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Abraham BernsteinView profile

Professor

• Semantic Web
• Data Mining
• Machine Learning
• +7 more

Abraham Bernstein is a Full Professor of Informatics at the University of Zurich (UZH), where he serves as Head of the Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems Group and Director of the UZH Digital Society Initiative. He leads a university-wide initiative with over 180 faculty members investigating the interplay between society and digitalization. His work bridges social science foundations (organizational psychology/sociology/economics) and technical disciplines (computer science, artificial intelligence), creating a unique interdisciplinary approach to digital transformation challenges. Education: Diploma in Computer Science from ETH Zurich Ph.D. in Management with concentration in Information Technologies from MIT's Sloan School of Management Professor Bernstein's research spans the Semantic Web, data mining/machine learning, recommender systems, crowd computing, and collective intelligence. His work uniquely integrates social science perspectives with technical computer science approaches, examining how social and technical elements interact in digital systems. Recent work focuses on explainable AI, ethical decision-making with AI systems, and the societal implications of digital transformation, reflecting his commitment to addressing both technical challenges and their broader societal context. His publication record shows a strong trajectory in multimodal information retrieval, knowledge representation, and human-AI collaboration, with increasing focus on ethical considerations and societal impact of AI technologies. The research demonstrates consistent innovation in bridging technical AI capabilities with human-centered design principles, particularly in areas like explainable recommender systems and democratic applications of AI. Scientific Recognition: Nominated Digital Shaper by Bilanz magazine (2017) Professor Bernstein has supervised over 30 PhD students whose work spans semantic technologies, data mining, recommender systems, and human-AI interaction. His research group has secured significant funding for projects related to digital society, knowledge representation, and AI ethics. As Director of the Digital Society Initiative, he coordinates cross-disciplinary research across UZH's faculties, bringing together scholars from humanities, social sciences, law, economics, and STEM fields to address complex digital transformation challenges. He leads the Dynamic and Distributed Information Systems Group at UZH, which maintains strong international collaborations and contributes significantly to both theoretical advances and practical applications in information systems. The group's work has influenced standards in semantic web technologies and continues to shape discourse on responsible AI development and deployment in society.

Corinna ReinhardtView profile

Professor

• Greek and Roman Sculpture
• Sculpture-architecture interaction
• Materiality of inscriptions
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Corinna Reinhardt is the Chair of Mediterranean Archaeology with a focus on Greek and Roman Antiquity at the University of Zurich since August 1, 2023. Formerly a W1 Junior Professor at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (2017–2023), she has held research positions at Heidelberg, Leipzig, and Munich universities. PhD in Classical Archaeology (LMU Munich, 2015) on Greek akroterion sculpture Master's degree in Classical Archaeology, Ancient History, and Law/Media Law (LMU Munich, 2010) University of Zurich: Leads Digital Visualization Lab, Monte Iato excavation projects Her research focuses on: Materiality of Greek sculpture and architecture Text-image relationships in Archaic/Classical periods Digital methods (Computer Vision, 3D scanning, Deep Learning) History of antiquity reception in 19th-century Europe Key article themes (2018–2024) show interdisciplinary work combining: Archaeological analysis with digital humanities Funerary monument studies Vase painting narrative strategies Neoclassical emulation of antiquity Epigraphic materiality Iconographic interpretation Scientific Awards : Teaching Award, Faculty of Philosophy at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg (2021) She co-organized virtual and physical exhibitions, developed digital teaching frameworks, and contributed to museum catalogues including Berlin Antikensammlung and Munich Staatliche Antikensammlungen.

• Cognitive Development
• Sleep Regulation
• Spatial Cognition
• +8 more

Michael Papinutto is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Fribourg, Switzerland. He is affiliated with the Human-IST (Human-Centered Interaction Science and Technology) research group and contributes to interdisciplinary studies in psychology and human-computer interaction. Research interests include: Cognitive Development Sleep Regulation Spatial Cognition Clinical Family Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Cognitive Biopsychology Cognitive Ergonomics Visual and Social Neuroscience Occupational Health Psychology Psycholinguistics Social Psychology Papinutto is based at the University of Fribourg's campus in Fribourg, Switzerland, with an office located at PER 21, A428, Bd de Pérolles 90, 1700 Fribourg. He can be contacted via email at michael.papinutto@unifr.ch or phone at +41 26 300 7483.

Eva ScheurerView profile

Clinical Professor

• Forensic Imaging
• Age Estimation
• Fracture Dating
• +7 more

Eva Scheurer is a Clinical Professor of Forensic Medicine and Director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Basel since 2014. She currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the same institution. Her work focuses on advancing forensic medicine through imaging technologies and scientific methodology. Education: MSc in Physics (University of Bern), Dr. med. (University of Bern), Habilitation in Forensic Medicine (Medical University of Graz) Expertise: Forensic Radiology, Postmortem Imaging, MRI-based Trauma Analysis, Age Estimation Key research areas include clinical-forensic imaging , particularly for injury dating and identification. She pioneered MRI alternatives to X-ray-based age estimation and developed technical frameworks like infrared photography setups for forensic documentation. Her publications (2012-2022) demonstrate consistent innovation in postmortem MRI , hematoma quantification , and computational forensic tools . As Institute Director, she established: Postdoc/PhD positions in forensic chemistry and genetics Research group for forensic imaging Interdisciplinary journal clubs Ethical frameworks for non-invasive postmortem imaging

Jean-Louis ReymondView profile

Professor

• Chemical Space
• Cheminformatics
• Peptide Chemistry
• +5 more

Professor Jean-Louis Reymond is a distinguished academic at the University of Bern, currently serving as Dean of the Faculty of Science since 2024. He leads the Reymond Research Group within the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Previously, he served as Director of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry from 2015-2017. His educational background includes diploma studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry at ETH Zürich (1981-1985), a Ph.D. in Natural Products Synthesis at the University of Lausanne (1986-1989), and post-doctoral research on Catalytic Antibodies at Scripps Research Institute (1990-1991). He joined the University of Bern as a Professor in 1997 after serving as Assistant Professor at Scripps Research Institute (1992-1997). Reymond's research centers on The Chemical Space Project, which explores the vast universe of possible chemical compounds with potential medical applications. His work spans three interconnected areas: Peptide Chemistry (design of bioactive peptides including dendrimers and polycyclic structures), Cheminformatics (development of the GDB chemical universe database), and Medicinal Chemistry (computer-aided design of small molecule modulators). His research has significant implications for addressing antimicrobial resistance through novel peptide-based therapeutics. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on navigating and exploiting chemical space for drug discovery, particularly in antimicrobial applications. His work combines computational methods with synthetic chemistry to identify novel scaffolds and optimize bioactive compounds. The 2024-2025 publications demonstrate continued innovation in peptide design, chemical space visualization, and applications in drug delivery systems. ERC Advanced Grant (2020) for project SPACE4AMPS (€2.5 million over 5 years) Professor Reymond actively mentors numerous graduate students and leads a vibrant research group that collaborates across disciplines. His research is supported by significant grants including the ERC Advanced Grant and participation in the NCCR TransCure initiative. The Reymond Research Group maintains strong connections with other research units at the University of Bern and international collaborators. The research group operates state-of-the-art facilities for peptide synthesis, cheminformatics analysis, and biological testing. They have developed specialized tools including the GDB chemical space database (www.gdb.unibe.ch) and collaborate with the NCCR TransCure consortium on transporter and ion channel research. Their work on antimicrobial peptides positions them at the forefront of addressing the global antimicrobial resistance crisis.

Yanick LukicView profile

Lecturer

• Digital Health
• Applied Machine Learning
• Psychology
• +3 more

Yanick Lukic is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) School of Engineering since 2023. He holds a PhD in Digital Health and Applied Machine Learning from ETH Zürich and has industry experience as Advisor at BreezeLabs AG and Chief Product Officer at heyPatient AG. Education: PhD (ETH Zürich), CAS in Higher & Professional Education (ZHAW School of Management and Law), B.Sc. & M.Sc. in Computer Science (ZHAW School of Engineering), Interaction Design specialization (Zurich University of the Arts). Research Interests focus on integrating Digital Health with Applied Machine Learning to develop Gameful Breathing Training Applications and Digital Biomarkers for Mental Health . His work bridges Human-Computer Interaction and Health Informatics , emphasizing user engagement and physiological feedback in mobile health solutions. Publications (2021–2023) include studies on Game Design for Respiratory Therapy , Digital Interventions for Subclinical Depression , and Physiological Response Evaluation in gamified health apps. Key trends highlight User-Centered Design and Real-Time Feedback Systems in digital mental health tools.

Florent WaltzView profile

Assistant Professor

• Mitochondrial Biology
• Cryo-Electron Tomography
• Photosynthetic Organisms
• +3 more

Florent Waltz is an SNSF Ambizione Project Leader hosted at the University of Basel's Biozentrum within the Engel Lab, leading research on mitochondrial architecture in photosynthetic organisms using cutting-edge cryo-electron tomography. His work bridges structural biology, evolutionary studies, and cellular energy metabolism with a focus on green micro-algae like Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. His research program explores three interconnected themes: (1) visualizing mitochondrial architecture and remodeling using cryo-ET to understand energy production under environmental changes; (2) investigating mitochondrial evolution across eukaryotes with emphasis on photosynthetic organisms; and (3) examining molecular-level interactions between mitochondria and chloroplasts. His March 2025 Science publication on the in-cell architecture of the mitochondrial respiratory chain represents a landmark achievement in visualizing molecular machines within native cellular contexts. Waltz co-developed TomoGuide, an online resource for cryo-ET workflows, and contributed to major datasets like the 1,829-tomogram Chlamydomonas resource enabling community-driven visual proteomics. His technical innovations include MemBrain v2 for membrane analysis in cryo-ET data. SNSF Ambizione Fellowship (major Swiss early-career award) Featured on Science magazine cover (March 2025) Key contributor to open science resources for cryo-ET community As a collaborative researcher, Waltz participates in international consortia studying mitochondrial biology, plant systems, and cryo-ET methodology development. His work has established new standards for in situ structural analysis of energy-producing organelles while advancing open science through public data sharing and software tools.

• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Temporal Processing
• +3 more

Stefan Pichelmann is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychology , University of Fribourg , affiliated with the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences. His academic work spans cognitive, developmental, and temporal processing research. Contact: stefan.pichelmann@unifr.ch | +41 26 300 7652 | RM 01 bu. C-2.110, Rue PA de Faucigny 2, 1700 Fribourg Research Focus: Pichelmann investigates cognitive mechanisms in spatial perspective-taking, time perception, and sensory integration. His work applies psychometric and experimental methods to analyze how numerical values, spatial tasks, and sensory modalities influence temporal judgments. Key Trends in Publications: Recent studies (2013–2023) emphasize spatial cognition , temporal processing , sensory integration , and cognitive workload . Articles on digit magnitude effects, mental rotation, and multisensory timing highlight interdisciplinary intersections with neuroscience and psycholinguistics. Departmental Affiliation: Active in the Department of Psychology, his research aligns with teams like Cognitive Development and Clinical Psychology, contributing to foundational and applied psychological sciences.

Jan Pieter AbrahamsView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Protein Structure
• High-Resolution Bioimaging
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Jan Pieter Abrahams is a distinguished Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, where he has been leading research since 2015. Previously, he served as Professor at Leiden University from 1997 to 2015. His research group focuses on uncovering the elementary structures of life through the development of innovative high-resolution bioimaging techniques. Dr. Abrahams completed his Ph.D. at Leiden University in 1991, following earlier doctoral and Candidaats diplomas from the same institution. His academic journey began with a European Baccalaureate from the European School in Bergen, the Netherlands in 1979. Prior to his professorial appointments, he worked as a staff scientist and postdoctoral researcher at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK (1990-1997), and was associated with the Netherlands Scientific Organization at Leiden University from 1985-1990. His research interests center on visualizing the molecular and atomic structure of proteins, which play essential roles in all basic life processes. His group develops and combines cutting-edge technologies from physics, biology, and scientific computing to elucidate atomic structures of proteins. A major focus is addressing the challenge that many proteins fail to form 3D crystals, for which they develop novel sample preparation techniques, optimize data acquisition methods, and refine analysis approaches. They employ X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and various spectroscopic methods in their work. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on electron diffraction techniques as a promising tool for visualizing atomic structures of biologically important proteins. His work spans multiple applications including understanding amyloid formation in Alzheimer's disease, malaria parasite mechanisms, bacterial structures, and developing new instrumentation for structural biology. The research shows a clear trajectory toward higher resolution imaging, computational analysis integration, and addressing previously intractable structural biology problems through innovative methodological approaches. Dr. Abrahams' laboratory at the Biozentrum (Room 05.038) maintains an active research program with administrative support from Karen Bergmann. His group's work on protein structure determination has significant implications for understanding molecular processes in both healthy and diseased organisms, with potential applications in drug development and disease treatment strategies.

Torsten SchwedeView profile

Professor

• Structural Bioinformatics
• Protein Structure Prediction
• Computational Biology
• +5 more

Torsten Schwede is a Professor for Structural Bioinformatics at the Biozentrum, University of Basel since 2018, and currently serves as President of the SNSF Research Council since 2025. Previously, he was Vice President for Research at the University of Basel (2018-2024), Director of the SPHN Data Coordination Center (2016-2019), and Scientific Director of sciCORE Center for Scientific Computing (2014-2019). He has been a Group Leader at the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics since 2002 and served as Associate Professor (2007-2018) and Assistant Professor (2001-2007) at the Biozentrum. Dr. Schwede earned his PhD in protein crystallography from Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany (1995-1998), following diploma studies in biochemistry at Albert Ludwigs University (1991-1994) and University of Bayreuth (1988-1991). His early career included positions as a staff scientist at GSK GlaxoSmithKline R&D (2000-2001) and postdoctoral researcher at GWER GlaxoWellcome Experimental Research (1999-2000). His research focuses on computational methods for modeling and simulating three-dimensional protein structures, particularly through homology modeling. His work enables investigation of protein functions at the atomic level, with applications in understanding disease-causing mutations and structure-based drug development. Dr. Schwede is best known for developing SWISS-MODEL, an automated protein homology-modeling server that has become a standard tool in structural bioinformatics. His recent work centers on benchmarking protein structure prediction methods through CAMEO and developing high-throughput pipelines like AlphaPulldown2 for structural modeling. Dr. Schwede's research has been widely recognized, including being selected by ISI Thomson Reuters as having the highest cited Swiss paper during 1999-2009 for his work on SWISS-MODEL. In 2014, his Nucleic Acids Research manuscript on SWISS-MODEL achieved rank 6 in traditional impact measure according to a study by the Swiss National Science Foundation. His work on protein-ligand interactions and computational drug discovery has also received significant attention in the scientific community. President of the SNSF Research Council (2025-present) President of the SNSF Research Council (2025-present) Member of RCSB PDB scientific advisory board (2015-present) Member of CASP organizing committee (2011-present) Chair of ELIXIR board (2015-2016) Conference Chair for ISMB 2019 in Basel At the Biozentrum, Dr. Schwede leads a research group dedicated to advancing computational methods for protein structure prediction and analysis, with a particular focus on making these tools accessible to the broader scientific community through web-based platforms and standardized data formats. His team's work on ModelArchive and CAMEO has established critical infrastructure for the structural biology community.

• Biomedical Sensors
• Thermal Imaging
• Photothermal Therapy
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. habil. Mathias Bonmarin is a Professor and Head of the Sensors and Measuring Systems Group at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) School of Engineering since 2019. He also holds a Visiting Professor position at Tufts University (2023-2024) and was a Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar at the University of Cincinnati (2023-2024). His academic journey includes a Habilitation in Experimental Medicine from the University of Basel (2022-2024), a PhD in Physical Chemistry (2006-2010), and multiple master’s degrees in Optics, Biomedical Engineering, and Economics. Research Focus: Sensors, thermal imaging, photothermal therapy, biomedical device development Key Collaborations: IEEE, Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse), UZH Digital Society Initiative Scientific Awards include the Outstanding Employer Award , Distinguished Lecturer and Faculty Course Development Award from IEEE, DIZH Fellow , and multiple Lab Science Awards as thesis supervisor. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and holds 7 patents related to skin sensors and photothermal systems.

Sarah Degallier RochatView profile

Professor

• Human-robot interaction
• Collaborative robotics
• Digital skills training
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Sarah Degallier Rochat serves as Head of Humane Digital Transformation at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), where she is a Professor in the Department of Technology and Computer Science. She is affiliated with the Institute for Human Centered Engineering (HuCE) and specifically works within the Laboratory for Computer Perception and Virtual Reality. Her research spans multiple institutional collaborations including the Institute for Data Applications and Security (IDAS) at BFH and partnerships with the University of Fribourg on experimental studies. Professor Degallier Rochat's research focuses on human-robot interaction , collaborative robotics , and humane digital transformation . She challenges the notion of complete human replacement by technology, advocating instead for human augmentation where technology empowers rather than mechanizes workers. Her work examines how humans and robots can work together effectively in industrial settings, with particular emphasis on developing intuitive interfaces for robot programming that promote digital skills acquisition among workers through experiential learning rather than symbolic cognition. Her research has evolved from foundational work in motor primitives for humanoid robots to current applications in industrial settings. She investigates the human factors involved in digital transformation, with special attention to workers with intermediate and lower levels of education who are often overlooked in digital skills training. Her approach emphasizes embodied cognition and work experience as foundations for developing effective human-machine interfaces that leverage existing worker knowledge. Human augmentation through collaborative robotics Intuitive robot programming interfaces (visual programming) Digital skills development for industrial workers Human-centered approaches to digital transformation Ethical considerations in human-robot collaboration Workplace adaptation to new technologies Professor Degallier Rochat has secured funding from diverse sources including Innosuisse, the Gerbert Rüf Foundation, and SNF. With support from the Gerbert Rüf Foundation's First Venture program, she co-founded a spin-off company aimed at making automation profitable for SMEs through employee training. Her research demonstrates significant practical impact, with interface designs tested across 116 participants showing positive effects on programming anxiety and usability. Her laboratory develops practical solutions for human-robot collaboration in manufacturing environments, creating interfaces that workers can use without extensive technical training. Through numerous publications, conference presentations, and media engagements, she actively contributes to the discourse on ethical and human-centered technological development in industry.

Ranjodh Singh DhaliwalView profile

Professor

• Digital Humanities
• Corpus Building
• Digital Imaging
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Ranjodh Singh Dhaliwal serves as a Professor at the Digital Humanities Lab within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Basel, Switzerland. His work bridges humanities disciplines with computational methods, focusing on digitization, digital archiving, and cultural heritage preservation. Research Interests : Dhaliwal’s research explores the intersection of analog/digital photography, computational imaging, and sustainable digital infrastructure. He contributes to projects involving 3D visualization, color science, and the development of virtual research environments for humanities scholarship. Labs & Collaborations : As part of the Digital Humanities Lab , he collaborates with institutions like the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) , e-codices , and Swiss Art Research Infrastructure . The lab, founded in 1924 as the “Abteilung für Wissenschaftliche Photographie,” specializes in digital editions, corpus building, and computational analysis of cultural artifacts. Teaching & Programs : He is affiliated with the University of Basel’s Master’s program in Digital Humanities and its Doctoral program , which emphasize interdisciplinary methodologies for analyzing large-scale digital data in humanities contexts.

• Human Interaction
• Ethnomethodology
• Conversation Analysis
• +5 more

Sofian Bouaouina is a postdoctoral researcher and assistant at the Chair for French and General Linguistics , University of Basel. His work focuses on Interactional Linguistics , Conversation Analysis , and Ethnomethodology , with special emphasis on multimodal conversation analysis and sensoriality-in-interaction . Affiliated with the Department of Linguistics and Literature (Faculty of Humanities) and the Professorship Mondada, he investigates how participants achieve intersubjectivity through spoken language, bodily conduct, and material environments. PhD in General Linguistics (University of Basel, SNSF-funded intSenses project) Current SNSF-funded projects: InterSensoriality , Everybody speaks about the weather , and Human Sociality in the Age of Covid-19 His research explores sensorial practices in diverse settings including cooking activities, museum visits, firefighting training, and athletic performance. Key contributions include analyzing instruction sequences , perceptual restrictions , and Covid-19's impact on social interaction . Publications examine topics like multisensorial communication , touch accountability , and masked discourse . Recent articles investigate sensorial coordination in museum visits, visual impairment interactions, and acrobatic communication . Workshop presentations address data sharing , series organization , and hand-puppet theatre practices. Collaborations include projects on sensoriality , expert practices , and Covid-19 sociality .

Sylvia Bendel LarcherView profile

Lecturer

• Conversation Analysis
• Text Linguistics
• Discourse Analysis
• +7 more

Sylvia Bendel Larcher serves as a Lecturer at the Institute for Communication and Marketing within the School of Business at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. With appointments spanning multiple institutions including the University of Bern and University of Innsbruck, her academic career demonstrates deep expertise in linguistic analysis of professional communication. She maintains active research collaborations while contributing to editorial work at the Reformed Church of Uri since 2024. Her educational background includes a Dr. phil. from the University of Zurich and a PD Dr. habil. from the University of Bern, establishing her scholarly foundation in linguistic analysis. These qualifications support her extensive research in conversation patterns across various professional contexts. Bendel Larcher's research focuses on the intersection of linguistic theory and practical business communication. Her work examines conversation structures in agile teams, institutional discourse patterns, and historical advertising rhetoric. Recent publications reveal growing interest in technology-mediated communication, particularly how AI tools like ChatGPT interact with traditional linguistic analysis methods. She investigates how personality manifests in professional interactions and how communication quality can be systematically evaluated in organizational settings. Her 15 most recent publications demonstrate consistent output across multiple formats - books, journal articles, and conference presentations - with increasing attention to digital communication environments. The research shows evolution from traditional discourse analysis toward hybrid methodologies incorporating computational approaches while maintaining core linguistic principles. Her professional activities extend beyond academia to practical applications in organizational settings. She has served as Public Relations Officer for the Evangelical-Reformed Parish of Einsiedeln (2012-2016) and currently edits for the Reformed Church of Uri. Her work bridges theoretical linguistic research with real-world communication challenges in business and institutional contexts. Bendel Larcher leads several research initiatives including 'Videotaped professional practice for the business world,' 'Business book summary using natural language generation,' and 'Interaction profile and personality.' These projects reflect her commitment to applying linguistic analysis to contemporary business communication challenges while exploring the relationship between individual personality and professional discourse patterns.