Prof. Ernst Niggli has been nominated by the LS² section Physiology for an LS² Honorary membership and selected by an internal committee of different board section members and junior LS² members for his contributions to LS² and his outstanding scientific career and achievements. The award has been approved by the LS² Executive Committee.

Prof. Niggli made several seminal scientific contributions to the field of cardiac physiology by developing novel biophysical and photochemical approaches to characterize the elementary calcium signals that control cardiac contraction. His  legendary teaching skills inspired legions of medical doctors and scientists who became fervent adepts of physiology, a field that Ernst illuminated as head of the Institute of Physiology in Bern and as a member of the Science Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

As president of the Swiss Physiological Society that integrates LS², Ernst made an outstanding contribution to the growth of our community through his exceptional sponsoring efforts. He secured substantial funding from a private sponsor to create the "Stiftung für Physiologie" (former Oetliker Foundation), a foundation that he now presides, whose aim is to encourage young researchers in physiology by awarding prizes for the best oral and poster presentation at the annual meeting of the LS² physiology section.

"I am truly humbled and thankful for the recognition “Life Science Switzerland” and the Section of Physiology bestowed upon me. A big thank you to LS² for also perfectly organizing the annual meeting of the Physiology Section and the Young Investigator Award events. These awards are sponsored by the Foundation for Physiology, initially established and funded by the Bernese Physiologist Prof. Hans Oetliker. Thank you!" - Prof. Ernst Niggli

Prof. François Verrey has been nominated by the LS² section Ion Channels and Membrane Transporters for an LS² Honorary membership and selected by an internal committee of different board section members and junior LS² members for his contributions to LS² and his outstanding scientific career and achievements. The award has been approved by the LS² Executive Committee.

Prof. Verrey's groundbreaking work in renal ion and amino acid transport has revolutionized our understanding of the field. His reputation as a leading figure in our discipline is well-deserved, given his distinguished academic portfolio that comprises over 180 scientific articles published in prestigious journals such as Nature, Nature Genetics, and the EMBO Journal. His persistent dedication to pursuing knowledge has consistently driven the scientific community forward.

Prof. Verrey's most notable accomplishment was his instrumental role as the director of the National Center of Competence in Research Kidney.CH (NCCR Kidney.CH). As the principal investigator, he steered the centre's strategic direction and made invaluable contributions to its success.

Prof. Verrey's commitment to mentorship and academic advancement is as impressive as his research contributions. He has guided numerous doctoral students and postdocs, many of whom have advanced to successful academic careers and now hold professorial positions across various European universities. Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation, Prof. Verrey has contributed his expertise to several committees focused on academic career development, including those within the Faculty of Medicine at UZH and the Interfaculty MD-PhD Commission. His role as the Coordinator of the Translational Nephrology course further exemplifies his dedication to teaching and mentorship.

Furthermore, Prof. Verrey has dedicated much of his career to serving in key academic and professional roles. These include his tenure on the Swiss National Science Foundation research council, his participation as a jury member for the Leenaards Foundation's scientific committee, and his presidency of both the Swiss Society of Physiology (where he facilitated its transition into a section of LS²) and the Swiss Society of Nephrology. As president of the Swiss Kidney Foundation, he continues to exhibit his dedication to the field.

"I am deeply honored and grateful to have received an honorary membership of LS², the successor of the former USGEB, which is my Swiss scientific home in its diversity and breadth! Collaboration has always been at the core of my scientific career and networking and cooperation at the heart of my activities in the various organizations and networks I have been privileged to participate in over the years, such as the former Swiss Physiological Society, the Swiss Society of Nephrology, the NCCR Kidney.CH and the SNSF. Many thanks and best wishes to LS² for a dynamic and exciting future!" - Prof. François Verrey