EPFL to partner with new Ludwig Cancer Research Center in Lausanne

Ludwig Cancer Research is an international collaborative network of acclaimed scientists that has pioneered cancer research and landmark discovery for more than 40 years. It combines basic science and translational medicine with clinical trials to accelerate the development of new cancer diagnostics and therapies.

Ludwig Cancer Research announced today that it is opening a new branch in Lausanne, mainly focusing applied on cancer immunology and the design of novel molecular and cell-based immunotherapies. The Lausanne branch will also develop the technologies to enable the efficient and safe application of those therapies to as many patients as possible. Ludwig Lausanne will be based at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV).

EPFL’s Swiss Institute For Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC) will support Ludwig Lausanne’s scientific efforts by partnering with UNIL and CHUV to form the Swiss Cancer Centre of Lausanne (SCCL), set to begin in 2017. Established in 1964, ISREC is now integrated into EPFL’s School of Life Sciences.

Currently led by Professor Douglas Hanahan, ISREC conducts world-class research into the mechanisms that regulate cell proliferation, especially in the context of embryogenesis and organogenesis. Its mission is “to select and support translational cancer research projects and so to help the transfer of knowledge and collaboration between fundamental research and clinical research. The goal of these innovative projects is to translate discoveries into results and to have a positive impact on the future treatment of human cancer.”

EPFL’s Institute of Bioengineering, directed by Professor Matthias Lutolf, will also contribute significant expertise and effort via a growing investment in the exciting new field of immuno-engineering.