Biomedicine
The Lugano region stands out as an emerging centre for biomedical research, thanks in particular to the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and the ‘Centre of Advanced Studies on Entrepreneurship in BioMedicine’ (CASE BioMed) programme, which is developed within the framework of BioBusiness, MedTech Business and BioClub.
USI collaborates with numerous institutes and partners in the region in the field of biomedicine, in particular with:
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), affiliated with and based on the Bellinzona campus;
- Institute for Research in Oncology (IOR), affiliated with and based on the Bellinzona campus;
- the Institute of Public Health (IPH);
- Euler Institute
- European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology (ESASO)
In addition, the Department of Business, Health and Social Sciences DEASS (SUPSI) has several multidisciplinary projects underway, such as the Centre of Expertise for the Elderly, the Centre of Expertise for Health Practices and Policies, and the 2rLab Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, each aimed at analysing specific issues and providing support to professionals.
Collaborations are not limited to the academic world but also extend to the Cantonal Hospital Organisation (EOC), the Cardiocentro Ticino and other private clinics in the area that support clinical projects and medical and healthcare training.
At the same time, the Life Sciences Competence Centre at Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino was established, offering a platform to connect public research and local companies in bio-manufacturing and personalised medicine. Ticino is home to the headquarters of many companies active in the pharmaceutical sector, such as Helsinn, Sintetica, IBSA, Cerbios, HAS and Rivopharm, which are united under the umbrella of the trade association Farma Industria Ticino (FIT), which has 39 ordinary members.
The cluster and research attract prestigious international events to Lugano, such as the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma organised by the IOR, which brings together more than 4,500 professionals in the city every two years, consolidating Lugano's position as a hub for world-class medical conferences.