News & Events

Founded as an ETH Zurich spin-off in 2016, MaxWell Biosystems has grown into a global company bringing advanced electrophysiology technology from academic research into laboratories worldwide, helping scientists study how neurons and other electrically active cells function, communicate, and respond to disease and treatment.

Modern drug discovery relies heavily on modifying existing chemical structures to quickly create new potential medicines, a process that usually requires time-consuming and expensive laboratory testing. To overcome this bottleneck, scientists at D-BSSE and Roche jointly developed a smart, automated approach that combines artificial intelligence (AI) with laboratory experiments to reliably predict chemical reactions much faster and with fewer trial-and-error tests.

On 23 and 24 September, upon application of Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed five new professors and promoted three, amongst them: Konrad Tiefenbacher, D-BSSE faculty member and associated professor at both ETH Zurich and University of Basel. Congratulations on your promotion to Full Professor!

From biotech and engineering to the latest work in physics – many scientific breakthroughs start life in the clean room. ETH researchers enjoy access to top-notch facilities in Basel and Zurich.

On 17 September, D-BSSE launches Well-BSSE-ing, a year-long programme promoting physical and mental wellbeing. D-BSSE members can explore a year of talks, workshops, activities and shared experiences that support wellbeing, strengthen connections and foster a culture where everyone can thrive, both professionally and personally. 

Fascinated by the evolution of immune repertoires, the chemical biologist from the San Francisco Bay Area, USA, joined D-BSSE for its world-class research environment and thriving biotech ecosystem. So far, the science has impressed him – and so has summer in Basel.

On 14 September, we were delighted to welcome 83 new Master students  to D-BSSE: 45 joining our Biotechnology programme and 38 starting Computational Biology & Bioinformatics. We wish you a fantastic start and a rewarding time at D-BSSE!

On 24 November, 6:15 pm, the Bio Engineering Lab led by Andreas Hierlemann and the Cleanroom Facility Basel are inviting the public to a 1-hour guided tour to gain an insight into the fascinating world of micro- and nanotechnology manufacturing and applications in biomedical research (tour in German; please register).

For the past two years, Sylke Poehling has been enrolled at the department as our first Professor of Practice. Sylke is an experienced leader in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, with over 25 years of experience. She currently serves in senior leadership roles at Roche, including heading therapeutic modalities and gene therapy. In this interview, she talks about her role as a bridge builder between academia and industry.