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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). 

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Translating academic innovations into clinical solutions

Our integrated approach to translation bridges the divide between academic innovations and therapies to the patient. This approach effectively reduces the overall level of development risk along the translation pipeline and could ultimately help millions of patients without the delay that is built into current siloed systems. 

Uniting multiple disciplines and approaches

Our research and development teams combine the best of academia, industry and the clinic. Experts from diverse fields such as neuroscience, engineering, software and data analytics, neurosurgery, regulatory and clinical affairs, quality assurance, manufacturing, and business development join forces under the Wyss Center’s umbrella. Together they pursue high risk solutions to the most challenging problems relating to the human brain. Supplementing their efforts are unique and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities that help catalyze the teams’ vision and path to the patient.

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.

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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

  • Hansjorg Wyss Profile Image

    Hansjörg Wyss

    Chairman, Wyss Foundation
  • Steve Hyman

    Steve Hyman

    Director, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute
  • Yves Fluckiger

    Yves Flückiger

    Rector, UNIGE
  • Galliot

    Brigitte Galliot

    Vice-Rector, UNIGE
  • Bertrand Levrat

    Bertrand Levrat

    Director General, HUG
  • Eric Lohrer

    Eric Lohrer

    Partner, Loreda Holding
  • Molly

    Molly McUsic

    President, Wyss Foundation
  • Ursula Oesterle

    Ursula Oesterle

    Vice President for Innovation, EPFL
  • Martin Vetterli

    Martin Vetterli

    President, EPFL
  • Philipp Renaued

    Philippe Renaud, PhD, Chairman

    Professor, EPFL
  • Alethia De Leon Accelerator

    Alethia de Leon, MBA

    Life Sciences and Healthcare Entrepreneur and Investor
  • Lozano

    Andres Lozano, MD, PhD

    Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto
  • Andre Mercanzini

    André Mercanzini, PhD

    Founder, Aleva Neurotherapeutics SA
  • Ritter 297x337

    Petra Ritter, MD, PhD

    Professor of Brain Stimulation, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
  • Rob Ten Hoedt 600x600

    Rob ten Hoedt

    Executive Vice President and President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Medtronic
  • Thomas Fuchs

    Thomas Fuchs, D.Sc.

    Dean of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • Bohlen 200x200 Phr

    Friedrich von Bohlen, PhD

    Cofounder and CEO, Molecular Health GmbH
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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.


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