ETH Zurich Opens New High-Tech Research Facility in Basel, Strengthening Life Sciences Collaboration

ETH Zurich Opens New High-Tech Research Facility in Basel, Strengthening Life Sciences Collaboration

(IN BRIEF) ETH Zurich has opened a new research facility on Basel’s Schällemätteli life science campus, housing the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering. The state-of-the-art building is designed to foster collaboration and innovation in experimental biology, bioinformatics, and bioengineering. The facility’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure will accelerate medical research and strengthen partnerships with local academic and industrial institutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZURICH, 17-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — ETH Zurich has officially opened its new cutting-edge teaching and research building on the Schällemätteli life science campus in Basel. This architectural marvel will serve as the new home for the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (BSS), bringing together researchers from experimental biology, bioinformatics, and bioengineering to collaborate on groundbreaking medical solutions.

The newly inaugurated facility is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, with its transparent facade and open interior spaces reflecting the ethos of scientific exchange and innovation. The building’s strategic location in Basel, Europe’s life science capital, positions ETH Zurich at the heart of a thriving ecosystem of academic and industrial partners, including the University of Basel, University Hospital Basel, and leading pharmaceutical companies.

A Vision for Collaborative Innovation

The BSS department, which was established in Basel in 2007, has grown into a hub of cutting-edge research, with 19 professors, 180 doctoral students, and around 340 staff members now housed under one roof. The new facility not only enhances the department’s capacity for innovation but also strengthens its ties with local industry and academic institutions, advancing ETH Zurich’s strategic focus on health, medicine, and data science.

“We are excited to see our vision come to life in this new building, which embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation,” said Sven Panke, Head of the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering. “This facility will accelerate our ability to translate biological research into practical medical applications, ultimately benefiting patients and society.”

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

The five-sided building, designed by Munich-based architects Nickl & Partner, is equipped with cutting-edge research infrastructure, including a clean room and a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility. These advanced resources enable researchers to develop and produce therapeutic substances, such as reprogrammed cells, under stringent conditions suitable for clinical trials and human applications.

The building also acts as a vital link between the city of Basel and the Schällemätteli campus, offering a central courtyard that invites interaction among students, researchers, and visitors. The proximity to key partners like the University of Basel and the pharmaceutical industry is expected to drive further collaboration and innovation in personalized, data-driven medicine.

Advancing Medical Research

ETH Zurich’s new facility is already making strides in medical research. Collaborations with University Hospital Basel are uncovering the origins of bladder cancer, while joint efforts with the University of Basel are leading to the development of bacteria that can monitor intestinal health. These projects, among others, demonstrate the potential of the new facility to drive significant advancements in healthcare.

The BSS department is also working closely with the Roche Institute of Human Biology on personalized treatment methods for pancreatic cancer, as well as launching a joint research and education program with Roche to train the next generation of scientists.

A Future-Forward Commitment

The opening of this new building underscores ETH Zurich’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of science and technology. By providing a state-of-the-art environment for research and education, ETH is poised to make significant contributions to the fields of biosystems science and engineering, ultimately transforming the future of healthcare.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Telephone +41 44 632 41 41, mediarelations@hk.ethz.ch

SOURCE: ETH Zurich