BioAlps Executive Committee: A Farewell and a Welcome

After more than 13 years of dedicated service on the BioAlps Executive Committee, Anne-Renée Leyvraz is stepping down from her role representing both UNIL and CHUV. Her retirement marks the end of a chapter that has left a lasting imprint on the organisation and on the broader Swiss Health Valley ecosystem.

As Knowledge Transfer Manager at UNIL and CHUV, Anne-Renée has spent her career at the intersection of academic research and real-world impact — helping projects developed within both institutions protect their intellectual property, create spin-offs, and establish licensing agreements with external partners. This deep expertise shaped the way BioAlps has engaged with the innovation pipeline emerging from Western Switzerland’s academic community.

Among her most enduring contributions is her decisive role in launching the BioInnovation Day (BIND), in partnership with UNITEC, the technology transfer office of HUG and UNIGE, which has grown into one of the region’s most important platforms for showcasing the Swiss Health Valley’s finest innovations and the life sciences projects developed across Western Switzerland’s academic institutions.

“Serving on the BioAlps Executive Committee for over thirteen years has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Watching the Swiss Health Valley grow into a recognised force in global life sciences. Knowing that we contributed to that journey, one project, one spin-off, one connection at a time fills me with  great satisfaction. I leave confident that the best is still ahead, especially with knowing the BioAlps’ team is now driving BioInnovation Day.” — Anne-Renée Leyvraz, outgoing Executive Committee member, UNIL & CHUV

Anne-Renée will be succeeded by Alberto Schena, Head of the Knowledge Transfer Office at UNIL and CHUV. His nomination has been confirmed by the Canton of Vaud.

“As a new board member representing CHUV and UNIL, I am excited to bring my expertise in knowledge transfer and innovation to BioAlps, contributing to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research, healthcare and the life sciences ecosystem in Western Switzerland.” — Alberto Schena, incoming Executive Committee member, UNIL & CHUV

The BioAlps association wishes the best to Anne-Renée, for her future projects and is thrilled to welcome Alberto Schena. 

“Anne-Renée has been a pillar of our Executive Committee for thirteen years. Her commitment, her expertise, and her vision have helped shape BioAlps into what it is today — and BIND stands as a testament to what she built. We are deeply grateful. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Alberto, whose background and drive make him ideally placed to carry this work forward.” — Magali Bischof, Secretary General, BioAlps.

📸 Alberto Schena and Anne-Renée Leyvraz, ©Muana Minkoué