Innovation in Basel-Land: Opening of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Basel

Unique research platform

“The DBE’s interdisciplinary approach brings together experts from medicine, natural sciences, engineering and humanities, and represents a unique research platform,” says Prof. Philippe Cattin, head of the department. In close collaboration with the University Hospital of Basel and the University Children’s Hospital of Basel, dialog between institutions and research areas will be encouraged to connect fundamental science, clinical medicine and the medical device industry. The goal is to develop innovations from basic research as quickly as possible to benefit patients.

“Biomedical engineering is becoming increasingly important and the University of Basel will be at the forefront as the driving force,” stressed the new Rector, Prof. Andrea Schenker-Wicki, at the opening ceremony. “This department also shows that the University of Basel is an attractive partner for industry and private investors.”

First organizational unit in Basel-Land

The DBE marks the University of Basel’s first organizational unit to be sited in the canton of Basel-Land. With the establishment of the medtech innovation campus in Allschwil, the canton is host to one of the most promising university departments. “As the supporting cantons, Basel-Land and Basel-Stadt have made a significant contribution in recent years to the University of Basel’s status as a world leader. The fact that we chose Allschwil as the location for this new department demonstrates an important step in the bi-cantonal partnership of the University of Basel,” says Rector Andrea Schenker-Wicki.