HES-SO Valais-Wallis opens a Digital Life Sciences training programme
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The HES-SO Valais-Wallis School of Engineering is breaking new ground by offering a Digital Life Sciences (DLS) option within its Life Sciences Engineering programme. Supported by the canton of Valais, this unique programme prepares future engineers to meet the challenges posed by the increasing digitalization of life sciences, a strategic field for the Swiss economy.
Faced with the explosion of biological data and the rise of artificial intelligence, this new orientation aims to train hybrid profiles with skills in biotechnology, data analysis and artificial intelligence, thus meeting the needs of the biopharmaceutical, agri-food and technology industries.
At a time when companies such as Lonza, Novartis and Nestlé are investing heavily in digitalization, experts such as Renzo Cicillini, Director of the Lonza site in Visp, emphasize the importance of these profiles. “The digital shift requires skills that combine life sciences and digital technologies. This cross-disciplinary curriculum, offered on the Energypolis campus in Sion, includes specialized modules in complex data processing, with customized choices in biotechnology, analytical chemistry or food technology.
A response to economic and societal challenges
This specialization is in line with the strategic vision of the HES-SO and the Canton of Valais, which are focusing on digitalization and innovation to strengthen regional competitiveness. François Seppey, Director of HES-SO Valais-Wallis, comments: “This training programme meets the current and future needs of the industry, while positioning our school as a pioneer in French-speaking Switzerland.” Luciana Vaccaro, Rector of the HES-SO, adds: “We train talents to support industries in their digital transition, ensuring innovation and sustainable economic prosperity.”
Promising prospects for graduates
Digital Life Sciences engineers are in great demand in sectors such as biotechnology and data science. Thanks to the applied approach of HES courses, graduates quickly enter the job market, bringing concrete digital solutions to companies. With this initiative, the HES-SO Valais-Wallis is helping to develop key skills to meet tomorrow’s technological and economic challenges.
➡️ Source text & photo: HES-SO Valais Wallis