We innovate and accelerate technologies and therapies to transform the lives of people with neurological and mental health disorders
Our approach
The Wyss Center is an independent, non-profit, research organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Center innovates and accelerates technologies and therapies to transform the lives of people with neurological and mental health disorders.
From genes to the whole brain, the Wyss Center unifies neuroscience at all scales. By pursuing innovations and new approaches in neurobiology, neuroimaging and neurotechnology, we reveal unique insights into the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of the brain and the treatment of disease. We use this interdisciplinary knowledge to accelerate the development of devices and therapies for unmet medical needs. Our current work addresses indications such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and locked-in syndrome as a result of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or brainstem stroke.
Our research methods
To achieve our mission, we employ a variety of research methods including computer simulation, the use of cell cultures and human brain samples as well as human clinical studies and animal studies.
We work closely with clinical partners and patients to develop and implement novel, safe, and effective diagnostics and therapies. This includes collaborations with clinical neuro-radiologists to develop intelligent software tools for the early detection of dementia, working with therapists on new personalized approaches to stroke rehabilitation, clinical trials with neurosurgeons to assess the safety and feasibility of brain monitoring technologies in epilepsy patients, as well as using brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies to restore communication and movement with intracortical and intracranial electrodes. Our clinical work is a critical step towards bringing new technologies to the patient.
The use of animals in our research remains essential to the discovery and development of safe diagnostics and therapies for humans and animals alike. We take the use of animals seriously and we are committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare. The Wyss Center strictly adheres to the animal protection legislation in Switzerland and upholds the guiding principles underpinning the humane use of animals in scientific research known as the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine).
Translating academic innovations into clinical solutions
Uniting multiple disciplines and approaches
Pursuing transformational technologies
We pursue transformational technologies in artificial intelligence, bio- and neuroengineering to restore essential neural functions and deliver precision therapeutics for people with debilitating neurological and mental health disorders.
Team
Our unique interdisciplinary team is dedicated to improving the lives of people with nervous system disorders. The skills and knowledge of our staff, combined with the unparalleled experience of our academic, clinical and industrial collaborators, and with our state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, drive our translation process.
Leadership team
Science and Technology Development team
Translation team
Operations team
Academic and Clinical Collaborators
Student and Post-Doc Collaborators
Entrepreneurship partners
All teams
Ecosystem
Integrated within Geneva’s Campus Biotech
Situated at the heart of Campus Biotech, a neuroscience research and technology center of excellence in Geneva, the Wyss Center is embedded within a dynamic ecosystem. The Campus provides a collaborative environment for faculty, students, scientists and engineers in advanced research facilities for basic, translational and human clinical research, as well as space for start-ups and industrial partnerships.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our advanced neuroscience and engineering infrastructure allows us to perform world class translational research and enable development and testing of clinical innovations. Our unique facilities are complemented by the wider Campus Biotech infrastructure which includes genomics, pre-clinical and human neuroscience research capabilities.
Local and international partnerships
Collaboration and partnerships are key to our success. We work with faculty, clinicians and industry, in Switzerland and internationally, to extend our reach and drive innovation. We are always keen to exchange ideas and explore new research opportunities, collaborations and partnerships to strengthen our mission of advancing neurotechnology to realize therapies and improve lives. Our work is supported by a variety of government, foundation and private funds.
Boards
The Wyss Center
The Wyss Center is an independent, non-profit organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established in 2014 by a generous donation from the entrepreneur and philanthropist, Hansjörg Wyss.
The Wyss Center focuses on translational neuroscience research and development for human clinical applications.