Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Danick Briand is a Senior Scientist at the Soft Transducers Laboratory within the Microsystems for Space Applications Group (LMTS) at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). His work focuses on MEMS and Microsystems for environmentally friendly technology , integrating flexible and printed electronics with applications in energy harvesting , smart sensing systems , and advanced gas sensing . Research Themes : Environmental sensors using microsystem technology Green microtechnologies and micromanufacturing Ultra-low energy MEMS Energy-saving and harvesting systems Recent Publications : Developed transient biodegradable sensors and microwave sensing technologies using printed and degradable materials Explored flexible piezoelectric systems and wearable sweat analyzers for biomedical applications Advanced inkjet-printed biosensors and eco-friendly fabrication methods Labs & Collaborations : Soft Transducers Laboratory (EPFL) Laboratory for Microsystems (LMTS)
Bradley Nelson is a Full Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems at ETH Zürich since 2002, leading the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University (1995), with prior roles as Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (1995-1998) and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota (1998-2002). His research focuses on microrobotics and nanorobotics for biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and medical robotics. He leads the Microrobotics Lab (MSRL) and chairs international workshops/conferences. Awards include IEEE and ASME Fellowships, and Best Paper accolades at major robotics venues. Research interests emphasize magnetic microrobot navigation, smart materials, and clinical translation of robotic systems. His work bridges engineering and medicine, addressing challenges like cerebral vasculature navigation for drug delivery. He has developed electromagnetically controllable catheters and telesurgery frameworks. Leadership roles include Head of the ETH Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and Chairman of the ETH Electron Microscopy Center (EMEZ). Notable contributions include magnetically guided microcatheters, variable-stiffness catheters, and clinical-ready navigation systems. Ongoing projects explore magnetoelectric effects and biodegradable micromotors for environmental and biomedical uses. His lab collaborates with industry and academic partners globally to advance robotic solutions for healthcare challenges.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Stéphanie P. Lacour is a Full Professor at the School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where she holds the Foundation Bertarelli Chair in Neuroprosthetic Technology. She leads the Laboratory of Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces (LSBI) and is affiliated with multiple departments including INX-STI, STI-SMT, SV-SSV, and AVP-DLE-EDOC. Since 2025, she has served as EPFL’s Vice-President for Support to Strategic Initiatives, overseeing institutional research strategy. Her research is centered at Campus Biotech in Geneva, where she was the founding director of the Neuro-X Institute. PhD in Electrical Engineering, INSA Lyon, France (1998–2001) Postdoctoral Research, Princeton University and University of Cambridge Joined EPFL in 2011 Her research focuses on soft bioelectronic interfaces that seamlessly integrate with biological tissues. She pioneers the development of stretchable, compliant electronics for implantable and wearable applications, using techniques from MEMS and microelectronics adapted to elastomeric substrates. Her work enables long-term, minimally invasive neural interfacing for applications in neuroprosthetics, rehabilitation, and health monitoring. Key innovations include soft electrocorticography arrays, liquid metal sensors, and encapsulation methods for chronic implants. Her recent publications span high-impact journals such as Nature , Science Robotics , Advanced Materials , and Nature Nanotechnology , covering topics like neural stimulation, soft robotics, wireless implants, and hydrogel-based interfaces . The work demonstrates a strong trend toward multimodal, closed-loop, and translational neurotechnologies with real-world clinical potential. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. She advises a large cohort of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have completed their theses under her supervision. Her team has received funding for projects in neural interfacing, bioelectronics, and soft robotics. She is actively involved in teaching courses such as Soft Microsystems Processing and Devices and Neural Interfaces . Lacour leads the Laboratory of Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces (LSBI) , a multidisciplinary research team focused on the fabrication, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of soft bioelectronic systems. The lab collaborates extensively across EPFL and with clinical partners to translate technologies from bench to bedside.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Andreas Mortensen is a full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, where he leads research at the Mechanical Metallurgy Laboratory (LMM) within the School of Engineering. His office is located in building MXD at EPFL's main campus in Lausanne. Institution: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) School: School of Engineering (STI) Department: Mechanical Metallurgy Laboratory (LMM) Position: Professor Professor Mortensen's research focuses on the mechanical properties of materials, particularly metal matrix composites, microcellular materials, and the fundamental aspects of metallurgy. His work spans from theoretical modeling to practical applications in materials processing and characterization. He has made significant contributions to understanding infiltration processes, fracture mechanics, and the behavior of materials at micro and nano scales. Analysis of Professor Mortensen's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a continued focus on advanced materials characterization techniques, particularly nanoindentation and micro-scale mechanical testing. His research shows increasing attention to additive manufacturing processes, multi-scale material behavior, and the development of novel composite structures. The work spans fundamental investigations of dislocation dynamics and slip phenomena to applied research on brazing technologies and investment casting methods. Throughout his extensive career, Professor Mortensen has supervised numerous students and collaborated with researchers worldwide, contributing to the advancement of materials science and engineering. His laboratory has been instrumental in developing methodologies for characterizing material behavior across multiple length scales, from nano to macro.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Florent Cosandier serves as a Lecturer in the Section of Microtechnology and Research Associate at the Micromechanical and Horological Design Laboratory (INSTANT-LAB) within the School of Engineering at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). His dual roles bridge precision engineering education and advanced research in mechanical systems design. His research centers on compliant and flexure mechanisms with applications spanning horology, space instrumentation, and micro-technology. Key focus areas include parasitic error minimization in translation stages, dynamic balancing for mechanical oscillators, and additive manufacturing of complex compliant systems. Recent work demonstrates experimental validation of zero-force mechanisms and novel pivot designs for high-precision positioning. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant trend in rectilinear stage development (6 articles), horological applications (4 articles), and space telescope assembly systems (3 articles). His work consistently emphasizes experimental validation, large-range motion capabilities, and parasitic shift elimination through innovative parallel mechanism configurations. Cosandier has advised at least one PhD student at EPFL: Kruis Johannes Richard Cornelis Geerit. He contributes to teaching through courses like "Advanced mechanisms for extreme environments" within the SMT-ENS unit. As a core member of INSTANT-LAB, he collaborates on projects involving metallic additive manufacturing for damping systems, micro-vibration suppression platforms, and silicon-based flexure mechanisms. His current research trajectory shows increasing focus on space applications and bi-material additive manufacturing techniques.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Maartje Bastings is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , leading the Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory (PBL) within the School of Engineering (STI) . She holds additional affiliations with the Institute of Materials (IMX) , IBI-STI (Bioengineering), and supervises doctoral programs in Biotechnology and Biological Engineering ( EDBB-GE ) and Materials Science and Engineering ( EDMX-GE ). Her research focuses on DNA-based supramolecular materials engineered to achieve dynamic reciprocity —a two-way interaction between synthetic materials and biological systems. By leveraging DNA as a programmable scaffold, she investigates structural mechanics, valency control, and geometric constraints governing self-assembly and cell communication at bio-interfaces. Key applications include immune system modulation, diagnostics , and vaccine development . Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a focus on multivalent interactions for T-cell activation, spatial patterning in immune signaling, and engineered coatings for DNA origami stability. Subfields span T cell receptor engineering , nanoscale protein dynamics , stimuli-responsive biomaterials , and bio-inspired therapeutic design . PhD Students: Chen Yuduo Hendrickx Pauline Bart M. Kononenko Artem Li Shujie Lou Yameng Meyer Pitt Narita Minako Rousseau Benjamin Bila Hale Caroprese Vincenzo Comberlato Alice Kurisinkal Eva Eugene Paloja Kaltrina Rodríguez Franco Hugo José Tekin Cem Wong Siu Ho Contact: maartje.bastings@epfl.ch
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Yves Leterrier is a Senior Scientist and lecturer at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he has been a faculty member since 1993. He works in the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) within the Institute of Materials at the School of Engineering. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to sustainable materials science and polymer composite technologies. Senior Scientist, Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) Teaching roles in SMX and EDMX programs PhD program committee member for Materials Science and Engineering Author of over 300 technical articles including 145 peer-reviewed journal papers Leterrier's research focuses on sustainable materials and processes, particularly in polymer composites, multilayer and hybrid materials, photopolymerization and sol-gel processes, mechanics of thin films on polymers, and roll-to-roll process methods. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in flexible electronics, renewable energy, and sustainable packaging. He has pioneered techniques for creating bioinspired surfaces, diffusion-barrier coatings, and cost-effective manufacturing processes for advanced materials. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on water permeation monitoring in bioelectronic implants, fluorine-free superhydrophobic surfaces, and biobased composites using nanocellulose. His research shows a clear trajectory toward sustainable materials solutions with applications in medical devices, flexible electronics, and environmentally friendly packaging. The consistent theme across his work is the development of reliable, high-performance materials through innovative processing techniques and composite design. Leterrier actively contributes to the academic community through editorial roles, including serving on the editorial board of Applied Surface Science since 2012 and as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Materials since 2014. He coordinates EPFL's Minor on 'Engineering for Sustainability' and has been President of the EPFL Materials Science Library commission since 2000. His leadership extends to industry collaboration through multiple funded research projects. His current research portfolio includes significant projects such as BioPack (biobased packaging materials), FLEXCAN (flexible encapsulation of active implants), 3DP4PEACE (sustainable 3D printing), and DuPrintProtect (advanced manufacturing). Previously, he led projects including XinoCaps, UltraCeal, SUNLITE, and REFLEX, demonstrating consistent funding success across diverse materials science applications. He also serves on the board of the French Adhesion Society and has organized international symposia on materials and micro-technologies. Leterrier leads the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites, where his team develops cutting-edge materials processing techniques. His work on photo-hyphenated methods, UV nanoimprint lithography, and electro-fragmentation analysis represents the laboratory's focus on innovative characterization and manufacturing approaches for advanced materials.
Dr. Sung Sik Lee serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Materials at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Affiliated with ScopeM (Scientific Center for Optical and Electron Microscopy), he develops microfluidic platforms for real-time cellular analysis at the HPM C 52.2 facility (Otto-Stern-Weg 3, Zürich). His research bridges engineering and biology to investigate cellular responses to mechanical and chemical stimuli. His primary research domains include: Microfluidics : Design of microfabricated devices for cell stretching, particle separation, and dynamic stimulation Cellular Aging : Mechanisms of chromosome loss and nuclear pore complex reorganization in yeast models Nanotoxicology : Impact of nanoplastics on macrophage inflammation and intestinal barrier integrity Advanced Imaging : Application of holotomography and Raman spectroscopy for label-free cellular analysis His work consistently targets translational applications in disease modeling and diagnostics. Analysis of his 50+ publications reveals strong interdisciplinary integration, particularly the convergence of machine learning with microscopy (e.g., automated vacuole quantification in yeast) and the development of open-access resources like MicrobioRaman. Recent trends emphasize nanoparticle-cell interactions and microfluidic solutions for inflammatory conditions including IBD and acute kidney injury. Dr. Lee actively contributes to ScopeM's mission of advancing microscopy techniques, maintaining collaborations across ETH Zurich's research ecosystem. His laboratory focuses on microfluidic device fabrication, cellular mechanotransduction studies, and biophysical characterization of particles and cells, with ongoing projects extending through 2025.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Arnaud Bertsch is a Lecturer at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) within the School of Engineering (STI) and the Department of Microengineering (IEM). He is affiliated with the Microsystems Laboratory 1 (LMIS1) and has been actively involved in teaching advanced microfabrication techniques and MEMS sensor/actuator practicals. His research spans microfluidics, nanofluidics, biomedical devices, and 3D microfabrication, with a focus on neural probes, drug delivery systems, and cell manipulation technologies. Microfluidic hydrodynamic and dielectrophoretic systems Nanovolcano microelectrode arrays for electrophysiology Thermal control of ionic transport in nanochannels 3D lipid microrobots for drug delivery MEMS-based intraocular pressure sensors Arnaud Bertsch has supervised PhD students including Torres Vila Pol, Zhang Tao, and past advisees like Clémentine Lipp, Nicolas Maïno, and Joan Teixidor. His work bridges fundamental research in nanofluidics with applied biomedical solutions, contributing to fields such as neuroscience, cancer therapy, and implantable medical devices. The articles listed demonstrate expertise in microsystem design, electrochemical sensing, and biofabrication technologies.
Dr. Matteo Fadel is a Researcher in the Department of Physics at the University of Basel, working in the Quantum Optics Lab led by Prof. Philipp Treutlein. He completed his PhD (2014-2018) and Postdoc (2018-2021) in the same group, focusing on quantum many-body systems, entanglement, and quantum metrology. His research explores foundational aspects of quantum physics using ultracold atoms and hybrid atom-optomechanical systems, with applications in quantum technologies like quantum memories and sensors. Education: B.Sc. Physics, University of Padua (2008-2011) M.Sc. Physics, ETH Zurich (2011-2013) Key Research Interests: Entanglement in macroscopic systems (e.g., Bose-Einstein condensates) Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering and quantum nonlocality Quantum memories and optical storage in atomic vapor cells Hybrid quantum systems (e.g., atom-mechanical oscillator coupling) Publications Highlight: Recent work includes observing the EPR paradox in two Bose-Einstein condensates (2023), developing microfabricated quantum memories (2024), and studying spin squeezing in helium-3 (2021). These contributions bridge fundamental quantum physics with technological applications. Awards: Prix Schläfli 2019 (Swiss Academy of Sciences) Contributor to Paul Ehrenfest Best Paper Award 2017 Teaching: Fadel has contributed to courses such as Physik IV, Quantum Optics I, and Introductory Computational Quantum Mechanics at the University of Basel.
Prof. Xiao-Hua Qin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, leading the Biomaterials Engineering research team and co-leading the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics. He specializes in creating biomaterials for tissue biomanufacturing and regenerative medicine, with a focus on miniaturized in vitro bone models for disease modeling and drug discovery. His work has been recognized by prestigious grants such as the ERC Starting Grant and SNSF NRP 79, and he co-leads editorial roles for Biomedical Materials . He teaches courses on engineering with living materials and multiscale bone biomechanics. His research emphasizes constructing 3D microenvironments to study bone physiology/pathology, with recent breakthroughs in hydrogel-based systems for cell network formation and organoid-on-chip tools. He has pioneered techniques like two-photon subtractive biofabrication and volumetric bioprinting. Qin's honors include Young Academy of Europe membership and multiple awards for innovative biomaterials and poster presentations. He mentors 6 PhD students and collaborates across disciplines, aiming to replace animal experiments with human organoid models (3Rs principle). His lab's innovations span biodegradable hydrogels, photoresponsive materials, and microscale 3D printing technologies.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Yujia Zhang is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering , École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), leading the Laboratory for Bio-Iontronics (BION) since January 2025. His work focuses on developing iontronic biointerfaces and hybrid intelligent systems for biomedical applications. Academic Affiliations: EPFL School of Engineering, STI-SMT SMT-ENS PhD program committee Research Themes: Droplet-based iontronics, synthetic tissues, advanced manufacturing Research Trends from his publications emphasize microscale droplet iontronics , soft energy systems , and biohybrid interfaces , with applications in neurostimulation , tumor modeling , and biomedical devices . Scientific Awards : 2023: Early-career Research Scientist Representative, UK Parliamentary & Scientific Committee 2022: Excellent Doctoral Dissertation, Chinese Academy of Sciences 2021: Outstanding Doctoral Thesis, Chinese Institute of Electronics 2020: Special Prize for President Scholarship, Chinese Academy of Sciences Academic Contributions include mentoring PhD students and teaching microfabrication technologies. His lab develops 3D-printed synthetic tissues and droplet networks for interactive biological communication.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Herbert Shea is a Professor at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he leads the Microsystems for Space Technologies Laboratory (LMTS) within the School of Engineering and Institute of Microengineering. His research spans soft robotics, electrostatic actuation, and haptic interfaces with significant contributions to wearable technologies and microfabrication techniques. Shea's research focuses on developing novel actuation mechanisms for soft robotics, particularly zipping electrostatic actuators, electroadhesion technology, and dielectric elastomer systems. His work emphasizes miniaturization, energy efficiency, and practical implementation in wearable haptic interfaces for virtual and augmented reality applications. Recent research explores wafer-level microfabrication techniques, stretchable electronics, and novel approaches to fluid manipulation through electrowetting. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward creating more efficient, compact, and versatile soft robotic systems. His research group has made significant advances in reducing actuation voltages while maintaining performance, developing novel fabrication methods for liquid-encapsulated actuators, and creating reliable sensing systems for robotic manipulation. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges materials science, electrical engineering, and mechanical design to solve practical challenges in human-robot interaction. Shea collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, particularly with Samuel Rosset, Vito Cacucciolo, and Florian Hartmann. His research is supported by organizations including the Swiss National Science Foundation and the European Union, reflecting the significance and potential impact of his work in soft robotics and wearable technologies.
Andreas Güntner is an Assistant Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and a research associate at the University Hospital Zürich's Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition department. His interdisciplinary research integrates physics, chemistry, and medicine to develop micro/nanosystems for chemical sensing, with applications in healthcare and environmental monitoring. Research focuses on creating innovative sensor technologies from concept to validated devices, particularly chemoresistive gas sensors and handheld detectors. Recent breakthroughs include selective benzene and methanol detection systems, breath analyzers for metabolic monitoring, and nanoparticle-based sensors fabricated via flame synthesis. Publications demonstrate expertise in nanomaterials engineering for molecular sensing, with applications spanning medical diagnostics (breath analysis for diabetes) to environmental protection (air quality monitoring). His group develops complete sensing systems from fundamental material science to portable device implementation. Honors include the De Vigier Award (2022), ERC Starting Grant (2022), and ETH Medal for outstanding PhD (2017). Patents cover handheld detection devices for toxic compounds in consumer products.
Dr. Nadine Meyer is a researcher at the Nanophotonics Systems Laboratory (light.ethz.ch/) within ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Her work focuses on levitation optomechanics with nanoparticles, developing hybrid levitation platforms and metasurfaces for fundamental and applied research in cavity optomechanics and inertial sensing applications. Her research centers on quantum optomechanics using optically levitated nanoparticles in vacuum environments. Key investigations include ground-state cooling of mechanical modes, mechanical squeezing phenomena, and the development of ultrathin tunable optomechanical metalenses. She also pioneers applications in chemical nanoreactors and ultra-precise inertial sensing systems, leveraging quantum effects at the nanoscale. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) reveals a clear trajectory toward integrating metasurfaces with levitated optomechanical systems and advancing quantum control techniques for nanoparticles. Her work consistently bridges fundamental quantum physics with practical sensor development, particularly through collaborations within the Nanophotonics Systems Laboratory. The Nanophotonics Systems Laboratory, led by Professor Romain Quidant, provides the experimental infrastructure for Dr. Meyer's research. Located at CLA E 17.1, Tannenstrasse 3, Zürich, the laboratory specializes in optical trapping technologies, vacuum systems, and quantum measurement techniques for levitated nanoparticles.
