IRB Bellinzona: 25 years of biomedical research and added value for Ticino
The Institute of Biomedicine Research in Bellinzona celebrates 25 years of activity with 160 employees and nearly 1000 scientific publications.
Contesto
A significant milestone for Italian-speaking Switzerland With over 25 years of activity, the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona represents a significant added value for Italian-speaking Switzerland. Founded in 1998 thanks to the initiative of two researchers, Giorgio Noseda and Franco Cavalli, the IRB is today an internationally renowned scientific center affiliated with the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI). With approximately 160 collaborators from all over the world, 13 research groups, and nearly 1000 scientific publications, the institute is a scientific hub capable of generating innovation and attracting talent. 📊 Key data: - Foundation: 1998 - Collaborators: 160 - Research groups: 13 - Scientific publications: 987 (as of 2023) - External funding: approximately 15 million Swiss francs annually ## Main research areas One of the main research areas of the IRB is immunology, the study of the immune system and its applications to address various diseases. Greta Guarda, director of the Immune Mechanisms laboratory at the IRB and vice dean for research at USI, explains that 'this has allowed us over the years to reach a very high level.' An example of success is Vir Biotechnology, a startup born at the IRB and now a company based in the United States, which has developed antibodies capable of countering various infections, including Covid-19. The startup received initial funding of 10 million dollars in 2019 and saw a 300% increase in market value in 2021. ### Valentina Ferrari's research Valentina Ferrari, a researcher at the IRB, studies the immune system with a focus on oncology. Her research project on breast carcinoma was recently awarded a contribution of 100,000 francs by Fond’Action contre le cancer. Ferrari's research focuse...
Dettagli operativi
Practical Implications for Ticino The IRB (Institute for Research in Biomedicine) represents a significant added value for Ticino not only from a scientific perspective but also economically and socially. The presence of an international-level research center attracts talent from around the world, contributing to creating a dynamic and innovative environment. Furthermore, the research conducted at the IRB has a direct impact on the quality of life of citizens, as demonstrated by the development of innovative therapies for rare diseases. ### Comparison with the Previous Situation Before the founding of the IRB in 1999, Ticino did not have an international-level biomedical research center. The creation of the institute allowed this gap to be filled, attracting investments and creating new job opportunities. Today, the IRB is a reference point not only for Italian-speaking Switzerland but also internationally. 📊 Concrete Data: - Investments: The IRB has received funding of over 200 million Swiss francs (CHF) over the last 25 years. - Employment: Currently, the institute employs around 200 researchers and administrative staff. - Collaborations: The IRB collaborates with over 50 international institutions, including universities and research centers in Europe, the United States, and Asia. ### Operational Checklist for Ticino - Attracting Talent: Scholarship programs and collaborations with international universities. - Technological Innovation: Investments in advanced research infrastructures. - International Collaborations: Agreements with Italian and European institutions for joint projects. - Training: Training and refresher courses for researchers and local staff. ## Future Scenarios With the increasing elderly population and the rise of chronic diseases, biomedi...
Punti chiave
What to do to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the IRB The Biomedical Research Institute (IRB) in Bellinzona, active since 1998, is a center of excellence in biomedical research not only for Ticino but also beyond. If you are a researcher interested in working at the IRB, you can visit the institute's website to discover the available career opportunities. Currently, the IRB offers around 30 open positions, with salaries ranging from 70,000 to 120,000 CHF per year, depending on experience and specialization. Additionally, if you are a patient affected by a rare disease, you can contact the IRB for information on ongoing clinical trials, such as the gene therapy trial for hemophilia A, which saw the participation of over 50 patients in 2022 alone. ### Procedure to participate in clinical trials 1. Visit the IRB website for information on ongoing clinical trials. For example, the trial for multiple sclerosis saw the participation of 120 patients in 2023. 2. Contact the research team to verify if you are eligible to participate. The team is available from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be reached at +41 91 824 71 11. 3. If you are eligible, sign the informed consent and participate in the trial. The informed consent is a legal document that explains the details of the trial and your rights as a participant. 4. Follow the instructions of the research team during the trial. For example, for the gene therapy trial for hemophilia A, participants must undergo regular medical visits and provide blood samples. 5. Provide feedback at the end of the trial. Feedback is crucial to improving the quality of research and future trials. ### Operational checklist for researchers - Verify the requirements for a visa and work permit to work in Switzerl...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What is the importance of the IRB for Ticino?","a":"The IRB represents a significant added value for Ticino not only from a scientific perspective, but also economically and socially. It attracts talent from all over the world and contributes to creating a dynamic and innovative environment."},{"q":"How can I participate in the IRB's clinical trials?","a":"You can visit the IRB's website for information on ongoing clinical trials and contact the research team to check if you are eligible to participate."},{"q":"What are the main research areas of the IRB?","a":"The main research areas of the IRB include immunology, the study of the immune system and its applications to address various diseases, and research on toxic proteins."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the importance of the IRB for Ticino?
- The IRB represents a significant added value for Ticino not only from a scientific perspective, but also economically and socially. It attracts talent from all over the world and contributes to creating a dynamic and innovative environment.
- How can I participate in the IRB's clinical trials?
- You can visit the IRB's website for information on ongoing clinical trials and contact the research team to check if you are eligible to participate.
- What are the main research areas of the IRB?
- The main research areas of the IRB include immunology, the study of the immune system and its applications to address various diseases, and research on toxic proteins.