معرفی
Prof. Dr. sc. nat. Siegfried Hapfelmeier-Balmer serves as Head of Research Group and Deputy Head of Research at the Institute for Infectious Diseases (IFIK) at the University of Bern. His research focuses on gut microbiology, host-microbial interactions, and infectious diseases, utilizing innovative host and microbial model systems to improve understanding of intestinal health and disease.
Educational Background:
- Doctorate in Natural Sciences (Dr. sc. nat.)
Prof. Hapfelmeier-Balmer's research investigates the complex ecosystem of bacterial species in mammalian intestines. His laboratory specializes in mutualistic host-microbial interactions that regulate immunity and protect against infection. Key research areas include colonization resistance mechanisms, immune responses against pathogens, metabolic bacteria-host interactions (particularly bile acid transformation), and development of bioengineered intestinal bacteria for vaccination. His work integrates microbiology, immunology, and metabolic research within the One Health framework.
His research has led to significant translational applications including the Santella project (vaccine against avian pathogenic E. coli) and the Enzoxa spin-off (plant-derived medicines against Helicobacter pylori). An interdisciplinary study he led revealed gut bacteria convert arsenobetaine from seafood into toxic compounds, challenging previous assumptions about seafood safety.
Scientific Awards:
- Ypsomed Innovation Award 2025 (2nd place)
- Stage-Up Winner 2023 (Enzoxa)
Prof. Hapfelmeier-Balmer mentors junior researchers including Sabrina Stöckli, who received a BRIDGE Proof-of-Concept Fellowship (130,000 CHF) for intestinal vaccine research. He was among the first recipients of UniBE Venture Fellowships supporting innovation projects at the University of Bern. His research has secured funding from SNSF and Innosuisse through the BRIDGE program.
He leads the Gut Microbiology research group within the Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID) at the University of Bern, collaborating extensively across disciplines including the Interfaculty Research Cooperation 'One Health' and with the Institute of Veterinary Sciences (IVI).
