EPFL and UNIL Co-Lead Three New National Research Poles for 2026–2029
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For the 2026–2029 period, Switzerland has selected three major National Research Poles (PRN/NCCR) involving scientists from the Université de Lausanne and EPFL. These ambitious programmes address some of the most fundamental and urgent scientific challenges: the origins of life, the fight against childhood cancer, and separation sciences.
Genesis: understanding the origins of life
Co-hosted by the ETH Zurich and the University of Lausanne, the PRN Genesis explores how simple molecules evolved into living systems and where life might exist beyond Earth. Bringing together 23 research groups across disciplines such as physics, biology, chemistry, and geosciences, the project aims to identify biological signatures and develop new tools to detect life in extreme environments and on exoplanets.
Beyond scientific discovery, Genesis seeks to strengthen Switzerland’s position as a global leader in fundamental research and inspire the next generation of scientists. Financial allocation: CHF 37,9 million.
Children & Cancer: advancing pediatric oncology
The PRN Children & Cancer, led jointly by the University of Zurich and the University of Lausanne, focuses on improving diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up for children with cancer. The programme unites 32 research groups spanning pediatrics, oncology, data science, and artificial intelligence.
Its goal is to build a national platform for personalized therapies, develop new immunotherapies, and enhance collaboration across Switzerland’s pediatric oncology network—positioning the country as an international hub for translational research in childhood cancer. Financial allocation: CHF 33,97 million.
Separations: the quest for chemical and physical purity
Led by EPFL, this new centre focuses on advancing separation sciences—technologies essential for producing clean water, pharmaceuticals, and critical materials, and for tackling major challenges such as CO₂ capture, energy-efficient ammonia production, and metal recovery from waste streams. Directed by Prof. Wendy Queen and co-directed by Prof. Kumar Agrawal, the NCCR “Separations” brings together 18 research groups from seven institutions to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial deployment. With over CHF 30 million in combined federal and institutional funding for its first four years, the initiative aims to accelerate the translation of sustainable separation technologies into real-world applications, strengthening Switzerland’s role as a leader in climate innovation and industrial competitiveness.