Kai Johnsson

Kai Johnsson is a Full Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), leading the Laboratory of Protein Engineering (LIP) within the School of Basic Sciences (SB). His research focuses on protein engineering, chemical biology, and the development of innovative fluorescent probes and biosensors for biomedical applications. He teaches courses in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and has supervised numerous PhD students, contributing significantly to the training of next-generation researchers.

Johnsson’s research integrates computational design, synthetic chemistry, and molecular biology to create tools for imaging cellular processes, including protein dynamics, metabolic pathways, and signaling networks. His lab has pioneered technologies such as HaloTag-based labeling systems and far-red fluorescent sensors for live-cell imaging. Collaborations, such as the RESOLUTE consortium targeting SLC transporters for drug discovery, highlight his translational research impact.

His work bridges fundamental science and applied technologies, with applications in diagnostics, drug development, and understanding biological mechanisms. Despite extensive publications and contributions, no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Johnsson’s advising record reflects a strong commitment to mentoring, with over 30 documented PhD students and ongoing teaching roles.

Lab activities center on the LIP, where interdisciplinary approaches address challenges in imaging, protein engineering, and cellular metabolism. His research portfolio includes collaborations on mitochondrial metabolism, receptor dynamics, and the design of modular biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics.