoarthritis pathophysiology Stem cell-based therapies in orthopedics Molecular mechanisms of joint degeneration Biomaterials for orthopedic applications While no formal list of publications is provided in the text, her engagement in recommending scientific articles suggests active participation in the scholarly community, particularly in evaluating advances in drug targets and technical innovations in musculoskeletal diseases. This indicates ongoing involvement in research discourse within orthopedic science. Susanne Grässel has not been associated with any explicitly mentioned scientific awards or grants in the provided text. There is no information regarding student supervision or formal mentoring roles. She appears to be part of a clinical and experimental research team focused on orthopedic innovation, likely contributing to both preclinical studies and clinical translation within the university hospital setting.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Dominique Pioletti is a Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), holding multiple positions across the institution. He serves as Director of the Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics (LBO) within the School of Engineering, and has additional appointments in the Institute of Bioengineering (IBI-STI), the School of Engineering Mechanical Engineering (STI-SGM), the Doctoral Program in Bioengineering (EDBB-ENS), and the Institute of Materials (IGM). His office is located at MED 3 2626, Station 9, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr. Pioletti received his Master in Physics from EPFL in 1992 and continued at the same institution to earn his PhD in biomechanics in 1997, where he developed original constitutive laws accounting for viscoelasticity in large deformations. Following his doctoral studies, he spent two years as a post-doctoral fellow at UCSD (University of California, San Diego), gaining expertise in cell and molecular biology, particularly in gene expression of bone cells in contact with orthopedic implants. In April 2006, he was appointed Assistant Professor tenure-track at EPFL and became director of the Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2013 and subsequently to Full Professor. His research focuses on orthopedic biomechanics, tissue engineering, and mechano-biology, with specific interests in biomechanics and tissue engineering of musculoskeletal tissues, mechano-transduction in bone, and development of orthopedic implants as drug delivery systems. The Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics (LBO) under his direction is dedicated to advancing techniques and technology for patient care in the musculoskeletal system through fundamental research, applied research, and teaching. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on hydrogel-based biomaterials for cartilage repair, with significant work on temperature effects in cartilage engineering, adhesive hydrogels, and mechanical properties of biomaterials. His research increasingly incorporates computational approaches including AI and deep learning for biomechanical modeling and prediction. There is also a consistent focus on understanding the relationship between mechanical stimuli and biological responses in musculoskeletal tissues. Professor Pioletti has supervised numerous doctoral students throughout his career, with current PhD candidates including Bouchez Mi-Lane Elodie, Mohammadi Ramin, Nottegar Alexander Arthur, Raja Sruthi, Reitzel Antoine, and Turgut Deniz Cemre. His past students form an extensive list spanning multiple cohorts, reflecting his long-standing commitment to academic mentorship. The Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics (LBO) serves as the primary research hub for Professor Pioletti's work, focusing on the advancement of techniques and technology for patient care in the musculoskeletal system. The lab's mission encompasses fundamental research, applied research, and teaching, with current work emphasizing biomechanical considerations in orthopedic applications. The lab website (https://lbo.epfl.ch/) provides additional details about ongoing projects and team members.
Shaista Ahmed is a Researcher and PhD Student funded by SNSF at the University of Fribourg's Faculty of Science and Medicine, specifically within the Medicine Section. Her roles include serving as a Diploma Assistant and an Assistant supported by third-party funding. Her work focuses on interdisciplinary research spanning cardiology, immunology, HIV virology, stem cell biology, and addiction neuroscience. Research interests include epicardial adipose tissue biology, cardiac regeneration through stem cell-derived organoids, HIV molecular mechanisms, and neurobiological underpinnings of substance addiction. Recent studies highlight her contributions to understanding adipose tissue immunology (2024), extracellular vesicle therapies for infectious diseases (2021), and historical work on neurosurgical interventions for cocaine dependence (2011). Her research is supported by SNSF doctoral funding and third-party grants. While no formal awards are listed, her publications demonstrate sustained contributions across multiple biomedical disciplines. She is affiliated with the Medicine Section's laboratories and collaborates within the broader scientific community at University of Fribourg.
