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Laying the Foundation for the Future of the Department of Biomedicine
Prof. Dr. Ivan Martin, Head of the Department of Biomedicine; Cantonal Councillor Mustafa Atici, Head of the Basel-Stadt Department of Education; Cantonal Councillor Monica Gschwind, Head of the Basel-Landschaft Department of Education, Culture and Sport; Dr. Rolf Borner, Director of Infrastructure & Operations at the University of Basel; Marc Brülhart, Head of Building Construction German-speaking Switzerland & Head of the Northwest Region Implenia; Dr. Beat Oberlin, President of the University Council of the University of Basel. (From left, photo: University of Basel, Christian Flierl)
A major milestone in the advancement of biomedical research in Switzerland was reached today with the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the new research building of the Department of Biomedicine (DBM) at the University of Basel.
The ceremony was opened by Prof. Dr. Andrea Schenker-Wicki, President of the University of Basel, and moderated by journalist Catherine Riesen. The program included a discussion among representatives from the two Basel cantons, the University, and Implenia, the project’s construction partner.
Voices from Politics, Academia, and Industry
The panel discussion explored the significance of the new building from multiple perspectives:
- Prof. Dr. Ivan Martin, Head of the Department of Biomedicine
- Dr. Beat Oberlin, President of the University Council
- RR Mustafa Atici, Head of the Department of Education, Basel-Stadt
- RR Monica Gschwind, Head of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport, Basel-Landschaft
- Dr. Rolf Borner, Director of Infrastructure and Operations, University of Basel
- Marc Brülhart, Head of Building Construction, Implenia
A Symbolic Glimpse into the Future
As a ceremonial highlight, the panel guests jointly filled a time capsule with items representing current biomedical science, such as the DBM newsletter, a DBM movie on a USB stick, a 6-piece pocket knife, construction plans, a 3D model of the building, and the resolutions passed by the Grosse Rat and the Landrat to finance the new building. The capsule was then sealed into the building’s first floor, symbolizing the lasting connection between today’s research and the scientific discoveries of tomorrow.
A Next-Generation Home for Biomedical Research
The new DBM building, scheduled for completion in 2031, will unite all DBM research groups, core facilities, and administrative units under one roof for the first time. This spatial proximity is expected to encourage daily interaction and collaboration across disciplines, fostering scientific innovation.
Designed for adaptability and energy efficiency, the building will include:
- Precision laboratories for cutting-edge experiments
- Acoustic and climate-optimized office spaces
- Chilled ceiling panels and concrete core activation for energy-efficient temperature regulation
- Photovoltaic roof panels and smart daylight-responsive lighting
- Flexible layouts to accommodate evolving research needs
- Proximity to key partners such as the Biozentrum, ETH Zurich D-BSSE, University Hospital Basel, and the University Children’s Hospital
Looking Ahead
“The laying of the foundation stone is more than a symbolic gesture – it’s a visible expression of our commitment to scientific excellence and collaboration,” said Ivan Martin, Head of the Department of Biomedicine. “It brings years of planning to life and sets the stage for discoveries yet to come.”
The Departement of Biomedicine thanks all contributors from the fields of science, politics, project management, and architecture who helped bring this vision closer to reality.