August 23, 2024

The FMI unveils state-of-the-art research facility on Novartis Campus in Basel

On August 23, 2024, the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI) celebrated the opening of its new, ultramodern research center on the Novartis Campus in the presence of some 100 guests from politics, business and the life sciences sector. At the heart of the celebrations was the exceptional collaboration between the FMI, Novartis and the University of Basel. The opening of the new FMI site marks a significant step forward in the combination of science, sustainability and architectural innovation.

After more than 50 years at its old Rosental Mitte site, the FMI has moved to the Novartis Campus in the St. Johann district of Basel. Novartis converted a former production building into an ultramodern research facility for the FMI at the cost of around 100 million Swiss francs. The new research building was opened in the presence of Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, and Joerg Reinhardt, Chair of the Board of Directors at Novartis, along with some 100 other guests from politics, business and the life sciences sector. They came to celebrate not only the opening of the center, but also the outstanding collaboration between the FMI, Novartis and the University of Basel.

For Dirk Schübeler, the FMI’s Director, this is a significant milestone in the history and for the future of the FMI: “After more than 50 years in Rosental in Kleinbasel, we are particularly delighted to now be on this brilliant campus right next to Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis’ research organization, and near the University of Basel, of which we are an affiliated institute.” Fiona Marshall, President, Biomedical Research at Novartis, said: “Over the decades, FMI has consistently generated research insights, innovative approaches, and advanced technologies that have elevated our understanding of human biology and disease, supporting the Novartis mission to reimagine medicine. As importantly, FMI attracts highly talented scientists who hone their knowledge and expertise here, positioning them to make impactful contributions to fundamental research and therapeutic discovery efforts around the world.”

The event also honored the sustainable approach of converting an existing building from the early years of the industrial site. Reusing the pre-existing structure enabled a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions compared with erecting a completely new building. Other contemporary and forward-looking measures included making careful use of resources and upgrading the energy efficiency of the building shell and infrastructure through measures such as thermal insulation, summer heat protection, photovoltaics, roof greening and the collection and use of rainwater. The building’s architecture creates a link between the past and the future, and harmoniously integrates the FMI into the grounds of the Novartis Campus. With this innovative, contemporary and sustainable building, the FMI is consolidating its position as a leading research institution and setting new standards in the combination of science, sustainability and architecture.

The opening speeches and the symbolic cutting of a “DNA ribbon” — a tribute to Friedrich Miescher, after whom the institute is named and who first isolated DNA —  were followed by a high-carat platform discussion. During this discussion, Andrea Schenker-Wicki, Director of the University of Basel, Conradin Cramer, President of the cantonal government of Basel-Stadt, Michaela Kneissel of Novartis, Christoph Klöpper, CEO of Basel Area, and Dirk Schübeler, Director of the FMI, discussed the factors contributing to Basel’s success as a life sciences hub, the greatest and current challenges facing it, and the possible future development of this cluster.

Following the discussion, the guests had an opportunity to gain an insight into the new building and the institute’s three main research areas. Students gave an informative presentation of their approaches in fundamental research, showcasing current examples from the fields of genome regulation, multicellular systems and neurobiology.

About the FMI
The Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), based in Basel, Switzerland, carries out cutting-edge fundamental research in the biomedical sciences. Established in 1970 by Ciba and Geigy, two chemical and pharmaceutical companies, it is still largely funded by the Novartis Research Foundation. It is affiliated with Novartis Biomedical Research and the University of Basel. Research at the FMI is focused on the areas of neurobiology, genome regulation and multicellular systems. The FMI currently has around 330 staff, including over 80 PhD students and more than 80 post-doctoral researchers.