UNI NOVA – Research Magazine of the University of Basel

• 
  Portrait

  Inspired by the intangible.

  Text: Irène Dietschi / Despite just two years of physics at high school, Andrea Hofmann chose to study the subject in Zurich. Today, she develops qubits with her research group in Basel.

• 
  Research

  What the eyes reveal about the heart.

  Text: Adrian Ritter / By examining the blood vessels of the eye, we can assess the health of vessels throughout the body. This method was developed in large part by researchers at the University of Basel. Now, it’s making its way into clinical applications.

• 
  Research

  How love shapes us.

  Text: Noëmi Kern / Relationships play a key role in our lives. A study by Basel psychologists shows how partnerships and personalities are interconnected.

• 
  Research

  E-bikes instead of cars.

  Text: Barbara Spycher / Faster than a bicycle, more environmentally friendly than a car: e-bikes offer numerous advantages. What exactly persuades people to switch from four wheels to two?

• 
  Research

  Bringing expertise to politics.

  Text: Urs Hafner / Researchers can contribute much to government-commissioned political advisory committees — if they are allowed to do so. Monika Pfaffinger and Laurent Goetschel share their contrasting experiences.

• 
  Alumni

  The nuances of legal language.

  Interview: Marion Maurer / Karin Scherrer Reber studied law at the University of Basel. She was appointed as a federal judge in 2022 – a career development that was not necessarily planned.

• 
  Alumni

  The trailblazer.

  Text: Marion Maurer / Mahnaz Parian-Scherb works at Roche, researching possible applications of artificial intelligence. She also mentors students and helps them to find their own path.

• 
  Research

  Where chemistry meets medicine.

  Text: Elizaveta Maksimova, chemist / Even as a child, Elizaveta Maksimova wanted to do something with medicine — today she is developing nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy.

• 
  Research

  Is there such a thing as a good or bad metabolism?

  Text: Matthias Betz / Some people seem to be able to eat whatever they like and still stay slim. Others just have to look at a hearty meal and they gain weight. What’s behind this? And can specific preparations actually “speed up” our metabolism?