Prof. Bloch and Prof. Courtine Honored with the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering 2026
Share this article
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering 2026 has been awarded to Jocelyne Bloch, Head of Neurosurgery at the CHUV and professor at the Université de Lausanne, together with Grégoire Courtine, professor at the EPFL. The award recognizes their pioneering work in developing electronic spinal cord stimulation technologies that restore motor functions in people with spinal cord injuries.
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering honors innovations that translate engineering excellence into tangible benefits for humanity. In 2026, nine laureates were recognized for transformative advances in neural interface technologies, which have already enabled patients worldwide to regain abilities such as walking, hearing, and communication.
Through a long-term collaboration between CHUV/UNIL and EPFL, Professors Bloch and Courtine developed targeted electronic stimulation of the spinal cord combined with advanced rehabilitation approaches. Their work reactivates neural circuits involved in locomotion, opening new therapeutic pathways for patients living with paralysis.
This achievement reflects the strength of Lausanne’s translational research ecosystem, where engineering innovation and clinical practice work hand in hand. As Claire Charmet, Director General of CHUV, noted, the prize highlights the institution’s mission to unite research, engineering, and care for the direct benefit of patients.
The international jury emphasized the proven impact of these technologies on patients’ lives, demonstrating how deep scientific understanding of the nervous system can be transformed into real clinical solutions.
“The neurochirurgery teaches humility, while innovation requires boldness. This journey demanded both,” said Professor Jocelyne Bloch. “This prize recognizes how essential that balance has been to advancing treatments for people living with paralysis.”
The 2026 laureates will share a total award of £500,000 and will officially receive their trophies at a ceremony in London later this year.
➡️ Source: CHUV | 📸 .NeuroRestore