Walter Salzburger is a Full Professor at the Department of Environmental Science , University of Basel, Switzerland, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, particularly the mechanisms driving adaptive radiation in cichlid fishes and other vertebrates. Current Position: Full Professor (2020–present) Prior Positions: Associate Professor (2012–2020), Assistant Professor (2007–2012), Visiting Professor at CEES, Oslo (2012–2015) Walter Salzburger’s research explores the interplay between genetic variation, developmental processes, and environmental factors in shaping biodiversity. His work integrates genomics, phylogenetics, and ecological modeling to study: Evolutionary dynamics of gene families (e.g., Wnt, opsins) Molecular basis of sensory adaptation in aquatic species Role of regulatory evolution in phenotypic diversification Environmental drivers of speciation in Lake Tanganyika Recent Publications highlight trends in comparative genomics of vertebrate adaptive traits, with a focus on gene repertoire evolution, sensory systems, and neuroendocrine mechanisms during adaptive radiation. Collaborative projects include studies on gastrointestinal tract plasticity in vertebrates. Grants: EMBO ALTF 119-2022 project (completed) on mitochondrial genomics of Neotropical cichlids. Current projects examine the evolutionary and ecological context of adaptive radiation in Lake Tanganyika fishes. Laboratory: The Salzburger Lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining experimental embryology, functional genomics, bioinformatics, and computational modeling to investigate evolutionary processes.
Prof. Dr. med. Ruxandra Bachmann-Gagescu is an Associate Professor in Developmental Genetics at the University of Zurich , leading a research group within the Department of Molecular Life Sciences and the URPP Adaptive Neural Circuits (AdaBD) . Her work bridges human genetics , zebrafish models , and iPSC-based cellular systems to unravel the molecular basis of monogenic developmental diseases affecting the brain, kidney, and retina . Current focus: Ciliopathies (e.g., Joubert Syndrome) and their multisystem manifestations Clinical practice: Genetic diagnosis/counseling for inherited retinal/renal diseases Research Highlights: Her group investigates primary cilia —cellular antennae regulating signaling and homeostasis—through: Zebrafish mutants modeling CNS and retinal defects iPSC-derived 2D/3D models to study neuronal/kidney pathomechanisms Proteomic approaches to define cell-type-specific ciliary composition The lab contributes to large-scale initiatives like the European PREDICT Consortium (genetic modifiers in ciliopathies) and PRAECLARE (variant interpretation assays). Scientific Awards: SNSF Ambizione Fellowship (2012): Established her research niche in ciliopathies SNSF Professorship Grant (2017): Enabled independent lab leadership Advising & Collaborations: Mentors PhD and Master’s students in cilia biology and translational genetics. Collaborates with international experts in retinal disease (Sophie Saunier, Paris), kidney disorders (Carsten Wagner, Zurich), and bioinformatics (Pedro Beltrao, ETH Zurich). Labs & Teams: Based at the University of Zurich Irchel Campus (Y13-K-48/Y13-K-03), her team includes postdocs (Markus Masek), PhD students (Ellen Aarts, Arianna Cuoco), and lab manager Claudia Hofmann . Projects span zebrafish genetics , human iPSC differentiation , and clinical-genetic correlations .
Prof. Dr. Christian von Mering is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Life Sciences at the University of Zurich, where he leads an active research group focusing on bioinformatics, systems biology, and microbial ecology. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations across multiple institutions and has established several widely used bioinformatics resources including the STRING database, eggNOG, and PaxDb. His research spans computational biology with a particular emphasis on protein-protein interaction networks, microbial community analysis, and genomic data integration. The von Mering group employs advanced computational methods to analyze large-scale biological datasets, with significant contributions to understanding microbial ecosystems, protein networks, and genomic evolution. Their work bridges theoretical computational approaches with experimental validation. The research output from von Mering's laboratory demonstrates consistent productivity across multiple domains, with recent publications showing particular strength in microbial ecology, protein interaction networks, and genomic resource development. The group's work on the STRING database represents one of their most significant and widely adopted contributions to the field of systems biology. As a research leader, von Mering supervises multiple postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and research associates. His group includes senior researchers like Dr. Damian Szklarczyk and Dr. Janko Tackmann, along with several postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates working on diverse projects within the lab's research scope.
Masaomi Hatakeyama is a Post-doctoral Researcher at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, and concurrently serves as an Informatics Specialist at the Functional Genomic Center Zurich (both since 2012). His research bridges computational methods and biological inquiry, focusing on genomics and evolutionary genetics. Research Focus: Dr. Hatakeyama develops bioinformatics tools and genomic analysis pipelines, with emphasis on: De novo genome assembly of polyploid species (e.g., finger millet) Transcriptomics and gene expression patterns in allopolyploids Population genetics analysis of hybrid crops Reproducible NGS data analysis frameworks (e.g., SUSHI software) Publication Trends: His recent work (2015–2017) demonstrates consistent focus on plant genomics, evolutionary genetics, and bioinformatics tool development. Key themes include polyploid genome evolution, self-incompatibility mechanisms, and scalable computational methods for genomics data. Professional Background: Post-doctoral roles at University of Zurich (2011–present) Industry experience as a web developer (ywesee GmbH, 2010–2012) Visiting Researcher at Toyota Central R&D Labs, Japan (2008–2009) No awards, grants, or student mentorship details are provided in the source material. Affiliations: He operates within evolutionary biology and bioinformatics research teams at the University of Zurich and the Functional Genomic Center Zurich, leveraging cross-institutional collaboration for genomic studies.
Silke Stertz is a Professor at the Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, and leads the Stertz Research Group. Her work focuses on molecular mechanisms of influenza virus entry into host cells, identifying entry factors as antiviral targets, and understanding zoonotic infections. Key Research Areas: Influenza virus-host interactions RNAi screening and proteomics Phospho-proteomics and transcriptomics The group investigates critical stages of influenza infection, aiming to develop novel antiviral strategies and address challenges in vaccine and drug resistance.
Alessia Guggisberg is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, where she serves as Herbarium Curator of Phanerograms (Z+ZT) at the Institute of Integrative Biology. With a PhD from the University of Zurich and postdoctoral experience at the University of British Columbia, she specializes in plant evolutionary biology and genomics. Her research integrates historical herbarium collections with modern genomic techniques to address fundamental questions in plant evolution and biodiversity. 2003-2008: PhD in Biology, Institute of Systematic Botany, University of Zurich, Switzerland 2001-2002: MSc in Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland 1997-2001: BSc in Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland Dr. Guggisberg's research focuses on plant evolutionary biology and genomics. Her current projects involve monitoring genetic changes through time and space in members of the genus Murbeckiella (Oreophytoneae - Brassicaceae). She is investigating the phylogeny of the genus using whole-genome sequence data and morphological trait analyses, reconstructing the phylogeography of M. pinnatifida across European mountain ranges, and conducting retrospective genomic monitoring of Swiss populations over the last two centuries. Additionally, she leads several digitization projects at the United Herbaria Z+ZT, including the inventory of the diatom collection of Friederich Meister and the digitization of Gentianaceae holdings. Her work bridges historical botanical collections with modern genomic techniques to address evolutionary questions related to plant adaptation and biodiversity. Dr. Guggisberg's publication record demonstrates a consistent research trajectory spanning plant systematics, evolutionary genomics, and herbarium science. Her early work focused on polyploid complexes and biogeographic patterns in Primula , while later research shifted toward genomic analyses of Arabidopsis and invasive species like Canada thistle. More recently, her publications highlight her growing expertise in herbarium digitization and the application of historical collections to contemporary evolutionary questions. A notable trend is the increasing integration of genomic techniques with traditional botanical methods, reflecting the evolving nature of plant evolutionary research. Dr. Guggisberg has secured multiple SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation) fellowships, including an SNSF Early Postdoc Mobility Fellowship and an SNSF Advanced Postdoc Mobility Fellowship, demonstrating recognition of her research potential by a major funding agency. She has also received funding from the ETH Library for multiple digitization projects at the United Herbaria Z+ZT. Dr. Guggisberg has been involved in mentoring students and researchers through her various academic positions. Her grant history includes SNSF fellowships that supported her postdoctoral work at the University of British Columbia. More recently, she has secured funding from the ETH Library for multiple digitization projects at the United Herbaria Z+ZT, including the inventory of the diatom collection of Friederich Meister and the digitization of Gentianaceae holdings. She also coordinates sampling for a 3-year pilot study monitoring genetic diversity of plant, fungal, and animal species in Switzerland. Dr. Guggisberg works within the Professur für Ökologische Pflanzengenetik (Chair of Ecological Plant Genetics) at ETH Zürich. She serves as Herbarium Curator of Phanerograms at the United Herbaria Z+ZT. She collaborates with several research groups from the University of Zurich, the University of Basel, the University of Heidelberg, and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center. Her work also involves coordinating with the ETH Library on digitization projects and collaborating with citizen science initiatives like www.floravs.ch.
Professor Peter Scheiffele, based at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, is a leading neuroscientist and molecular biologist. His research focuses on neuronal network formation, synaptic specificity, and the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, using transgenic mouse models and advanced molecular techniques. He has held his current professorship since 2008 and previously served as Assistant Professor at Columbia University (2001-2008). Education: PhD in Biochemistry (1998, EMBL Heidelberg), Postdoctoral Fellowships at UC Berkeley/UCSF (1999-2001). Research Highlights: Investigating synaptic mechanisms in autism, RNA splicing regulation in neuronal circuits, and signaling pathways controlling excitation-inhibition balance. His work bridges basic neuroscience and translational studies for neurodevelopmental disease therapies. Scientific Awards: SNSF Advanced Grant (2020) Robert Bing Prize (2014) Simons Foundation Young Investigator Award (2005) Human Frontiers Science Program Fellowship (1999) He co-founded the spin-off Translation-X (2022) to develop novel therapeutics. His lab employs interdisciplinary approaches including molecular biology, electrophysiology, and computational analysis of neuronal transcriptomes.
Prof. Dr. Alex Schier is a Swiss/US scientist and Director of the Biozentrum, University of Basel , where he leads research on vertebrate development and sleep regulation . He previously served as the Leo Erikson Life Sciences Professor and Chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University (2005–2019) and held academic roles at NYU School of Medicine (1996–2005). Research Focus: Embryonic development, sleep/wakefulness mechanisms, single-cell lineage tracing, and Nodal signaling in morphogenesis. Methods: Genetic, genomic, biophysical, and microscopic approaches in zebrafish and mice. Scientific Leadership: He is a member of EMBO, served on editorial boards (Science, Developmental Cell), and directed the Allan Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing . Recent awards include an ERC Advanced Grant (2020–2024) and NIH MERIT/Pioneer Awards. Publications highlight advances in single-cell technologies , sleep-related neuropeptides , and evolutionary developmental biology . His lab collaborates on projects like brain-wide transcriptomics and optogenetic signaling control .
Prof. Dr. Mihaela Zavolan is a Professor in Computational Biology/Genomics at the Biozentrum, University of Basel since 2014, where she leads her research group investigating gene expression regulation. She is also a group leader at the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics since 2003, combining computational approaches with biological insights to understand RNA processing and protein synthesis mechanisms. Dr. Zavolan earned her MD from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, Romania (1992), followed by an M.Sc. (1996) and PhD (1999) in Computer Science from the University of New Mexico. Her interdisciplinary background bridges medicine, computer science, and molecular biology, enabling her unique approach to systems biology problems. Her research focuses on understanding how gene expression is regulated during stem cell differentiation, aging, and cancer development. Using a systems biology approach, her lab develops and applies computational methods to measure RNA, protein, and variant amounts across different cell types. They investigate mRNA variants and protein synthesis adaptation under various conditions, with particular interest in identifying cell-type specific biomarkers for age-related diseases and cancer. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on RNA processing mechanisms, particularly polyadenylation, translation dynamics, and the development of computational tools for RNA-seq analysis. Her work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms to cancer applications, with increasing emphasis on single-cell technologies and multi-omics integration in recent years. Fellow of the International Society for Computational Biology (2024) Elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) (2015) Appointed member of the Academia Europaea (2014) Scientific Advisory Committee, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) (since 2018) As an editorial board member for journals including PLOS Genetics, Cells, Bioinformatics, RNA, and Genome Biology, Dr. Zavolan actively contributes to the scientific community. Her lab at the Biozentrum develops computational methods to measure RNA and protein variants across tissues and cell types, using computer models to identify regulatory signals and factors. The Zavolan Lab maintains strong collaborations with the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and participates in major research networks including the NCCR RNA & Disease.
Professor Stefan Dudli is a leading researcher at the Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Department of Rheumatology. He heads the Dudli Lab, a growing satellite research group located at the Balgrist Campus, where his team focuses on the pathophysiology of rheumatic disorders and novel therapeutic development. His work bridges rheumatology and orthopedics with a particular emphasis on spinal conditions and pain mechanisms. Professor Dudli's research spans multiple interconnected domains centered on spinal pathology. His primary focus is on Modic changes - vertebral bone marrow lesions associated with idiopathic low back pain. His lab has demonstrated that these changes represent inflammatory and fibrotic alterations in bone marrow where the adjacent degenerated intervertebral disc plays a critical role. His research has established animal and in vitro models showing dual etiologies: disc infection and autoimmune responses against disc material can both trigger Modic changes. A secondary major research focus is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), particularly investigating the epidermal communication between neuronal and non-neuronal cells in CRPS skin to understand precise pathogenesis. Analysis of Professor Dudli's recent publications reveals a strong translational research trajectory moving from basic pathophysiological understanding toward therapeutic development. His work shows increasing sophistication in methodology, incorporating advanced techniques like transcriptomic profiling, flow cytometry screening, and biomechanical modeling. The research demonstrates particular strength in bridging basic science with clinical applications, especially in developing targeted treatments for Modic changes and understanding biological subgroups in CRPS. Professor Dudli leads a multidisciplinary research team focused on spinal pathology and pain mechanisms. The Dudli Lab employs diverse technical expertise including primary cell isolation from multiple tissues (bone marrow, intervertebral discs, synovium, skin), advanced cell culture models, and comprehensive cellular characterization techniques. His research benefits from close clinical partnerships that enable translation of basic discoveries into potential therapies for painful spinal conditions.
Enni Markkanen is a full Professor of Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology at the Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich. Her research bridges comparative oncology and molecular pathology through translational studies across human, canine, and feline cancer models. Focus on cancer-associated stroma mechanisms Development of cross-species sarcoma models Expertise in laser-capture microdissection and omics analysis Key research themes include: Comparative Oncology: Leveraging natural cancers in pets to understand human tumor biology. Stromal Reprogramming: Mechanistic analysis of cancer-stroma interactions using RNAseq and proteomics. DNA Damage Response: Investigating BER pathway deficiencies in genetic instability and neuropsychiatric conditions. Recent publications demonstrate cross-disciplinary impact through: Proteomic characterization of canine fibrosarcoma Identification of conserved stromal disease drivers Development of fluorescence-guided surgical tools Molecular mapping of stress response activation Her work has produced 15 recent publications (2021-2025) spanning Nature Communications , Neoplasia , and Cancers , focusing on: Single-species and cross-species tumor comparison Stromal reprogramming mechanisms DNA damage response pathways Translational imaging and therapeutic strategies
Prof. Dr. Franz E. Weber serves as an Associate Professor in Oral Biotechnology and Bioengineering at the Center for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich. His research laboratory focuses on innovative approaches to bone regeneration, particularly addressing large bone defects in the head region. With expertise spanning biomaterials science, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, Weber leads a research group dedicated to developing novel therapeutic strategies for cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction. Dr. Weber's research interests center on the healing of large bone defects in the head region through the development of growth factors, synthetic bone substitute materials, and biomimetic materials including fibrin gels, platelet rich plasma, synthetic hydrogels, and HA/TCP based materials. His laboratory has pioneered work on delivery systems for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), with particular focus on identifying enhancers of these growth factors. Recent work involves osteoconduction research to determine optimal microarchitecture of 3D scaffolds for bone ingrowth, utilizing both titanium powder laser sintering and calcium phosphate based scaffolds produced through lithography-based additive manufacturing. His research bridges the gap between materials science and clinical applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Analysis of Weber's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of additive manufacturing and bone biology, with particular emphasis on how microarchitectural design influences osteoconduction. His work spans from fundamental research on scaffold design principles to preclinical validation in animal models. A significant thread throughout his research involves epigenetic regulation of bone formation, particularly through bromodomain inhibitors like N-methyl pyrrolidone and N,N-dimethylacetamide. His laboratory has made important contributions to understanding how scaffold geometry, material composition, and growth factor delivery systems interact to optimize bone regeneration outcomes. As principal investigator, Weber leads a multidisciplinary research team within the Oral Biotechnology and Bioengineering laboratory at the University of Zurich's Center for Dental Medicine. The laboratory maintains specialized capabilities in biomaterials fabrication, including additive manufacturing for patient-specific scaffolds, as well as comprehensive in vitro and in vivo testing facilities for evaluating bone regeneration strategies. Current projects focus on mineralized exosome therapies, advanced ceramic scaffolds, and novel delivery systems for growth factors and epigenetic modulators, positioning the laboratory at the forefront of translational research in craniofacial bone regeneration.
Dr. Elena Wernicke von Siebenthal is a Researcher at Bern University of Applied Sciences, working within the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, Department of Agronomy. She serves as Head of the Aquaforum Animal Testing Facility, leading research in sustainable aquaculture solutions. Her research focuses on critical areas in modern aquaculture including fish health, fish welfare, sustainable nutrition, and the legal foundations of aquaculture in Switzerland. Dr. Wernicke von Siebenthal has developed expertise in finding alternatives to traditional fishmeal through innovative approaches using insect meal and poultry by-products, particularly for European perch production. Analysis of her recent publications shows a strong emphasis on sustainable aquaculture practices, physiological responses of fish to environmental stressors, and the development of welfare assessment tools. Her work bridges practical aquaculture challenges with scientific research to address food security concerns in a landlocked country. Swiss delegate at the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers Member of Schweizer Aquakultur Verband ASA-SAV Member of European Aquaculture Society (EAS) Member of Innovations Gruppe Aquakultur - Swiss Food Research Member of European Percid Fish Culture Thematic Group Dr. Wernicke von Siebenthal actively supervises students at multiple levels, guiding research on perch feeding experiments, growth with alternative feeds, and health assessment. She teaches across various programs including Bachelor's degrees, Certificate of Advanced Studies in Aquaculture, and Sustainable Nutrition courses, covering legal foundations, animal welfare, food safety, and health management in aquaculture. She leads the Aquaforum research facility, which serves as a hub for aquaculture experimentation and innovation, focusing on developing sustainable practices for fish production in Switzerland despite the country's landlocked geography.
Emi Nagoshi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics and Evolution at the University of Geneva. Her research laboratory investigates behavioral neuroscience, with a focus on circadian rhythms and Parkinson's disease mechanisms using Drosophila models. She explores molecular clock dynamics, neural circuit organization, and the genetic basis of dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Research Interests: Dr. Nagoshi's work spans two primary domains: (1) Circadian Neuroscience , examining molecular feedback loops in pacemaker neurons, neuro-glial interactions, and the evolution of circadian plasticity; and (2) Neurodegeneration , focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and transcription factors (e.g., Fer2, dFOXO) in Parkinson's disease models. Her lab employs live imaging, transcriptomics, and genetic screens to dissect these processes. Publication Trends (2018-2025): Recent articles reveal a cohesive focus on neurodegeneration-circadian interplay, with 60% of publications addressing Parkinson's mechanisms and 40% exploring circadian circuit dynamics. Key themes include mitochondrial integrity in dopaminergic neurons, neuroprotective transcription factors, and Drosophila as a model for human disease. Methodologically, studies emphasize genetic tools (e.g., split-GAL4), fluorescence imaging, and cross-species comparative biology. Laboratory & Teams: Dr. Nagoshi leads a collaborative group with expertise in neurogenetics and molecular biology. Notable co-authors include Robert Maeda (Associate Scientist) and researchers specializing in mitochondrial biology (e.g., Majcin Dorcikova) and circadian imaging (e.g., V. Sabado). The team utilizes Drosophila and mouse models to validate conserved pathways in neurodegeneration.
Dr. Marco La Fortezza is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zürich. His research investigates the effects of selective pressures on social traits in developmental evolution, primarily using Myxococcus xanthus as a model organism. Techniques range from microscopy to sequencing to analyze phenotypic and molecular mechanisms. Education: PhD in Developmental and Cellular Biology, LMU München (2011-2017) MSc in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Sapienza University of Rome (2009-2011) BSc in Biology, Sapienza University of Rome (2006-2009) Research Focus: Evolutionary developmental biology in microbial systems, including social selection in bacterial multicellularity, phenotypic plasticity, and latent evolutionary adaptations. Current work examines how ecological factors influence developmental evolution without direct selection pressure. Publication Trends: Recent work (2021-present) focuses on evolutionary mechanisms in bacterial multicellular development, while earlier publications (2015-2018) emphasize Drosophila genetics, epigenetics, and stress response pathways. Professional Experience: Postdoctoral fellow at ETH Zürich (2017-present) Short-term postdoc at LMU München (2017)
