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Institute of Computational Life Sciences

Teaching and research at the interfaces of digitisation and life sciences

The ICLS Institute of Computational Life Sciences embraces computational science as an interdisciplinary approach to address complex challenges and develop innovative solutions in key areas of health, society, environment and nutrition.

We position ourselves as intermediaries between basic university research and practical applications in business and society. Our team of around 60 employees has extensive experience in managing interdisciplinary projects.

Our research and development projects fully consider the context of our business and research partners, benefiting our students as well. The valuable knowledge generated from our projects is directly integrated into our Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes, as well as into continuing education.

Why do algorithms improve our quality of life?
«Industry focused, creative, passionate and reflective; we think beyond institutional boundaries.»
Prof. Dr. Thomas Ott, Director of the Institute

Employees

Studies and Continuing Education

Research and Services

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Study and Continuing Education

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Digital Life Sciences

Unique in Switzerland, the Applied Digital Life Sciences programme combines life sciences, data science and digitalization. Scientific competencies are integrated with various digital tools and data-based methods. Students engage in research both in the laboratory and in the environment, concurrently developing skills in programming, artificial intelligence, data engineering, as well as modeling and simulation. The bachelor's programme offers excellent job prospects. Through the interdisciplinary approach, the students gain essential and well-balanced competencies to launch a successful career in the life sciences.

Detailed informationen on the Bachelor in Applied Digital Life Sciences

Life Sciences - Specialisation Applied Computational Life Sciences

Specific skills in artificial intelligence, data, modelling and simulation are becoming increasingly important. Algorithms, machine learning, pattern recognition are just a few relevant keywords. Master's graduates in this specialisation are increasingly in demand and work, for example, as specialists or leaders in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, chemistry, biotechnology, agro-food, environment and medicine.

Detailed information about the Master of Life Sciences with Specialisation Applied Computational Life Sciences

PhD Programme in Data Science

Students can do a doctorate in Data Science at ZHAW in cooperation with the University of Zurich. Doctoral students receive guidance and supervision from distinguished professors from both universities equally.

More about the PhD Programme in Data Science

Continuing Education

The Institute of Computational Life Sciences offers a wide range of continuing education courses that can be individually expanded and combined into a CAS in Digital Life Sciences. The annual conferences also offer interesting platforms not only for keeping up to date, but also for exchanging ideas and networking.

Research and Services

In our four research centres, we offer application-oriented research, development and services on issues concerning digitalisation and data science in the life sciences. Our overarching goal is to pioneer innovative solutions that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

Bioinformatics

In the Centre for Bioinformatics, we develop practical solutions at the interface of biology, medicine and computer sciences.
Co-lead: Prof. Dr. Maria Anisimova and Dr. Manuel Gil

Research Groups:

  • Computational Genomics
  • Biomedical String Analysis
  • Applied Mathematical Biology

Cognitive Computing in Life Sciences

In the Centre for Cognitive Computing in Life Sciences, we offer new solutions for the life sciences that are based on the fundamental understanding of human and machine as an learning integrated system.
Lead: Dr. Yulia Sandamirskaya

Research Groups:

  • Autonomous Learning Systems
  • Advanced Signal Analytics
  • Computational Environment
  • Neuromorphic Computing
  • Predictive Analytics

Computational Health

The Centre for Computational Health addresses fundamental questions in biology and medicine using computer-assisted, data-driven methods. Important tools are machine learning for image and signal analysis, parameter estimation for differential equation systems and multiphysics simulation.
Lead: Prof. Dr. Sven Hirsch

Research Groups:

  • Biomedical Simulation
  • Medical Image Analysis & Data Modelling
  • Biosensor Analysis & Digital Health

Digital Labs & Production

In the Centre for Digital Labs & Production, we bring people, spaces and processes together. From mixed reality digital twins to progressive web applications and machine-to-machine interfaces, we connect physical with digital worlds through data and analytics.
Co-lead: Dr. Lukas Hollenstein and Dr. Robert Vorburger

Research Groups:

  • Simulation & Optimization
  • Data Management & Visualization
  • Edge Computing & Interfaces

ZHAW Labs