Transforming Global Child Health Through Immune Engineering: BIIE Launches in Basel
In a landmark development for global health innovation, the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) has established its roots in Basel, Switzerland, backed by an extraordinary 1 billion USD endowment from Fondation Botnar. This pioneering research institute is set to revolutionize how we approach children's health worldwide through the power of immune engineering.
A New Force in Global Health Innovation
BIIE brings together world-class scientists at the intersection of immunology, artificial intelligence, and bioengineering. Our mission? To develop next-generation diagnostics and treatments that will transform healthcare for young people globally, with a special focus on children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries.
The institute operates under the governance of the Foundation Immune Engineering for Global Child and Adolescent Health (FIE), a non-profit foundation overseen by the Swiss Federal Foundation Supervisory Authority. Through its distinguished Board of Trustees, the FIE guides BIIE's strategic direction and ensures its commitment to advancing global child health remains steadfast. "Building a critical mass of immune engineers in Basel with a shared goal of improving the health of young people globally is both inspiring and complex," says Dr. Dominik Escher, inaugural FIE Board Chair and Managing Partner at Pureos Bioventures.
Leadership That Drives Innovation
Under the leadership of CEO Dr. Stephen Wilson, Scientific Director Prof. Sai Reddy, and Director of Global Engagement Prof. Georg Holländer, BIIE is poised to become a hub of innovation in immune engineering. The institute will eventually house up to 300 scientists and support staff, all working towards a common goal: translating scientific discoveries into real-world healthcare solutions.
"Every element of our operation will be designed to maximise collaboration," explains Dr. Wilson. "From the physical layout of the facility, which interweaves computational and experimental groups, to frictionless access to cutting-edge instrumentation – we're creating an environment where breakthrough discoveries can flourish."
A Global Vision for Children's Health
What sets BIIE apart is its unwavering focus on global impact. Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos and FIE Trustee, emphasizes this commitment: "Global impact is only possible with genuine global engagement. With the establishment of the BIIE, we intend to remove barriers for research that improves the lives of children."
By combining advanced technologies in immunology, molecular engineering, genomics, and artificial intelligence, BIIE will study immune responses at unprecedented detail – from cellular responses to population-level genetic diversity. This comprehensive approach will help develop solutions for a wide range of health challenges, from infectious diseases to autoimmune conditions and cancers.
Dr. Alexander Schulze, interim CEO of Fondation Botnar, summarizes the vision: "Understanding the immune system of children and young people in different parts of the world is key to developing solutions that can diagnose, prevent and treat infectious diseases and other health conditions. This bold investment in cutting-edge immune engineering research continues the Botnar family's legacy of supporting biomedical research while ensuring scientific innovations benefit those who need them most."
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