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:
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.
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.
Nominations are now open for the Lelio Orci Award 2026, one of Switzerland's most prestigious awards in the Life Sciences.
Awarded by the Lelio Orci Fund and administered by LS2, the prize recognizes a scientist who has made outstanding and independent contributions to fundamental cellular biology. Researchers of any nationality and career stage are eligible, provided that a significant part of their work has been carried out at a Swiss research institution.
We encourage you to nominate deserving colleagues whose work has had a significant impact on the field. The award celebrates scientific excellence, originality, independence, and contributions that advance our understanding of cellular biology. Nomination deadline: August 09.
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.
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.
Registration is now open for the Swiss Physiology Meeting 2026, organized by the LS2 Physiology Section and taking place in Fribourg on September 3, 2026.
A major highlight of the meeting is the Young Investigator Award (YIA) contest. Early Career Researchers, including PhD students and early postdoctoral fellows, are strongly encouraged to participate, present their ongoing work, and compete for prizes recognizing outstanding oral and poster presentations. Registration deadline: 31.05.2026.
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.
Abstract submission is extended to July 07! Register until July 31, 2026.
Our September 2026 PhD Travel Grant call is open!
Apply by 01.09.2026.
The LS2 Annual Meeting 2026 in Zurich brought together the life sciences community for 2½ days of inspiring science and exchange under the theme “Fueling Life Across Scales.”
From outstanding keynote lectures to dynamic symposia, poster sessions, and vibrant networking opportunities, the meeting highlighted the breadth and excellence of research across Switzerland and beyond.
We thank all participants, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors who made this event a success.
Curious to relive the highlights? See all pictures HERE!
Congratulations to Dr. Olimpia Bompadre (EPF Lausanne) and Dr. Juan Cruz Landoni (EPF Lausanne) - the winners of "PIs of Tommorrow" competition at LS2AM26!
Congrats also to the finalists Dr. Theodora Constantin (University of Basel) and Dr. Alaz Ozcan (University of Zurich)!
Big THANK YOU to PIOT chairs for the wonderful session and the sponsors of PIOT prizes: NIKON, New England Biolabs, MDPI - Medical Sciences and Proteomes and opnMe by Boehringer Ingelheim.
