Thanks to its great combination of academic excellence and a liberal economy, Zurich is one of the leading life science centers in Europe.

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2 Thanks to its great combination of academic excellence and a liberal economy, Zurich is one of the leading life science centers in Europe. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, ETH Zurich, is the top ranked university in continental Europe. The University of Zurich with its University Hospital belongs to the top 5 European universities in biomedical science. Synergies between the two institutions abound, greatly advanced by physical vicinity and complementary research as well as by joint MSc and PhD programs. Distinguished academic quality, high profile education programs and the above-average quality of life render Zurich not only very competitive in the global market for talent at student and professorial, but increasingly at the entrepreneurial level too. Aided by the proximity to top pharmaceutical companies such as Roche and Novartis and to the strong financial sector in Zurich, outstanding academic achievements in the biomedical sciences serve as a motor for innovation in the biotech and medtech sector. Joint activities of universities and private companies provide favorable conditions for young start-up companies. Benefits such as preferred rental space at the university s labs during the first years and the availability of biotechnology clusters and business incubators in and around Zurich are a matter of course. The synergies between the two academic institutions have now been taken one step further. In 2011, the Life Science Zurich Business Network was officially founded as an independent association with members from industry, economic development, business clusters and technology transfer. By guaranteeing to further stimulate and facilitate knowledge and technology transfer between different educational institutions and the private sector, Life Science Zurich will continue to attract first class researchers as well as foreign life science companies to Zurich where they will contribute to our scientific talent pool and access and enrich technology. Life Science Zurich Prof. Ulrike Kutay, ETH Zurich Prof. Lukas Keller, University of Zurich 3

3 Table of Contents Life Science Zurich (LSZ) 7 Academic Institutions 9 ETH Zurich (ETH) 10 University of Zurich (UZH) 11 University Hospital Zurich (USZ) 12 Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) 13 Scientific (Competence) Centers 15 Cancer Network Zurich (CNZ) 16 Competence Center for Systems Physiology and Metabolic 17 Diseases (CC-SPMD) Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ) 18 International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center 19 (INAPIC) Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ) 20 Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM) 21 SystemsX 22 Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center (PSC) 23 Zurich Center for Imaging Science and Technology (CIMST) 24 Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP) 25 Technology Transfer 27 ETH transfer 28 Unitectra 29 Industry, Business and Financing 31 Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich 32 Business and Economic Development in the Zurich Area 33 grow Waedenswil 34 Toolpoint 35 Life Science Companies in the Zurich Area 37 Corporate Companies 38 Spin-offs 39 Swiss Life Sciences Database 40 Related Partner Institutions 43 CTI (Commission for Technology and Innovation) 44 Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science 44 and Technology) Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science 44 and Technology) glatec and tebo 44 Hochschulmedizin Zürich 44 PSI (Paul Scherrer Institute) 44 SBA (Swiss Biotech Association) 45 SECA (Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Association) 45 SIX Swiss Exchange 45 TECHNOPARK Alliance 45 Image documentation 46 5

4 Life Science Zurich (LSZ) Life Science Zurich is an academic joint venture initiated by the University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich to promote Zurich as an international centre for cutting-edge research, first class education and economic innovation in the field of the life sciences. Life Science Zurich establishes cooperation networks that bring together the major stakeholders in academia, industry and the public sector. LSZ supports a strong and modern life science curriculum in primary and secondary education. LSZ aims to offer one of the best doctoral schools worldwide in the field of the life sciences and to prepare young researchers to develop into tomorrow s leaders in life science research, industry and society. In addition, LSZ stimulates dialogue between academia, the broad public and the industry and creates an atmosphere of mutual understanding, respect and trust. Life Science Zurich seeks an exchange of ideas. Its activities, from research to communication, are not only a contribution towards a strong life science community, but also a contribution towards an open, internationally attractive, and lively Zurich. LSZ communication & events Connects the life science research at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich and communicates the importance and impact of this research to the broad public and the industry LSZ graduate school Offers a comprehensive and challenging PhD education that allows students to develop into tomorrow s leaders in life science research LSZ learning center Promotes knowledge transfer from ongoing research to schools LSZ young scientist network Strives to reduce the existing gap between academic research and the life science industry Contact Dr. Isabel Klusman c/o University of Zurich Winterthurerstr Zurich info@lifescience.uzh.ch LSZ business network This independent association with representatives from industry, economic development, business clusters and technology transfer supports and stimulates collaborations between life science institutions in the Zurich area and companies and organizations abroad Life Science Zurich 7

5 Academic Institutions The University of Zurich and ETH Zurich are the initiators of Life Science Zurich, which was founded in Apart from the UZH and the ETH Zurich, the University Hospital Zurich and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) are important academic institutions supportive of LSZ. Academic Institutions 9

6 ETH Zurich ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, is a leading global natural science and engineering university with a strong focus on life sciences. ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich closely collaborate in many areas of life science research and education programs. These combined efforts constitute the Life Science Zurich initiative. The pre-eminent stature of ETH Zurich as an international cutting-edge research institute is exemplified by no less than twenty-one Nobel Prize winners among its ranks. The strong focus on life sciences is reflected in two outstanding Nobel Laureates: Werner Arber, 1978, honored for the discovery of restriction enzymes and their application to problems of molecular genetics, and Kurt Wüthrich, 2002, for the development of NMR spectroscopy for determining 3D-structures of biological macromolecules. ETH Zurich is proud of its very international environment with more than 25% international students and about 70% international professors. ETH Zurich is particularly conducive to topnotch research, clustered in platforms for converging disciplines like nanotechnology, materials science, energy, bioengineering and others. Life Science Zurich is a result of this spirit. Life Science Zurich is an initiative of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich to closely collaborate in numerous life science research and education programs. Prominent examples of Swiss excellence in life sciences are SystemsX, Systems Physiology and Metabolic Diseases, and the Neuroscience Center Zurich. Contact ETH Zurich Rämistrasse Zurich Key Competences ETH Zurich is a leading global natural science and engineering university with a particularly strong focus on life sciences Life Science Zurich is an initiative of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich to collaborate in life science research and education Life Science competence centers: SystemsX, Systems Physiology and Metabolic Diseases, Neuroscience Center Zurich, Cancer Network, Functional Genomics, Structural Biology, Plant Science Center and Imaging Center Top level research at ETH Zurich is clustered in interdisciplinary platforms: Micro- and Nano Science Platform, Material Research Center, Energy Science Center, BioEngineering Cluster, and others 10 Academic Institutions

7 University of Zurich The University of Zurich has attained international recognition for its academic excellence. It belongs to the top-ranked universities in the German-speaking world, and is the largest, academically most diverse institute of higher education in. The University of Zurich is s largest university with seven faculties and a current enrollment of over students. More than highly qualified members of the teaching staff, including some 530 professors, teach and conduct research at one of the 150 university institutes. The University of Zurich has achieved international renown in the fields of medicine, immunology, neuroscience, structural biology and economics. It is proud to be Leading House in six National Centers of Competence in Research, with three projects in the field of life sciences, one in public finance, and two further projects in the arts and social sciences. Over the years, the Nobel Prize has been conferred upon twelve UZH scholars, including Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, the recipient of the first Nobel Prize in Physics. The University of Zurich has earned international distinction through outstanding research work and research-based teaching. This renown is highlighted by the University s membership in the League of European Research Universities, an association of Europe s most prestigious research universities. In further recognition of UZH s scholarly achievements, our researchers are regularly awarded funding from the European Research Council to pursue innovative projects. In the interest of serving the community, the University of Zurich promotes the transfer of research-based knowledge to private enterprise, and our spin off ventures and business partnerships regularly lead to the creation of attractive jobs in innovative fields. Key Competences The University of Zurich is one of Europe s leading research universities, and is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) 12 Nobel Laureates, e.g. Prof. Rolf M. Zinkernagel who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1996 for research on the biochemical mechanism with which the immune system recognizes and destroys virus-infected cells 530 professors, of which 290 are international professors students, of which are international students Contact University of Zurich Rämistrasse Zurich Academic Institutions 11

8 University Hospital Zurich (USZ) The University Hospital Zurich is one of s largest hospitals and a pioneering institution in the field of clinical research. In its 40 departments and institutes it assembles and practices all medical disciplines and enjoys an excellent reputation for state-of-the-art medicine, professional and compassionate patient care, as well as ground-breaking benchto-bedside translational medical research. The University Hospital Zurich takes pride in many different key areas of excellence. It has played a pioneering role in developing an interdisciplinary approach to modern medicine. At the University Hospital Zurich, specialists from diverse fields have managed to create an enormous pool of expertise and collective experience through close collaboration over the years. As a result, many progressive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques being used worldwide today, have their origin at the University Hospital Zurich. The development of such techniques has helped foster the hospital s reputation for excellence as a research institution. Furthermore, with its Clinical Trials Center the University Hospital Zurich has a clinical research infrastructure at its disposition that supports research groups with the planning and realization of their clinical trial projects and assures that clinical trials are conducted according to the international Good Clinical Practice Standards (GCP Standards). The in- and out-patient units of the Clinical Trials Center situated at the University Hospital Zurich conduct research projects with healthy volunteers or patients. Contact University Hospital Zurich Rämistrasse Zurich Key Competences The University Hospital Zurich offers high quality treatment for a broad range of illnesses, provided by a dedicated team of leading specialists of the highest international standing The University Hospital Zurich is a pioneering institution in the field of clinical research The hospital s philosophy is to bring together expertise, technology and research in the most efficient and sensitive way possible In close cooperation with the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich research is done at the highest level; researchers are at the forefront of medical advancement and regularly receive national and international awards The University Hospital Zurich has been consistently in a position to attract top international talent as heads of departments 12 Academic Institutions

9 ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences The School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, part of ZHAW, the Zurich Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts, works in close cooperation with industry and business worlds at the interface of theory and practice. The school of Life Sciences and Facility Management has proven expertise in the fields of the environment, food and nutrition, health and society. More than students are enrolled in one of the five Bachelors- and two Masters Programs. The institutes (Biotechnology, Chemistry, Food and Beverage Innovation, Natural Resource Sciences, Facility Management, Applied Simulation) think and act in interdisciplinary ways and cross-link life, product and production cycles. In this way, new knowledge and experience are channeled into education, research and services. Networking between the institutes, together with the numerous interfaces between disciplines, leads to a variety of synergies. This means that questions related to life sciences can be resolved under the same roof. Key Competences in Life Sciences Biotechnology Biological process technology Micro-, molecular and cell biology Pharmaceutical biotechnology Chemistry and Biological Chemistry Syntheses, processes and new materials Analytics and analytical technology Protein technology, bio- and tissue engineering Promotion of chemistry education Food and Beverage Innovation Process and product optimization Aroma analysis and sensory evaluation Food safety and durability Quality management Packaging and logistics Nutrition and consumer science Natural Resource Sciences Greening and health Protection of natural resources Nature and leisure time Contact Prof. Mark Jaeggi ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management Grüental, P.O. Box 8820 Wädenswil Academic Institutions 13

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11 Scientific Competence Centers Competence Centers are scientific networks coordinated according to strategic objectives by university and/or ETH institutes or parts of them. In many cases, they are joint centers of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. Competence Centers combine regional scientific know-how with corresponding business activities. They set milestones for the future and foster alliances between basic and applied research, and thereby spur innovation in business and society. Scientific Centers 15

12 Cancer Network Zurich (CNZ) The Cancer Network Zurich (CNZ) was initiated to generate synergies, to encourage collaborations and to facilitate communication between clinicians, research scientists and the public at large in matters concerning diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and prevention of cancer. The CNZ offers ambitious and talented students an international PhD program in Cancer Biology. In order to combat cancer, we need to identify its underlying causes through intensive and multidisciplinary research. Members of the CNZ are leading oncology research experts from the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, the University Hospital Zurich, the University Childrens Hospital Zurich, the Balgrist Clinic and the Paul Scherrer Institute, all of whom represent areas of basic, clinical and translational cancer research. To support further education and networking, the CNZ concentrates on information and practical know-how exchange, joint seminars and retreats, as well as on the establishment of reagent, cell and tissue repositories. The CNZ offers highly motivated and talented students with interest in cancer research an international PhD program as part of the Life Science Zurich Graduate School. Students accepted into this program have the opportunity to attend specialized courses in Molecular and Cell Biology of Cancer, Clinical Cancer Research, Scientific Writing and Ethics. Contact Dr. Eveline Bergmüller University of Zurich Institute of Molecular Cancer Research Winterthurerstr Zurich Competences CNZ combines basic, clinical and translational cancer research CNZ offers a platform to facilitate communication and collaborations between basic cancer researchers and clinicians CNZ includes more than 60 faculty members of the University of Zurich (UZH), ETH Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) CNZ houses an international PhD program in Cancer Biology with over 100 students 16 Scientific Centers

13 Competence Center for Systems Physiology and Metabolic Diseases (CC-SPMD) The Competence Center for Systems Physiology and Metabolic Diseases (CC-SPMD) is an interdisciplinary research and education program of ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich dedicated to the study of metabolism and attendant disorders including diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer. It links over 25 faculty members from different academic disciplines including biology, medicine, computational science and engineering. CC-SPMD explores common scientific themes in metabolic disease research and facilitates the translation of discoveries to applied knowledge for the development of biomarkers and individualized therapeutics. CC-SPMD operates as a dynamic, innovative and interactive network of scientists from diverse disciplines to address one of the most challenging problems in health science of the 21st century: the unknown molecular bases of metabolism and metabolism-related disorders such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer. CC-SPMD elucidates these questions and develops preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to control and more effectively treat these diseases and their associated complications. The three core goals of the Center s activities are: (i) to understand how interactions between metabolic networks and cell signaling pathways integrating various environmental cues and genome variations influence biological outcomes and disease, (ii) to develop and provide technologies facilitating discovery and applied research in the area of metabolism and (iii) to offer interdisciplinary educational courses that cover the (patho)biological basis of metabolic diseases, the role of genetics and genomics and the application of analytical tools and technologies. Competences CC-SPMD promotes basic and applied research at the interface of biology, medicine and technology as it relates to metabolic diseases CC-SPMD pursues the development of biomarkers and individualized therapeutics CC-SPMD facilitates the development and implementation of tools and technologies critical for metabolic disease research CC-SPMD pursues alliances with the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology companies CC-SPMD offers a PhD Program to educate students in the molecular bases of metabolic diseases Contact Dr. Urte Hinrichs ETH Zurich, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences Schafmattstr Zurich urte.hinrichs@cell.biol.ethz.ch Scientific Centers 17

14 Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ) The Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ) is a joint stateof-the-art research facility of the ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. Collaborating with the Zurich Life Science research community, the FGCZ engages in research and technology development projects in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics. Activities of the FGCZ range from research and development collaborations with academic and industry partners to standard service-for-fee analyses. Analysis of genomes, gene expression, and regulation is performed using latest microarray technologies and next generation sequencing. Identification of proteins and proteomes, as well as metabolites in large numbers and from complex biological specimens is performed using cutting-edge mass spectrometry technologies. Providing expertise not only for analytical data but also for upstream (sample preparation) and downstream (data analysis and interpretation) workflow components ensures most efficient use of the technologies and invested resources. In addition, several analytical technologies can be customized to the projects needs, including custom-fabricated microarrays of nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, and small molecules. The FGCZ analytical experience is based on an average of more than 150 new initiated research projects every year. As of the end of 2010, a total of more than 900 projects involving close to scientists from 340 research institutes and independent groups of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich plus external academic and industrial partners have been supported by the FGCZ. Contact Prof. Ralph Schlapbach ETH Zurich / University of Zurich Functional Genomics Center Zurich Winterthurerstrasse Zurich ralph.schlapbach@fgcz.ethz.ch Competences and Services Genomics / Transcriptomics Next generation sequencing (Applied Biosystems SOLiD 4 (2), Roche GS FLX) High density microarraying (Affymetrix GeneChip, Agilent, Nimblegen) Custom microarraying (non-contact and contact spotted) Multi-wavelength confocal laser scanning and spectral reading Proteomics / Metabolomics Identification, sequencing, quantification, and structure analysis of proteins and metabolites from samples of varying complexity using mass spectrometry, Ion Trap FT-ICR, Linear Ion Trap, Triple Quadrupole (2); AB Sciex and Bruker MALDI-TOF/TOF (2) and MALDI-TOF; AB Sciex TripleTOF and QTRAP, Waters Synapt G2 Q-TOF (2), Waters GC-TOF. 18 Scientific Centers

15 International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center (INAPIC) The International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center (INAPIC) is a competence center founded in 2009 at the University of Zurich and combines gerontopsychological and neuropsychological expertise. Its key objective is to facilitate research on normal healthy behavior and neural development and aging and to explore the potential for plasticity and compensation across the lifespan. The INAPIC is unique in Europe in combining the support of long-term longitudinal plasticity and aging research through a planning horizon of several years, the focus on potentials of normal development, and the provision of technical assistance and support to reduce the time needed for research groups to familiarize themselves with the available technical equipment. Processes of aging gain increasing interest in more and more areas of research worldwide. Considering the relatively large number of older workers and old persons in the near future, the amount of plasticity and developmental potentials of behaviors and abilities across normal aging will become even more important. One main goal of the INAPIC is to promote neuroimaging research on healthy aging and plasticity through the establishment of international research collaborations facilitated by plug and play access to the neurophysiological assessment infrastructure as well as technical support and assistance regarding data collection and analyses. Competences and Services Facilitate research on normal healthy behavior and neural development and aging to explore the potential for plasticity and compensation across the lifespan Studies at the INAPIC use functional and structural MRI at a 3-Tesla scanner, EEG, transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation to uncover neural plasticity The INAPIC infrastructure includes an MR simulator used to familiarize study participants with the scanner environment as well as training labs with computers, treadmills, and a driving simulator The center welcomes proposals for international cooperation projects. Contact Dr. Christina Röcke University of Zurich INAPIC Sumatrastrasse Zurich c.roecke@inapic.uzh.ch Scientific Centers 19

16 Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ) The Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ) is a joint competence center of ETH Zurich and University of Zurich including the five University Hospitals in Zurich. Its aim is to create synergies in research and education between its 850 neuroscientists. About 120 basic, clinical and applied research groups cover a broad spectrum of neuroscience ranging from molecular and cellular processes in the brain over physiology and diseases of the nervous system to computational modeling and psychology. Founded in 1998, the ZNZ is one of the oldest and largest competence centers in Zurich. Research focuses on the following areas: Neural Basis of Behavior Aging and Disorders of the Nervous System Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Development and Regeneration Excitable Membranes and Synaptic Transmission Endocrine and Autonomic Regulation, Neuroimmunology Molecular Pharmacology Motor Systems Sensory Systems Cognitive Neuroscience Computation and Modeling Biomedical Technology and Imaging Contact Dr. Wolfgang Knecht Neuroscience Center Zurich Winterthurerstrasse Zurich wknecht@neuroscience.uzh.ch In 2001, the ZNZ became the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) in «Neural Plasticity and Repair». One of ZNZ s priorities is to interact closely with the pharmaceutical industry to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer. Competences ZNZ with its 850 researchers covers a broad spectrum of neuroscience ZNZ aims at synergies between clinical and basic neuroscience and engineering ZNZ is closely collaborating with pharmaceutical companies ZNZ offers the International PhD Program in Neuroscience 20 Scientific Centers

17 Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM) The Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM) comprises the emerging interdisciplinary field of research and clinical applications focused on tissue engineering and cell-based therapies. The goal is to apply the principles of regenerative medicine and technologies to next generation therapies. The SCRM is located at the University Hospital and the University of Zurich integrated into the Center for Clinical Research (CCR). As an interdisciplinary translational research center and core facility for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), the SCRM aims at the efficient translation of basic biomedical research to applied regenerative therapies. As such, the SCRM enables the integration of various basic science and clinical research activities, including developmental biology, cell biology, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, biomedical engineering and biomaterial science. A combination of approaches such as gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, macro and micro-scale tissue engineering, functionalized biomaterials, and the reprogramming of cell and tissue types is utilized. Contact Prof. Simon P. Hoerstrup University Hospital and University of Zurich Moussonstrasse Zurich scrm@usz.ch Scientific Centers 21

18 SystemsX SystemsX.ch, to date s largest public research initiative, focuses on a wide range of specific disciplines in basic research. The initiative is devoted to promoting the country s systems biology with the aim of belonging to the best in the world in this area of research. SystemsX.ch currently comprises twelve equal partners consisting of two Swiss universities, seven cantonal universities and three research institutions. This unique, federally organized network enables an efficient interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists and 300 research groups working on roughly 100 projects. The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) supervises the quality of the initiative as a whole, as well as the individual research projects. This independent control also ensures that the international competitiveness of the initiative is guaranteed and promoted. SystemsX.ch aims to become a world-leading initiative in quantitative systems biology. This goal shall be achieved by combining s strengths in genomics and biomedical research with its flourishing basic research in the areas of chemistry, mathematics, physics, engineering and medicine. In a paradigm shift, biology is changing from a descriptive, qualitative science to a predictive, quantitative one. SystemsX.ch aims to accelerate this shift in three ways: by developing innovative technology to obtain and analyze quantitative biomedical data; with the building of mathematical models that accurately simulate and predict the behavior of biological systems, and most importantly, by asking the right biological questions. Contact Dr. Daniel Vonder Mühll SystemsX.ch Clausiusstr Zurich daniel.vondermuehll@systemsx.ch Competences To date SystemsX.ch is the biggest Swiss public thematic research initiative SystemsX.ch aims to make a global leader in systems biology research In the first phase from 2008 to 2012, the Swiss Government funded SystemsX.ch with CHF 120 million and the partner institutions provided resources of another CHF 120 million For the consolidation phase , again, a total amount of CHF 200 million are being invested SystemsX.ch supports over scientists working on over 100 research projects in 300 research groups SystemsX.ch ensures the collaboration of its 12 partner institutions 22 Scientific Centers

19 Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center (PSC) The Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center (PSC) is a competence center in the area of plant sciences. It coordinates and promotes research and education in plant sciences at three Swiss universities: the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich and the University of Basel. Currently, the PSC network comprises about 700 scientific collaborators. The PSC was founded in 1998 and has become a strong advocate for plant science research and education in. The PSC covers numerous research fields from Molecular Plant Biology to Environmental Sciences, from Systematic Botany to Agronomy. Scientists within the network are searching for sustainable solutions to produce sufficient plant food for the growing population of our world, to protect the natural resources and to conserve the ecosystems. The PSC offers one of the largest educational programs in. Our Master s students can choose between six different programs and more than 100 scientific courses and several online-based training and learning modules. Over 200 PhD students are involved in the PSC PhD Program in Plant Sciences. A new PhD Program in Plant Sciences and Policy was launched, which will increase the students abilities to bridge the gap between science and implementation of new knowledge for the benefit of society. Furthermore, the PSC provides PhD and post-doc fellowships in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects and is actively searching for new partnerships with industry, NGOs and other public institutions. Competences To promote scientific exchange and co-operation To plan and carry out innovative and transdisciplinary projects at a high scientific level To increase and transfer knowledge about plants and their importance for human life To guarantee future competence in the field of plant sciences by offering excellent teaching and training programs To encourage dialogue with the public by contributing a scientific point of view to social, economic, and political topics Contact Dr. Melanie Paschke & Dr. Manuela Dahinden Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center ETH Zurich Universitätsstrasse Zurich info-plantscience@ethz.ch Scientific Centers 23

20 Zurich Center for Imaging Science and Technology (CIMST) The Zurich Center for Imaging Science and Technology (CIMST) aims to invent, develop and host cutting-edge imaging solutions. By implementing a comprehensive range of methods, CIMST creates a unique imaging platform, covering length scales from the atomic level to the geophysical dimension. CIMST builds on the existing strong imaging-related activities in the Zurich area. Since no single imaging technique can tackle a complex scientific problem, there is a great need for multimodal imaging based on clever combinations of acoustic, optical, infrared, magnetic, radio-active, and mechanical interactions, as well as interactions with electrons, neutrons and x-rays. To create a fertile ground for imaging innovations, CIMST bundles competences from physics, chemistry, biology, and geophysics, material, medical, and computer science, as well as civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. A particular emphasis of CIMST is in the area of bio-medical imaging. While traditional biological and medical research groups have focused on studies at a particular length scale, spanning the realms of the structure and function of biological organisms requires bridging the vast spatial and temporal divide between molecular processes and those of intact living organisms. With a broad scientific and technical composition, CIMST serves the Swiss biological and medical communities and helps educate young scientists who will one day lead the emerging academic and industrial sectors. Contact Prof. Gábor Székely ETH Zurich Computer Vision Laboratory Sternwartstrasse Zurich gabor.szekely@vision.ee.ethz.ch Competences CIMST is an umbrella network of University and ETH Zurich that supports and facilitates the exchange of know-how and encourages imaging-related research An important goal of CIMST is to foster collaboration across disciplines and institutions CIMST involves more than 80 research groups with diverse backgrounds from ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, the Zurich University Hospital, the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) Currently, the educational program of CIMST includes a two-week international summer school series on multimodal and multi scale bio-medical imaging as well as several other topical courses and seminars 24 Scientific Centers