Strategy, goals and values guide us – strong partnerships, grant funding and financial backing ensure effective implementation and sustainable impact.
The FHNW School of Life Sciences – a cornerstone of the Basel Life Sciences Cluster
The Basel and North-West Switzerland Life Sciences cluster is one of the world’s leading innovation regions, where technological progress, digital transformation and industrial application come together.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure, interdisciplinary expertise and strength in research, the School actively drives developments in fields such as personalised medicine, data analysis, networked diagnostics and digital production.
As a bridge between science and industry, we not only contribute to change but actively drive it – in higher education, continuing professional development and application-oriented research. Entrepreneurial thinking, technological excellence and close links with industry make the FHNW School of Life Sciences a dynamic force in this fast-changing environment.
Our strategy
Through our applied research we make valuable contributions to solving societal challenges such as:
- an ageing society
- sustainable use of resources
- digital transformation
- rising healthcare costs
- training highly qualified workers to secure Switzerland’s position as a business hub
- promotion of innovation
With our interdisciplinary expertise, we are a vital part of the industrial and academic landscape of Europe’s largest life sciences region.
We offer practical and career-oriented education and training. Our graduates have a profound understanding of scientific and ethical issues and are ideally equipped to meet the growing professional demands of the fast-moving international life sciences sector.
Research and development services are fundamental to our university’s strong portfolio, contributing to the transfer of knowledge and technology between universities and industry.
Our lecturers and staff combine scientific expertise with practical industry experience. We regularly address pedagogical issues and continuously adapt our teaching methods and materials.
Together with the other FHNW Schools, we actively shape the future. Particularly in the fields of Future Health and Zero Emission, we are making a significant contribution to the further development of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland.
Our goals
Forward-looking product portfolio, in-demand programmes
- Targeted development in teaching, continuing education and applied research.
- Our practice-oriented higher education programmes and close links with industry give our graduates the best possible preparation for their careers, opening up excellent career opportunities.
- Our continuing education programmes are aimed at specialists and managers who wish to expand and enhance their skills.
Research: impact, innovation and start-ups
- As a sought-after partner in applied research and development in life sciences, we are renowned for our outstanding expertise, modern infrastructure and strong network – regionally, nationally and internationally.
- Our research makes a significant contribution to strengthening north-western Switzerland as a hub for the life sciences sector and to addressing socially relevant challenges.
Strong partnerships and an international outlook
- Internationality is a defining feature of our university – we actively promote intercultural skills and build sustainable global partnerships.
- The active exchange of students and lecturers with our international partner network fosters global perspectives and intercultural dialogue.
Staff development
We are committed to creating a motivating environment in which our staff can flourish and develop. With attractive working conditions and targeted support, we are a forward-looking higher education employer.
Our values
We are pioneering and ambitious. Our work generates momentum. We have the courage to embrace change and explore new avenues. As trailblazers, we work with state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting edge methods. Our actions are performance-focused and goal-oriented and we measure our results against international quality standards.
We operate as a network. We combine diverse skills and technologies and thanks to interdisciplinary collaboration we find new approaches and solutions to current challenges. Active exchange with industry, other organisations and universities is important to us in order to contribute to the further development of the life sciences.
We think and act entrepreneurially. Our approach is market- and customer-oriented. Our work is goal driven and our results are first-class. We create value in the form of excellent training opportunities, novel solutions, innovative product ideas and new firms. We manage resources prudently for maximum benefit.
Our culture is characterised by openness. We are curious; we foster open communication and a culture defined by interest and mutual respect. Through open exchange of views we create added value and a working environment in which new ideas emerge, where both staff and the university as a whole can continue to develop.
Our guiding principles
“We shape and drive life sciences!”
These guiding principles were developed in collaboration with our staff:
- We foster open communication and a culture of mutual respect in our interactions with students, staff and external partners.
- Through the open exchange of views, we create a working environment that encourages creativity and supports personal and institutional development.
- A culture of appreciation motivates staff to achieve excellence and fosters innovation, entrepreneurship and growth.
- We act in an entrepreneurial, market- and customer-oriented manner, achieve excellent results and use resources efficiently to create added value.
- Diversity is recognised, equality respected. We treat one another with tolerance and support so that everyone can realise their full potential.
Our people drive innovation forward with passion!
Collaborations, grants and funding
We carry out the majority of our research projects in collaboration with partner firms. Around two-thirds of projects are funded through innovation promotion funds or directly by industry partners, while a third are financed by national and international research programmes. The FHNW School of Life Sciences is a research leader among Swiss universities, both in quality and quantity.