A research institute supporting scientists to take on the world’s most challenging problems in immune engineering.
The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) is a newly founded non-profit research organisation focused on the advanced study of immunological systems with a mission to develop translational solutions for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
Through this mission the BIIE is committed to advancing global child and adolescent health. By harnessing the potential of immune engineering, it aims to enhance the lives of children and young people globally, spearheading innovations that promise a healthier tomorrow.
Read the media release to the launch of BIIE here.
Immune Engineering
The scientific foundation of the BIIE and the broader field of Immune Engineering is based on the intersection of three interdisciplinary subdomains: (i) systems immunology, (ii) synthetic immunology and (iii) computational immunology. The BIIE will serve as a hub for multidisciplinary science, by uniting people with diverse expertise in immunology, biomedicine, bioengineering, systems and synthetic biology, computational biology, artificial intelligence and machine learning. As part of the mission of BIIE to make a lasting impact, it will dedicate significant efforts in training early-stage researchers in this unique multidisciplinary environment, thus enabling them to become future leaders in Immune Engineering.
SYSTEMS IMMUNOLOGY
This branch of immune engineering delves into the complex interactions among the molecular and cellular elements of the immune system. By studying these interactions, systems immunology aims to uncover how these components work together to perform critical functions, from defending the body against pathogens to preventing diseases.
SYNTHETIC IMMUNOLOGY
At the cutting edge of immune engineering, synthetic immunology involves the design and modification of immune system components to both enhance our understanding of immunology and develop new diagnostic tools and treatments. This innovative approach holds promise for breakthroughs in precision medicine and vaccine design.
COMPUTATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
Utilizing powerful data analysis tools, computational immunology applies mathematical and statistical models, as well as artificial intelligence to make sense of vast immunological data. This field enables researchers to simulate and predict how the immune system reacts under various conditions, providing insights that are crucial for the development of effective therapies.
At BIIE, these pillars are not rigid categories but serve as a flexible framework that encourages overlap and cooperation across different research areas. This integration allows researchers to explore innovative solutions that cut across traditional boundaries, creating a dynamic environment for scientific discovery and application.
As Immune Engineering continues to evolve, it promises to transform our approach to medicine, leading to breakthroughs that could improve the lives of millions, including young people and globally. The implications for human health are vast and full of potential, signaling a new era in medical science.
Leadership
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Dr. Stephen Wilson
Chief Exective Officer
Dr. Stephen Wilson is the Chief Executive Officer of Foundation Immune Engineering and the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Diego, and former EVP/COO of La Jolla Institute for Immunology. His prior research focused on autoimmune and infectious disease developing rapid diagnostics (2021 X-Prize), oncology diagnostics (Invivoscribe, Inc), and global-scale immunoinformatics (co-PI of the NIH’s Immune Epitope Database).
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Prof. Sai Reddy
Designated Scientific Director
Prof. Reddy is the designated Scientific Director of the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering, where he will spearhead the research program. He works as an Associate Professor of Systems and Synthetic Immunology at ETH Zurich’s Department of Biosystems Science & Engineering (D-BSSE) and heads the Laboratory for Systems and Synthetic Immunology. His research focuses on the convergence of genomics, molecular biotechnology, and machine learning applied to the fields of systems, synthetic and computational immunology.
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Prof. Georg Holländer
Designated Global Engagement Director
Prof. Holländer is the designated Global Engagement Director at the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering and is an expert in molecular developmental immunology. He studied and trained in both Switzerland and the USA for pediatrics and experimental immunology. His interests lie in the development and function of the immune system in health and disease with a special focus on the immunobiology of the thymus. Prof. Holländer holds professorships at the University of Oxford, UK, the University of Basel, and ETH Zurich.
Foundation Board
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Dominik Escher
Board Chair
Founding partner of Pureos Bioventures and a co-founder and Chairman of CDR-Life
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Prof. Jennifer Cochran
Trustee
Professor and Senior Associate Vice Provost for Research, Stanford University
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Andrew P. May
Trustee
Entrepreneur in Residence, DCVC Bio
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Prof. Gunilla Karlsson Hedestam
Trustee
Professor, Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute
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Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola
Trustee
Vice Chancellor and Professor, University of Lagos, Nigeria
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Joe Stadler
Trustee
Executive Vice Chairman, UBS Global Wealth Management
About the BIIE
The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) is a newly founded non-profit research organisation focused on developing computational tools and immune-based translational solutions for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
Outstanding investigators from around the globe will be recruited to its facility in Basel, Switzerland, to form a new hub of innovation in immune engineering.
The BIIE is made possible by the generous endowment of CHF 900 million (over 1 billion USD to be provided over 15 years) from Fondation Botnar, a Swiss philanthropic foundation working to improve the health and well-being of young people around the world.
About
Fondation Botnar is a philanthropic foundation dedicated to the wellbeing of young people who live, learn, work, connect and play in urban and digital spaces around the world. Enabling the meaningful participation of young people, the foundation invests in and supports innovative initiatives and research, bringing together actors from across sectors to create purposeful dialogue and partnerships.
In line with its DNA and mission to support the wellbeing of young people, Fondation Botnar has committed 900 million francs over 15 years to form the BIIE. By doing so, it is hoped that the new institute can unlock scientific innovations and ensure young people and children around the world can benefit from the next generation of medical solutions, wherever they live.