Laura Suter-Dick

Prof. Laura Suter-Dick is a Professor and Team Leader of Cell Biology and In Vitro Toxicology at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), within the School of Life Sciences and the Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics. She also serves as Group Leader for Molecular Toxicology and Node Representative for the Swiss Competence Center for 3Rs (3RCC). Her research focuses on developing in vitro models for toxicology and disease modeling, emphasizing alternatives to animal experimentation. Key technologies include 3D cultures, microfluidic systems, bioprinting, and advanced imaging techniques. She teaches Cell Biology, bioassays, and Toxicology at the university level. Her work integrates cutting-edge methods like single-cell sequencing and functional assays to study substance efficacy and toxicity, particularly in brain medicine and drug discovery. Prof. Suter-Dick leads a team supervising bachelor, master, and PhD students in these areas.

Her technical expertise spans liver fibrosis modeling, nephrotoxicity screening (e.g., NephroScreen platform), and blood-brain barrier systems. She collaborates on projects like the reduction-responsive enzyme immobilization and neurotoxicity assessment of organic solvents. Her lab employs advanced analytical tools, including flow cytometry and bioanalytical methods, to address translational challenges in toxicology and regenerative medicine.

Prof. Suter-Dick advocates for the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in animal research and contributes to standardizing microphysiological systems for reproducibility. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges academic research with industry needs, particularly in developing fit-for-purpose in vitro models for regulatory and safety assessments.