Appointments at the EPFL School of Life Sciences

Melody Swartz, currently Associate Professor at the EPFL School of Life Sciences, has been appointed as Full Professor of Bioengineering Science. Melody Swartz is an internationally highly regarded researcher in the field of cancer research. Her multidisciplinary research approach combines cell biology, biochemistry and physiology with bioinformatics and engineering sciences. A scientific milestone was constituted by Melody Swartz`s evidence of how cancer cells spread in the lymphatic system at the onset of metastasis. Swartz was awarded an ERC Starting Grant 2008.

Kristina Schoonjans, currently Senior Scientist at the EPFL School of Life Sciences, appointed as Adjunct Professor at the School of Life Sciences; she is an internationally acclaimed biologist and a pioneer in metabolism research. Kristina Schoonjans was crucially involved in the exploration of the protein TGR5, which influences the body’s energy consumption and regulates the secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1, the hormone that is important for the regulation of the blood glucose level. This discovery ushered in a new era in the combined treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. She is undertaking her research works in the group of Johan Auwerx.