Great success for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Institute for Research in Biomedicine

The 25th anniversary of the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), affiliated with Università, was celebrated on Saturday, 6 September 2025. Among the many attendees were federal and cantonal political authorities: representing the Vice-President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin, Professor Laetitia Philippe, Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, the President of the Ticino Government Norman Gobbi, the Mayor of Bellinzona, Mario Branda, as well as representatives from the academic world, including the Rector of Università della Svizzera italiana, Luisa Lambertini, and the Vice-President for Research at ETH Zurich, Annette Oxenius.

Established in 2000 and affiliated with Università della Svizzera italiana, the IRB has gained international recognition as a centre of excellence for research in immunology and biomedical sciences. Over the past 25 years, the Institute has significantly contributed to scientific advancement in the Canton of Ticino and Switzerland. It has trained new generations of researchers, developed academic and clinical collaborations, and attracted talent from around the globe.

Today, the IRB counts over 160 staff members, 13 research groups, and a wealth of nearly 1,000 scientific publications, 46 patents, and the creation of three spin-offs. Its affiliation with USI, its collaboration with the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), the Translational Research Institute (IRT) and other Swiss and foreign institutions have consolidated its role as a driver of innovation and a magnet for biomedical research.

Below are some significant excerpts from the speakers' presentations.

Mario Branda, Mayor of the City of Bellinzona

"Today, researchers from around the world gather in the small city of Bellinzona, including both young and experienced talents. They explore innovative disciplines that reach into the future, examining incredibly small details, interpreting, and understanding signs of life that are invisible to the naked eye and incomprehensible to most people. Through this challenging and creative investigative process, they open new horizons of hope for individuals suffering from debilitating diseases—those confined to a bed, a chair, or the walls of their homes due to a serious diagnosis."

Gabriele Gendotti, Chairman of the IRB Foundation Board and Bios+

"Dear friends of the IRB, the first 25 years of the IRB are behind us. It has been wonderful, and in the end, we can talk about a success story. However, we have also set short-term goals that we are currently working to achieve, alongside medium- to long-term visions that we hope to realise with your support. We believe in these objectives because we understand that scientific research generates knowledge, which is essential for the future. To ensure a country's ability to innovate and thrive, we must have the courage to invest intentionally in education and research."

Hon. Norman Gobbi, President of the State Council of the Canton of Ticino

"...in the name of the current Ticino government, I would also like to thank those who are already working on our tomorrow – working to ensure that, in 25 years, the politicians of the future will be here to celebrate half a century of activity of an IRB that is even more solid, rooted and oriented towards exploring new frontiers of research."

Prof. Luisa Lambertini, Rector of Università della Svizzera italiana

"The Institute has been a pioneer in promoting inclusion, particularly in encouraging the participation of women in science from its inception. Key figures such as Federica Sallusto and Mariagrazia Uguccioni have contributed significantly to this effort. Today, the Institute also features a remarkable representation of women among its group leaders, including Greta Guarda, Caroline Junqueira, Silvia Monticelli, and Gea Cereghetti. Its investment in basic research creates a solid foundation for future advancements in medicine and public health, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the IRB provides tangible benefits to Ticino, enhancing both its economic standing and international reputation. This establishes our canton as a credible and respected player in the global scientific landscape."

Prof. Annette Oxenius, Vice President for Research, ETHZ

"Looking to the future, I am convinced that the role of the IRB will remain fundamental. Biomedical research is entering an era of unprecedented opportunity, with new technologies, from single-cell omics to artificial intelligence, redefining the way we interrogate biological systems. The IRB, known for its tradition of excellence and its collaborative culture, along with its strong connections to ETH Zurich and other Swiss institutions, is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of discovery and innovation."

Prof. Giorgio Noseda, Honorary President of the IRB

"The decision was made to concentrate research efforts on immunology and cell biology. From the very beginning, the expertise of the staff and the quality of the research were exceptionally high. Prof. Werner Arber, a Nobel Prize winner in medicine, was consulted by the Swiss Confederation to assess the eligibility for federal subsidies. He stated, 'The IRB meets the criteria of international scientific quality.' This assessment was echoed by Renato Dulbecco, another Nobel Prize winner in medicine, who soon joined the Institute's Scientific Council."

Prof. Franco Cavalli, President of the IOR Foundation Board and Vice-President of Bios+

"Best wishes to our older brother IRB" from President Franco Cavalli, who wanted to emphasise the importance of the link between the two institutions, including at the research level. In addition to proudly retracing the significant milestones achieved by the IOR to date, Prof. Cavalli presented the project for the new building, which will be located directly opposite the IRB, in Via Chiesa, and which, in addition to new laboratories and offices, will include classrooms, a canteen and a large auditorium.

Prof. Davide Robbiani, Director of the IRB

"Remaining true to its mission and continuing the tradition of excellence established by our predecessors, the Institute is constantly evolving. In the four years since relocating, we have recently appointed three new laboratory directors—young talents who, after gaining experience at prestigious universities, are bringing fresh skills and innovative research programmes to Bellinzona. [...] The establishment of a centre of excellence in the Swiss Italian-speaking region focused on the biology of ageing (NCCR Ageing) is a highly relevant initiative for immunology and related fields. This would provide significant momentum for growth in new areas, leading to a considerable impact on society."

Among the most significant and eagerly awaited moments was the contribution of the Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and Head of the National Division for Research and Innovation, Laetitia Philippe. She highlighted Article 15 of the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation, emphasising the importance of the IRB at the national level, praising its curiosity, perseverance and courage in reducing the limits of knowledge. She also called for ongoing collaboration between the private and public sectors, as well as European institutions.