Institute of Computational Life Sciences
Teaching and research at the interfaces of digitisation and life sciences
The ICLS is dedicated to the digital transformation of the life sciences. We bring together data, artificial intelligence, modelling and Life Sciences expertise to tackle some of the major challenges of our time in health, the environment, nutrition and society.
Our strength lies in bringing different worlds together. We bridge the gap between scientific research, technological innovation and practical application. Working in interdisciplinary teams and together with partners from industry, research institutions and the public sector, we develop solutions that have a meaningful impact.
Research, innovation and education form a continuous cycle of knowledge creation and transfer. Insights gained from our projects feed directly into our degree programmes and continuing education.
We equip the next generation of experts to harness the potential of data, AI and computational science for the life sciences.
AI is changing the world – and with it, the life sciences. The key question is not what AI can do, but how we shape it to serve life, rather than the other way round.
This question is at the heart of our mission. We approach it with curiosity, critical reflection and responsibility.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Ott, Director of the Institute
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Digital Life Sciences
Modern life sciences are data-driven. Anyone wishing to help shape the field needs both a solid grounding in the natural sciences and strong digital skills. Our bachelor's degree programme addresses precisely this need: students design experiments, collect data in laboratories and in the field, and learn to analyse these data using techniques from programming, artificial intelligence, data engineering, modelling and simulation. In doing so, they combine scientific knowledge with digital technologies and develop the skills to address complex questions in the life sciences using data-driven approaches.
Detailed informationen on the Bachelor in Applied Digital Life Sciences
Master of Science (MSc) in Life Sciences - Specialisation Applied Computational Life Sciences
Where Life Sciences Meet Data Science, Modelling and Digitalisation. This degree programme combines data-driven and computational modelling, modern digital technologies and artificial intelligence with a solid grounding in the natural sciences. By applying these approaches to real-world case studies from laboratories, industry and the environment, students develop an interdisciplinary skill set that equips them to help shape the digital transformation of the 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.
Continuing Education
The Institute of Computational Life Sciences offers a wide range of continuing education courses. 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
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: Prof. Dr. Yulia Sandamirskaya
Research groups
- 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: Prof. Dr. Lukas Hollenstein and Prof. Dr. Robert Vorburger
Services: Advice and Training
We provide support for research and professional practice in areas including experimental design, data analysis, data management, AI-enabled web technologies and app development. Our expertise spans AI development and application, modelling, simulation and optimisation, as well as the creation of data-driven solutions. We also share our expertise through specialised continuing education programmes.
ZHAW Digital Health Lab
The ZHAW Digital Health Lab brings together experts from the fields of biomedicine, health, technology and business, who together create innovations for digitisation in healthcare.
ZHAW Datalab
Datalab is a virtual organization at Zurich University of Applied Sciences, spanning several departments and institutes. Our goal is to be a nationally leading and internationally recognized center of excellence for research, teaching and services in the area of data science. The Datalab closely cooperates with industry, enabling innovation and technology transfer.
