GENEVA, 5 March 2020: The Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering today announced the promotion of Dr Tracy Laabs to Chief Development Officer (CDO).

Dr Laabs brings over eighteen years experience in life sciences research and program management. She joined the Wyss Center as Deputy Director in 2015 and was instrumental in establishing the Center as an international leader in neurotechnology.

As the first Wyss Center CDO, Dr Laabs will establish key partnerships to complement Wyss Center capabilities and resources to accelerate the Center’s mission of advancing technologies into clinical solutions to improve lives.

Wyss Center Director, Dr Mary Tolikas said: “Tracy’s deep knowledge of neuroscience, technology and the scientific community worldwide, combined with her drive to collaborate, ideally position her for this role. She will be a crucial force as the Wyss Center moves forward into the next phase of its development.”

Prior to joining the Wyss Center, Dr Laabs was a Senior Scientist at Strategic Analysis, Inc. where she provided technical expertise and scientific program management for neuroscience and neurotechnology programs at the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Defense Sciences and Biological Technologies offices. She has experience in strategic planning, development and management of high risk/high reward technology development programs, as well as coordinating interdisciplinary teams.

Dr Tracy Laabs said: “I’m tremendously excited to take on this new challenge of building strategic partnerships to advance the work of the Wyss Center. It is a great opportunity to expand our reach and ensure that the solutions we develop reach the people who need them.”

Dr Laabs holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Cambridge (UK) and a BS in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (US).