LS2 Section Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
From Molecules and Cells to Life’s Code
This section was formely known as «Swiss Society for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences» (SSMCB) before its fusion with LS2 in January 2016.
The SSMCB was the result of a merger between the Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Biochemie (Société Suisse de Biochimie, Swiss Society for Biochemistry) and the Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Zellbiologie Molekularbiologie und Genetik (Société suisse de biologie cellulaire, biologie moléculaire et génétique, Swiss Society for Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics).
The LS2 section MCB represents the following disciplines: cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, developmental biology, evolution and development, chemical biology, cellular microbiology and virology.
The goal of the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences section is to foster interactions and exchanges between young Swiss scientists in Switzerland and abroad sharing an interest in the molecular and cellular biosciences, regardless of their particular specialties.
Section Board
Daniel Legler
University of Konstanz
daniel.legler@bitg.ch
Torsten Ochsenreiter
University of Bern
torsten.ochsenreiter@unibe.ch
Monica Gotta
University of Geneva
monica.gotta@unige.ch
Marcus Thelen
Università della Svizzera italiana
marcus.thelen@irb.usi.ch
Miriam Stoeber
University of Geneva
miriam.stoeber@unige.ch
Maria Mitsi
University Hospital Zurich
maria.mitsi@usz.ch
Nadine Vastenhouw
University of Lausanne
nadine.vastenhouw@unil.ch
How to join the LS2 MCB Section?
Existing LS2 Members: Log in at www.ls2.ch using your member name and password. Click on your name at the top right of the page. Go to "Account Overview" and add the new section using the checkbox "Molecular and Cellular Biosciences". Alternatively, you can write to the LS2 office (info@ls2.ch) and request the change.
New Members: Apply for the LS2 membership here and select "Molecular and Cellular Biosciences" in the online application form.
News and Events:
Our Symposium at the Annual Meeting 2027!
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is far more than a structural scaffold: it is a dynamic environment that shapes cellular behaviour and tissue function. This symposium will explore how molecular interactions within the ECM influence tissue development, regeneration and disease. Ivan Martin will present advances in bone and bone marrow engineering, from generating human bone tissue by recapitulating endochondral ossification to developing 3D models of the bone marrow niche that reveal how its cellular components regulate stem cell engraftment and lineage specification, with potential applications in cancer research.
Join us on 11 February 2027 starting from 14:05.
Our Symposium at LS2 Annual Meeting 2026 will be chaired by Florent Waltz (University of Basel) and Nadia Mercader Huber (University of Bern): “Mitochondria: Fueling Cells in Life, Death, and Disease”
Speaker: Hauke Hillen (University Medical Center Goettingen): "Molecular basis of mitochondrial RNA metabolism"
Register by 11.01.2026.
The Meeting will take place on 11 & 12 February 2026 at Campus Irchel of the University of Zurich.
On behalf of the SCNAT platform Biology, the LS2 section Molecular and Cellular Biosciences is Adhering Body of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB).
The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers multiple fellowships. All researchers located in Switzerland can apply for fellowship calls indicating "Switzerland - LS2 MCB" as member country of IUBMB.
If you want to apply, please contact us at info@ls2.ch and we will issue a Member Certificate or Sponsorship Letter (this is a requirement of the application form).
Wood-Whelan Research Fellowships: deadlines 1 April & 1 October
Early-Career Research Fellowships: deadline 1 October
The president of MCB Section acts as LS2 representative at Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) council meetings and assemblies. As our member, you have access to all FEBS events, activities, and funding opportunities.
