Patrick Aebischer

Patrick Aebischer is an Honorary Professor at EPFL, where he previously served as President from 2000 to 2016. He holds a medical degree from the University of Geneva (1980) and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Fribourg (1983). Before his tenure at EPFL, he held academic roles at Brown University (1984–1992) and the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV). His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly through cell therapy and gene transfer approaches.

Education:
- Medicine (1980), University of Geneva
- Neuroscience (1983), University of Fribourg

Research Interests:
Dr. Aebischer's work addresses neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. His lab develops therapies targeting amyloid-beta, tau pathology, and α-synuclein, using gene therapy and cell-based approaches. Recent studies include cellular implants for passive immunization and mitochondrial regulation via Urolithin A.

Publications:
His recent work highlights advancements in gene therapy for deafness, ALS modeling on microchips, and mechanisms linking aging to neurodegeneration. Over 150 publications span topics like viral vector applications and neuroenergetics.

Affiliations & Roles:
- Board member: Lonza, Logitech, Nestlé
- Chair: Novartis Venture Fund Advisory Board
- Founder: Three biotechnology startups

Labs & Teams:
His lab at EPFL focuses on translating research into therapies, collaborating with industry partners to advance clinical applications.