Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Georg Fantner is an Associate Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) with dual appointments in the School of Engineering (STI) within the Institute of Bioengineering and the School of Life Sciences (SV) for teaching. He directs the Laboratory for Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation (LBNI) and holds leadership roles including President of the Open Science Strategic Committee and the Association des Professeurs de l'EPFL. Research Focus: Bioinstrumentation, Nanotechnology, Scanning Probe Microscopy, and Metrology Teaching: Structural Mechanics for Life Sciences, Metrology, and Metrology Practicals His research pioneers advanced instrumentation for nanoscale characterization, emphasizing data-driven approaches to enhance microscopy techniques. Recent work integrates deep learning with scanning probe microscopy for real-time biological imaging and develops novel MEMS devices for fluid-compatible nanoscale manipulation. Key innovations include hermetically sealed sample chambers for pathogen studies and deterministic nanotopography engineering. Professor Fantner actively mentors 7 current PhD students and has supervised 14 graduates. His laboratory fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, physics, and life sciences to advance nanoscale measurement technologies and instrumentation development.
Philippe Christe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine. His research centers on host-parasite interactions, with a focus on bats, birds, and their ectoparasites, integrating behavioral, physiological, and genetic approaches. He leads the Christe Group, which investigates evolutionary and ecological dynamics in host-parasite systems, particularly avian malaria and bat-mite relationships. He is actively involved in conservation initiatives, including the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park, and collaborates with KORA on human-wildlife interactions. Bachelor's degree in biology, UNIL (1989) PhD in Zoology and Animal Ecology, UNIL (1994) Philippe Christe’s research interests lie at the intersection of parasitology, evolutionary ecology, and conservation biology. He investigates how host defenses evolve in response to parasitic pressures, examining trade-offs between immunity and life history traits such as reproduction and survival. His work often integrates field studies with experimental and molecular techniques. Key model systems include Parus major (great tit) and Culex pipiens in avian malaria, and bat species with their ectoparasitic mites. He also explores broader ecological interactions, including predator-prey dynamics and wildlife conservation in human-modified landscapes. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on disease ecology, wildlife conservation, and molecular methods. Articles span topics such as avian malaria transmission, lynx population dynamics, snow leopard behavior, and habitat fragmentation effects on insects. These works employ advanced techniques like DNA metabarcoding, spatial modeling, and long-term monitoring, demonstrating a trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven ecological research with direct conservation applications. Dubois Foundation Prize for an educational CD-Rom on bats (2004) Communication Award from the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of UNIL (2017) Philippe Christe has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, contributing significantly to training the next generation of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. His group collaborates widely with institutions such as the Museum of Zoology in Lausanne and KORA, and participates in large-scale conservation projects involving snow leopards, lynx, and bats. He has been involved in research grants related to host-parasite coevolution, wildlife monitoring, and conservation strategies. His leadership in establishing the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park and involvement in the UNIL Interdisciplinary Center for Mountain Research highlight his commitment to applied science and environmental stewardship. He leads the Christe Group, which conducts research on host-parasite coevolution, with a focus on bats and their ectoparasites, and birds affected by avian malaria. The group combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and molecular analyses, and includes post-docs, PhD students, and technical staff. Collaborations extend to researchers in Bern, Paris, and Spain, fostering an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Prof. Torsten Ochsenreiter is a Group Leader at the Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, and part of the Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID). His research focuses on molecular parasitology, particularly on trypanosomes and malaria parasites, utilizing advanced microscopy techniques to study fundamental biological processes. His primary research interests include mitochondrial biogenesis, kinetoplast genome maintenance, RNA editing mechanisms, and cytoskeletal dynamics in Trypanosoma brucei . He investigates how mitochondrial DNA is segregated during cell division and how post-translational modifications regulate parasite transmission. His work bridges cell biology, structural biology, and infectious disease research to understand pathogenic mechanisms in neglected tropical diseases. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the tripartite attachment complex (TAC), mitochondrial genome inheritance, and expansion microscopy applications. His research demonstrates how structural adaptations in parasite organelles enable survival and transmission, with significant implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies against African sleeping sickness and malaria. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Prof. Ochsenreiter advises students and leads an active research team at the University of Bern. The Ochsenreiter lab provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in cutting-edge parasitology research, though specific grant funding details were not provided in the text. The Ochsenreiter lab operates within the Institute of Cell Biology and specializes in molecular parasitology techniques including expansion microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, and genetic manipulation of trypanosomes. The team investigates mitochondrial biology and cytoskeletal organization to uncover vulnerabilities in parasite life cycles.
Julia Esser-von Bieren is an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunobiology (DIB) at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne (UNIL), a position she has held since September 1, 2022. Her academic journey includes a PhD from the Karolinska Institute and postdoctoral research at EPFL, followed by leadership of a research group at the Technical University of Munich. Her research focuses on the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying allergic and parasitic diseases. Specifically, her group investigates type 2 immune responses in asthma, nasal polyposis, and helminth infections, with a strong emphasis on the roles of lipid mediators and macrophages. A key aspect of her work involves identifying and characterizing helminth-derived molecules that regulate inflammatory pathways. Additionally, her team studies innate immune memory as a mechanism contributing to chronic airway inflammation. The trends in her research, as described, indicate a sustained focus on immunomodulation in chronic inflammatory conditions, bridging basic immunology with translational applications in allergy and parasitology. Her work combines molecular immunology, host-pathogen interactions, and chronic disease mechanisms. Scientific Awards: DGAKI Award "New Immunological Therapies" (German Prize for Allergy Research), 2020 Henning Løwenstein Research Award (International Allergy Research Award), 2021 Helmholtz Young Investigator Scholarship, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 2018 Julia Esser-von Bieren has led independent research as a Research Group Director since 2015 and is currently building her academic team at UNIL. While specific details about her advisees or grant funding are not provided in the source text, her leadership roles and prestigious awards indicate significant research activity and mentorship potential. She is affiliated with the Department of Immunobiology and contributes to the broader research ecosystem of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at UNIL. Her research unit operates within the Department of Immunobiology at the University of Lausanne, where she leads a research group dedicated to understanding immune regulation in allergy and helminth infections.
Dr. Stefan Gaussmann serves as a Researcher within the Department of Biology at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Professorship for Biomolecular NMR. His work focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms of peroxisomal protein import through structural and biophysical approaches, with significant contributions to understanding PEX protein interactions and peroxisome biogenesis. His research spans Peroxisome Biology, Protein-Protein Interactions, and Structural Biology, leveraging NMR spectroscopy to investigate conformational dynamics of peroxins like PEX5, PEX13, and PEX14. Current interests include phase separation phenomena (e.g., SMNDC1 perturbation), glycosome biogenesis in trypanosomatid parasites, and development of novel tools for protein interaction analysis such as modular nanoparticle sensors and sortase-based ubiquitin engineering. Analysis of his 12 publications (2019-2025) reveals consistent emphasis on molecular recognition motifs in peroxisomal import machinery, with recent expansion into pharmacological targeting of phase-separated proteins and parasite-specific peroxin interactions. His work bridges fundamental structural biology with therapeutic applications for peroxisome-related disorders. As part of ETH Zurich's Biomolecular NMR group, Dr. Gaussmann contributes to a collaborative research environment focused on advanced biophysical characterization of biomolecular systems, utilizing facilities at the Hönggerberg campus.
Nadir Alvarez is a Full Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne (UNIL). He holds a Master's in Evolutionary Biology (University of Montpellier) and a joint PhD from the Universities of Montpellier and Neuchâtel. His research focuses on evolutionary mechanisms underlying ecological diversification and species adaptation, particularly through genomic and museomics approaches analyzing historical/ancient DNA. He has held roles including Chief Curator at the Geneva Natural History Museum and Director of the Naturéum in Vaud. His work combines population genomics, environmental DNA (eDNA), and museum specimen analysis to study biodiversity dynamics. Key contributions include developing methods for capturing nuclear environmental DNA and exploring genetic responses to climate change. He serves as Director of the Naturéum, emphasizing applied conservation through genomic insights. Education & Career 2001: Master's, University of Montpellier 2004: PhD, Universities of Montpellier and Neuchâtel 2010–2017: Assistant Professorships at UNIL and University of Neuchâtel 2024–Present: Full Professor, UNIL Research Interests Museomics and ancient DNA analysis Ecological and evolutionary responses to environmental changes Population genomics of plants and insects Conservation genomics for biodiversity management Recent Article Trends Recent work emphasizes genomic approaches in biodiversity monitoring, combining eDNA and museum specimens to study population dynamics and adaptation. Topics include glacial refugia effects on megafauna, postglacial radiations in whitefish, and genetic strategies for conserving endangered species like Phengaris butterflies. As Director of the Naturéum, he bridges academic research with public engagement in natural sciences, promoting applied conservation through genomic insights.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Gerardo Turcatti is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Life Sciences (EPFL), leading the Biomolecular Screening Facility (BSF) and the Biomolecular Screening Core Facility. He holds roles in SSV-Teaching and directs the ACCESS program under the NCCR-Chemical Biology initiative. With a Master's in Chemical Engineering (University of Geneva) and a PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry (EPFL, where he won the best doctoral thesis award), his expertise spans multidisciplinary R&D in drug screening, chemical biology, and bio-analytical chemistry. His research focuses on high-throughput screening technologies, including holographic imaging for cardiomyocyte dynamics and red blood cell storage studies. He has pioneered platforms for malaria drug discovery and cancer therapeutics, leveraging 3D tumoroid models and combinatorial chemistry. His work extends to antiviral research, including SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors and canine distemper virus studies, and includes innovations in nucleic acid sequencing technologies through his former role as CTO of Manteia S.A. Key Projects: ACCESS platform, BSF facility, Next-Gen sequencing tech development Teaching: Leads the 'Methods: from disease models to therapy' course, integrating hands-on platform rotations in life sciences Labs/Teams: Directs EPFL's Biomolecular Screening Facility and collaborates with industry and academic partners Publications emphasize translational applications, including drug repurposing, cardiovascular toxicity screening, and red blood cell storage optimization. His contributions bridge academic research and industrial innovation, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles and patents in chemical biology and drug discovery.
Caroline Junqueira is a Group Leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Switzerland, where she directs the Laboratory of Immunobiology . Her career spans institutions including Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA), University of Notre Dame (USA), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Brazil), and Harvard Medical School (USA), where she worked until 2023. She was awarded the best PhD thesis in Brazil (2012) for her work on a cancer vaccine using Trypanosoma cruzi as a vector and became an Affiliate Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2019) . Education: Master’s in Biochemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais PhD in Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais Her research focuses on immunobiology, particularly the cell biology of immune effector mechanisms in malaria, Chagas disease, and cancer immunotherapy. She explores CD8+ T cells, NK cells, inflammasome activation, and gasdermin proteins in parasitic and tumor immunity. Scientific Awards: Best PhD thesis in Brazil (2012) Affiliate Member, Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2019) She has published extensively on Trypanosoma cruzi-based vaccines , immune cell interactions with pathogens , and pyroptosis in disease . Her work bridges infectious disease immunology and cancer vaccine development , with recent studies on Malaria , Leishmania , and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Junqueira leads the Laboratory of Immunobiology at IRB, focusing on cellular mechanisms of immunity and translational applications for infectious and neoplastic diseases.
Prof. Dr. Regina Hofmann-Lehmann is a Professor at the Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS) within the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zurich. Her research integrates molecular tools with clinical infectiology and laboratory medicine to address critical veterinary infectious disease challenges, primarily using feline models. Her research program centers on retroviral pathogenesis (feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus) and hemotropic Mycoplasma infections. Key investigations include host-virus interactions, provirus carrier dynamics, antiretroviral strategies targeting FeLV reservoirs, tumor marker development, and host-pathogen mechanisms in infectious anemia. The group maintains a specialized facility for specified pathogen-free cats under controlled conditions, enabling longitudinal studies of infection dynamics and treatment efficacy. Analysis of 2023-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in feline infectious disease management, particularly feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) therapeutics using GS-441524, diagnostic test validation, and zoonotic disease surveillance. Research spans antiviral pharmacology, immunodiagnostics, hematopathology, and comparative oncology, demonstrating translational relevance to human medicine through shared disease mechanisms. No scientific awards were documented in the provided sources. Retroviral research is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The group's infrastructure includes a dedicated pathogen-free cat facility supporting controlled infection studies. While specific student mentorship details are absent, the prolific publication output (over 50 articles since 2021) indicates active supervision of graduate researchers and technical staff in molecular virology and clinical diagnostics. The laboratory operates within Zurich's Vetsuisse Faculty Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, leveraging advanced facilities for molecular pathogen characterization, host immune response analysis, and antiviral efficacy testing. Current projects focus on optimizing FIP treatment protocols, developing FeLV provirus eradication strategies, and characterizing novel hemotropic Mycoplasma species across mammalian hosts.
Prof. Dr. Volker Heussler is a full Professor in Molecular Parasitology and Cell Biology at the Institute of Cell Biology , University of Bern, and has served as Acting Director of the Institute since 2014. His research focuses on the pre-blood stages of malaria parasites , particularly the liver stage of Plasmodium , aiming to develop live attenuated vaccines and drug-based interventions . He employs advanced microscopy and transgenic parasite models to study parasite-host interactions. PhD in Parasitology (1993, University of Bern) Postdoctoral work at University of Bern, ILRI Nairobi, and Bernhard-Nocht-Institute. Research Interests revolve around molecular mechanisms of Plasmodium liver stage proliferation, autophagy interactions, and organelle segregation. His lab investigates how host autophagy proteins are subverted, how dormant liver stages persist, and how parasites egress from hepatocytes. Techniques include confocal microscopy , live cell imaging , and CRISPR genomics . Recent publication trends emphasize host-pathogen molecular interactions , autophagy modulation , and innovative imaging methods . His team includes key collaborators like Dr. Reto Caldelari and Dr. Jacqueline Schmuckli. Funding sources include Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) , Novartis , and EU Framework 7 . Advising includes mentoring PhD students Kodzo Atchou and Melanie Schmid. His work contributes to global malaria eradication efforts through the MalarX consortium and Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme . The lab’s multidisciplinary approach bridges cellular biology , computational modeling , and translational medicine .
Roland Robert Regös serves as a Lecturer at ETH Zurich's Department of Environmental Systems Science within the Institute of Integrative Biology. His research bridges theoretical modeling and empirical studies to investigate evolutionary dynamics in infectious disease systems, with particular focus on viral evolution, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and host-pathogen coevolution. His primary research domains include Evolutionary Ecology , Infectious Disease Modeling , and Antimicrobial Resistance , employing mathematical frameworks to analyze pathogen adaptation across diverse systems from HIV to bacterial infections. Current investigations examine resistance evolution under drug pressure, viral transmission bottlenecks, and the interplay between host immunity and pathogen persistence. Analysis of his recent publications (2018-2021) reveals consistent methodological integration of mathematical modeling with experimental evolution across virology and bacteriology. Key thematic clusters include HIV evolutionary dynamics (40% of recent work), antimicrobial resistance mechanisms (35%), and host-pathogen interaction modeling (25%), demonstrating cross-cutting applications in pandemic response and therapeutic development.
Dr. Shu-Yu Chen is a Researcher at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Institute of Molecular Physical Sciences (IMPS). Their work focuses on molecular mechanisms of protein interactions, enzymology, and drug discovery. Key research areas include protein-protein interaction stabilization, γ-secretase modulation, and antibiotic development targeting bacterial pathways. They utilize advanced techniques like molecular dynamics simulations and chemical proteomics. Dr. Chen's recent publications explore ternary complex formation, membrane protein interactions, and novel antibiotic mechanisms. Research interests are centered on understanding biochemical processes at the molecular level, with applications in therapeutic design. Their contributions span computational biophysics, enzyme-substrate dynamics, and structural biology. Dr. Chen collaborates on projects involving molecular glue design, lipoate salvage pathway inhibitors, and Alzheimer's-related γ-secretase mechanisms. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to studying membrane proteins, protein interactions, and enzymatic processes. Current work emphasizes developing tools to characterize complex biochemical systems and translating findings into novel therapeutic strategies.
Prof. Dr. Eva Gluenz is a Professor and Deputy Director at the Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Switzerland. She leads the 'Gluenz Lab' focusing on the molecular cell biology of Leishmania parasites, investigating cellular mechanisms underlying their life cycle and pathogenicity. Research Focus: The lab studies gene function in Leishmania to understand how these unicellular parasites cause disease in humans and animals. Key research areas include flagellar assembly, membrane transport, and parasite-host interactions. Recent Publications: Her 2025 publications in Virulence , Science , and Nature Communications highlight breakthroughs in Leishmania pathogenicity mechanisms, evolutionary adaptations of parasite cytoskeleton, and identification of essential membrane transporters. Lab Team: The research group comprises postdocs Dr. Sophia Fochler and Dr. Tamara Sternlieb, PhD students Himalaya Manjunatha and Çagla Alagõz, research assistant Dr. Ruth Etzensperger, and technicians Ana Raquel Pereira, Sidonie Aellig, and Mattias Benninger.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Arne Seitz is a Lecturer at EPFL's School of Engineering (SV), holding academic roles in the departments of Life Sciences Engineering and Bioimaging Technology. As Unit Manager of the Bioimaging and Optical Imaging Technology Platform (PTBIOP), he oversees advanced microscopy infrastructure and supports research in biological imaging. His teaching spans courses like Bioimage informatics , Advanced Microscopy for Life Science , and Image Processing for Life Science , emphasizing practical computational tools for biological data analysis. Research focuses on developing open-source software tools for microscopy and bioimage analysis, including ABBA+, MarrowQuant, and QUAREP-LiMi initiatives. These projects address challenges in image registration, diagnostic workflows, and reproducibility standards in microscopy. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, such as automated bone marrow analysis and molecular diagnostics for heart transplants. Active in multi-department collaborations, Seitz contributes to educational programs across SV-SSV, EDPO, EDMS, and EDMX engineering schools. His labs and platforms provide cutting-edge imaging solutions for EPFL researchers, emphasizing open-access methodologies and community-driven scientific standards.
Ivan Rodriguez is a Full Professor at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Science, leading the Laboratory of Neurogenetics. His research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural circuits governing innate behaviors in mammals, particularly through the olfactory and vomeronasal systems. His work combines genetic, physiological, and computational approaches, including the development of transgenic mouse models and single-cell technologies. Key projects include studying the claustrum’s role in memory and sensory integration, the evolution of chemoreceptors, and the impact of pathogens on neural behavior. Research Interests Dr. Rodriguez’s lab investigates neural circuits in the olfactory system, claustrum, and vomeronasal organ. Specific topics include: Neuronal coding and plasticity in sensory systems Genetic and molecular mechanisms of olfactory receptor choice Pathogen detection and immune-to-olfactory receptor evolution Claustrum function in memory and inter-areal communication Key Collaborations His team includes researchers such as Sabine Fièvre (Ambizione Fellow), Daniel Rossier, and Alan Carleton, focusing on projects like genetic tool development for the claustrum and SARS-CoV-2 entry mechanisms in olfactory tissues. Recent work highlights the claustrum’s critical role in working memory and long-term memory consolidation. Grants & Lab The laboratory employs advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and optogenetics. Current projects are supported by grants from Swiss National Science Foundation and EU funding, though specific grant details are not explicitly stated in the provided texts. Publications Recent contributions span Nature , Neuron , and Cell , with a focus on sensory systems, neural circuits, and evolutionary biology. Notable papers include studies on claustrum function, vomeronasal receptor evolution, and SARS-CoV-2 receptors in olfactory tissues.
