Originally founded by Prof. Eward Weibel as USGEB (Union of Swiss Societies for Experimental Biology) in 1969, the society has more than 50 year history in uniting researchers from various Life Sciences disciplines, facilitating interdisciplinary collaborating, protecting and promoting scientific work and educating the general public. In 2012, USGEB changed its name to LS2 (Life Sciences Switzerland). Since then, the society has expanded by adding more Sections, becoming the largest Life Sciences Society in Switzerland, representing approx. 1000 members.
The society runs scientific programs, organizes conferences and workshops, and coordinates initiatives bringing together academic researchers, industry partners, and early-career scientists.
LS2 organizes:
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Weibel International Research Visit Award (WIRVA). Established through the generous legacy of Ewald and Verena Weibel, WIRVA supports LS2 postdoctoral members undertaking international research visits to leading laboratories worldwide.
Applications are open from 1 October 2026 until 28 February 2027. Visit the WIRVA Award page for eligibility criteria, application guidelines, templates, and submission details.
Next episode will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 12:00 to 13:00 on Zoom and will explore career paths that challenge traditional ideas of what it means to work in academia.
We will hear how David Penton Ribas built and sustained a technology platform that grew into a research group, and discover how “third space” roles bring together academic and professional work behind the scenes of education, research and innovation in a talk by Fanny Georgi.
Register by 20.10.2026
Our March 2027 PhD Travel Grant call is open!
Apply by 01.03.2027.
Join the LS2 Company Visit to sitem-insel and sitem StartUp Club on October 14 - learn more about their Innovation Ecosystem and network!
Participation is free, but limited to 20 people.
Nominations are now open for the Friedrich Miescher Award 2027, recognizing outstanding achievements by young scientists in biochemistry.
Candidates must be under the age of 40 on 1 January 2027 (age extensions apply for parental leave), have carried out their research in Switzerland or be Swiss scientists working abroad, and demonstrate a strong record of independent research.
Submit your nomination by 18 October 2026.
Congratulations to the 2026 Young Investigator Award winners!
We are delighted to congratulate the six outstanding young researchers recognised at the Swiss Physiology Meeting 2026 with the Young Investigator Awards, awarded by the Stiftung für Physiologie. Congratulations to Kathrin von Bassewitz, Jutta Schillings, Greta Lommi, Laura Brandt, Bahareh Nazari and Enaam Chleilat on their excellent presentations and research.
We also congratulate Philipp M. Späne (University of Basel) on receiving the Best Poster Award.
We thank the Stiftung für Physiologie and all our award sponsors - Portland Press’ Clinical Science, Microsynth AG and Nikon, for supporting and recognising outstanding early-career research.
The Patenting in Life Sciences & Chemistry workshop is a two-day hands-on course for PhD students and postdocs, taking place from 30 June to1 July 2027 at Centre Loewenberg in Murten.
Through expert lectures, practical group sessions and hands-on activities, participants will explore intellectual property, patent protection and innovation in academic and commercial environments, with relevance to research, entrepreneurship and future career opportunities. The course is sponsored by SCNAT and IGE|IPE, with grants available for participants.
Grant and registration deadline: 30 March 2027.
The Young Scientists’ Satellite (YSS) is a dedicated event for early-career researchers, taking place on 9 February 2027 alongside the LS2 Annual Meeting in Lausanne.
This year’s programme focuses on career development and the realities of building a career in academia, with three keynote speakers sharing their personal journeys towards research independence, followed by a dedicated Career Q&A session. The programme also offers scientific exchange and networking opportunities with fellow young researchers.
Registration and abstract submission are now open for the LS2 Annual Meeting 2027!
Join us in Lausanne, February 09-11, 2027, for three days of outstanding science, inspiring keynote lectures, the Young Scientists' Satellite, "PIs of Tomorrow" competition, 12 scientific symposia, poster sessions, networking, and much more.
Submit your abstract by 8 November 2026 and become part of Switzerland's largest life sciences meeting!
Are you an LS2 member or interested in becoming one and would like to help shape the future of life sciences in Switzerland? We are inviting applications for new LS2 Section Board members from postdocs, PIs and other regular members with experience in the Swiss academic environment and an interest in contributing to our scientific community.
Board members help shape LS2's strategic direction, support the organisation of meetings and events, contribute to committees and scientific initiatives, and represent LS2 within the broader scientific community. Applications are open until 18 October 2026.
Congratulations to our latest Travel Grant recipients!
We were proud to support eight young researchers in presenting their work and connecting with colleagues at international meetings in Canada, the US and Europe, from neuroscience and cytometry to transplantation, calcium signalling and forensic genetics.
We wish them continued success in their research journeys!
The Cardiovascular Research Meeting 2027 will take place on 13-14 January 2027 at the University of Bern, bringing together more than 100 researchers in cardiovascular and vascular biology. The programme features renowned keynote and invited speakers, as well as opportunities for young researchers to present their work through selected short talks, posters and flash presentations. Prizes will be awarded for the best oral and poster presentations.
Abstract submission deadline: 8 November 2026
Registration deadline: 13 December 2026
Registration is now open for the European Phagocyte Workshop 2027, taking place 5-7 April 2027 in Montreux, Switzerland. Join leading researchers in innate immunity and phagocyte biology for three days of cutting-edge science, networking, and career development. Early Bird registration closes on December 15, 2026.
Interested in the future of Swiss research, and perhaps your own future PI application?
The PIs of Tomorrow session is looking for evaluators to help review and select finalists for the LS2 Annual Meeting 2027. Evaluators will assess a small number of applications using predefined criteria and gain valuable insight into what makes a competitive application. Apply by 21 September 2026.
The Swiss Brain League and the Maupertuis Foundation are inviting applications for the Three-Year Maupertuis Research Grant 2027. The grant supports early-career researchers who have completed a doctorate and wish to pursue an academic or scientific career in Switzerland. Projects may focus on neuroscience-related research and must be conducted at a recognized Swiss research institution or clinic.
The award provides funding for the recipient's salary for up to three years. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree, be under 46 years of age, and dedicate 100% of their scientific activity to the proposed research project during the funding period.
Applications must include a detailed research proposal, CV, publication list, and a letter of support from the research supervisor. The submission deadline is 30 September 2026. Further information and the detailed research regulations are available on the Swiss Brain League website.
Ready to take the next step towards an independent academic career?
The PIs of Tomorrow: The Future of Swiss Research session at the LS2 Annual Meeting 2027 gives postdocs and junior researchers the opportunity to present their research vision, receive feedback from professors, compete for awards, and network with leading scientists. Find out if you are eligible and apply by 5 October 2026.
The LS2 Annual Meeting 2027 is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support the largest life sciences conference in Switzerland, taking place on 9-11 February 2027 at the University of Lausanne. Volunteers will help with on-site logistics, speaker support, and participant guidance while gaining event management experience, expanding their network, and benefiting from waived registration fees. Apply by 11 October 2026.
