D-BSSE Retreat 2025: A Day of science, insight, and connection
Source: https://bsse.ethz.ch/news-and-events/d-bsse-news/2025/09/d-bsse-retreat-2025-a-day-of-science-insight-and-connection.html Parent: https://bsse.ethz.ch/news-and-events/d-bsse-news.html?AUTHOR=Q2Fyb2xpbiBBcm5kdCBGb3BwYQ&path=L2NvbnRlbnQvc3BlY2lhbGludGVyZXN0L2Jzc2UvZGVwYXJ0bWVudC9lbi9uZXdzLWFuZC1ldmVudHMvamNyOmNvbnRlbnQvcGFyL25ld3NmZWVkXzQzMTg
On 11 September 2025, the D-BSSE came together for a full-day retreat at the Main Campus Convention Center (MC3) in Allschwil. With 240 participants and a waiting list due to space limitations, the event brought together D-BSSE staff members from across disciplines for a packed programme of scientific exchange, institutional updates, and future-focused discussions.
The retreat kicked off with a warm welcome and introduction by Sven Panke, the Head of Department, setting the tone for a day centred on interdisciplinary dialogue, collaborative spirit and forward-looking perspectives. He recognised the enthusiasm and efforts of every D-BSSE member, acknowledging their significant contribution to the department's ongoing success. He also acknowledged the D-BSSE initiatives that play a key role in enrichingthe academic and social life of D-BSSE and its partners in Basel.
Tandem Science Talks showcased the power of collaboration across D-BSSE labs:
- Andreas Moor and Basile Wicky explored the translational pipeline from cancer target discovery to rational inhibitor design.
- Dagmar Iber and Daniel Müllerpresented their work on systems mechanobiology, spanning molecular to organ-level development.
The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) was introduced through a keynote by CEO Steve Wilson, with additional insights from Derek Mason, Director of Research Operations, and the first two faculty members Chase Beisel, and Berend Snijder, highlighting BIIE’s mission, research operations, and scientific vision.\ Since its launch in 2024, BIIE is ramping up research and operational activities at incredible pace. With D-BSSE as significant strategic partner, the institute\ will advance scientific innovation and translational research with the aim to\ improve health outcomes for children and young people worldwide. Extending beyond the D-BSSE hosting the BIIE, this close partnership will also facilitate joint research projects, academic programmes, shared infrastructure, and personnel exchanges that strengthen both institution's capabilities in immune engineering research. In 2027, BIIE will move into its new home in Allschwil.
Poster sessions
Participants had the opportunity to engage with current research during the poster session, or alternatively, join a guided tour of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH).
A jury identified the poster prize winners, judging the poster's visual appearance, clarity in strcuture, message and content, as well as the poster’s crispiness. Congratulations to the following poster prize winners:
- Lisa Nechyporenko: Illuminating the spatial size of secondary TNFα failure in Crohn’s disease
- Johannes Gawron: Do opposites attract? Clonal diversity in circular tumor cells
- Nadezhda (Nadya) Azbukina: Perturbation screens reveal a spectrum of culture-specific signal transduction response in human organoids.
The Audience Prize went to Wiona Glänzer, reflecting broad appreciation from attendees for her contribution.
The afternoon featured keynotes that addressed theintersection of science and society:
- Emma Hodcroft (Swiss TPH) shared reflections on the science-policy interface during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A trio of researchers – our most recent additions to D-BSSE faculty Na Cai, Michael Moor, and Basile Wicky – discussed the growing role of AI in unlocking biomedical advances.
The day concluded with an exciting forward-looking session featuring:
- Sven Panke on the future financing of science,
- Daniel Müller introducing ETM –Engineering Translational Medicine initiative, and it portfolio of collaborative opportunities in research, education and entrepreneurship,
- Tanja Stadler, the current Deputy Head of Department, outlining what lies ahead for D-BSSE.
The D-BSSE Retreat 2025 was a powerful reminder of the department’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and future-oriented science. With its vibrant discussions, new connections, and shared sense of purpose, the event inspired participants to continue playing a small yet significant role in impactful scientific endeavours.