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:
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.
Join the next LS2 Company Visit on 9 September 2026 and discover Atanis Biotech, an innovative Swiss start-up developing next-generation diagnostics for food allergy.
Meet the team, tour the facilities, and learn more about careers in the biotech industry. Participation is free for LS2 members, but places are limited to 12 participants.
We are pleased to invite you to the Swiss Autophagy Conference 2026, taking place on September 3-4, 2026, in Fribourg, Switzerland.
This year’s theme, “Autophagy in Development, Disease and Ageing,” will bring together early-career researchers and experts to discuss the latest advances in autophagy research. The interactive two-day program includes keynote lectures, short talks, and flash presentations, offering excellent opportunities for scientific exchange and networking.
Registeration deadline extended to August 09, 2026.
Our September 2026 PhD Travel Grant call is open!
Apply by 01.09.2026.
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.
