Meet virologist Anita Meier working on gene therapies

Source: https://bsse.ethz.ch/news-and-events/d-bsse-news/2025/12/meet-virologist-anita-meier-working-on-gene-therapies.html Parent: https://bsse.ethz.ch/news-and-events/d-bsse-news.html?AUTHOR=Q2Fyb2xpbiBBcm5kdCBGb3BwYQ&path=L2NvbnRlbnQvc3BlY2lhbGludGVyZXN0L2Jzc2UvZGVwYXJ0bWVudC9lbi9uZXdzLWFuZC1ldmVudHMvamNyOmNvbnRlbnQvcGFyL25ld3NmZWVkXzQzMTg

The Swiss biologist was always fascinated by viruses. As a postdoctoral researcher at D-BSSE she will work on advancing bioengineering technologies to tackle some problems in gene therapy. During her previous years in London, Anita "really missed having access to nature”, which she is looking forward to enjoying again in the future.

(pascale-weber.com)

What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what wasyour motivation to come to ETH Zurich?

Science is great and working as a scientist has always been what I wanted to do. We get to choose our field, develop ideas and test them in very creative ways. It’s exciting to do research and working with amazing scientists is even better. I found that the most satisfying way to do science is to work in the best labs with talented people and this is why I’m at ETH. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of science.

What were your expectations, and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?

Since ETH Zurich is one of the top universities worldwide, I expected a very high standard in research and infrastructure. I’ve also expected a fast-paced and innovative research environment. My expectations were met, and I am enjoying the inspiring work culture. As for Basel, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like the city. There is a silly rivalry between Zurich and Basel and generally people from Zurich can be a bit snobbish about that. That’s why I was never really encouraged to explore Basel beforehand. However, the very few times I’ve come to Basel before joining the D-BSSE left a good impression, and it didn’t stop me from joining the institute. I love walking through the old town and admiring the historical buildings. I also appreciate being so close to the river, which lends itself for a nice stroll when I need to clear my head.

What were your first impression...?

When I came to the D-BSSE for my interview, I noticed the striking architecture of the building, which made me feel welcome and invited. I really like the light-flooded atrium. My new lab mates also made me feel very welcome, and I felt comfortable from day one.

Which research will you pursue at D-BSSE?

I will use bioengineering to tackle current problems in gene therapy.

Which hobbies or private interests do you hope to pursue inSwitzerland?

When I lived in London, the one thing that I really missed was the access to nature. I love swimming in the Swiss lakes and hiking in the beautiful mountainous landscapes this country has to offer. Skiing, hiking and outdoor swimming is what I want to do more often after moving here.

\ Many thanks, Anita, welcome to the D-BSSE and all the very best to you and your research!

Anita grew up in Zurich and studied biology at the University of Zurich. Being always fascinated by viruses, Anita chose to pursue a career as a virologist. After a master thesis in rotavirus vaccine development, she joined the lab of Prof. Cornel Fraefel, also at the University of Zurich to do her PhD working on adeno-associated virus vectors. These vectors are important in gene therapy and are successfully used in the clinics. During her PhD she spent one year at\ King’s College London, for which she had received the Doc.Mobility Fellowship from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). After her PhD, Anita moved to London to join the single-molecule imaging lab of Prof. David Rueda at Imperial College London. There, she delved into biophysics and learned exciting single-molecule methods to study herpesvirus genome replication. For her postdoc project at Imperial, she has received the Marie-Curie Fellowship from the European Research Council as well as the Postdoc.Mobility fellowship from the SNSF. Anita is now back in Switzerland, excited to pursue a new project in the Fussenegger lab and learn how to use fundamental science in applied research.