Warm congratulations to our professors

Matthias Lutolf appointed SV Associate Professor (Bioengineering Institute)
Matthias Lutolf is an internationally recognized expert in the engineering of artificial environments to study and influence the behavior of stem cells. His main contributions are described in publications on the conjugation between bioactive molecules and hydrogels, a material that enables three-dimensional cell culture. This technology makes it possible to create true artificial stem cell niches. In his recent work, Matthias Lütolf has shown the feasibility of usinscreening to establish, molecule by molecule, the conditions necessary to differentiate stem cells of different origins in corresponding tissues. His work has enormous potential in the field of tissue regeneration.

Nicola Harris named SV Associate Professor (Global Health Institute)
The objective of Nicola Harris’ research is to discern how the immune system recognizes different classes of pathogens and how these pathogens modify the cellular immunological machinery of the host. Her particular focus is on intestinal pathogens called helminths. Among many important results, her major contributions concern the role of different forms of antibodies produced by the host in the immunity against gastrointestinal worms. Nicola Harris is a pioneer in research on interactions between helminths and the microbial flora of the intestines. Through her research and teaching, she provides valuable support to the Global Health Institute.

Carl Petersen appointed SV Full Professor (Braind Mind Institute)
Carl Petersen conducts research on key topics in the neurosciences and is acknowledged to be one of the leading scientists in his field. For example, he investigates how neuronal networks initiate signals in the brain and how these signals are perceived, interpreted and implemented by the individual. Carl Petersen uses the latest electrophysiological and chromophoric techniques in his research. He is strongly committed to teaching. He has become a leading expert in the field of in vivo research on neural networks in the cerebral cortex, as well as in state-of-the-art imaging techniques that allow researchers to study dynamic behavior of the networks at the cellular level.