Team

«As co-founder of C2D2, I am convinced that AI and data-driven systems will fundamentally transform the future of diagnostics. I champion bold collaboration across laboratory medicine, computational life sciences, clinics and industry, because only through shared knowledge can we unlock the full potential of innovation that will shape the next era of laboratory medicine.»
Co-Founder and Co-Head of C2D2, Head of subcluster Translational Medicine & Omics, Lecturer and Internship coordinator for the BSc Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology ZHAW
Main areas of work/expertise:
- Translational Medicine
- Single Cell Technologies & Workflows for Clinical Applications
- Cell- and Tissue Based Diagnostics
- Image-Based AI Tool and Workflow Development
- Comprehensive Biomedical Diagnostics
Dr. Norman Juchler
Co-Head of C2D2, Head of subcluster Image-based Lab Diagnostics, Lecturer at the Institute of Computational Life Sciences

«I see research in the digital age as a collaborative journey. With our initiative, we want to connect – bringing together the excellent researchers at our university, professionals from clinics, labs, and industry, and our students. Let’s talk!»
Main areas of work/expertise:
- Biomedical Image Analysis and Signal Processing
- Data Science and Analytics
- Digital Pathology
- 2D and 3D Morphology
- Cerebrovascular System
Dr. Ahmad Aghaebrahimian
Head of subcluster Biomedical AI, Senior research scientist and lecturer, Group Biomedical String Analyses, Institute of Computational Life Sciences ZHAW

«I believe every piece of medical knowledge, no matter how hidden or complex it is, should serve humanity. I have dedicated my work to transforming fragmented biomedical data into a full picture by employing neuro-symbolic AI, large language models, and knowledge graphs to create intelligent systems that reason, explain, and care. My vision is to empower clinicians, patients, and researchers with AI that not only informs but also inspires better health for all.»
Main areas of work/expertise:
Neuro-symbolic AI
Biomedical Large Language Models
Biomedical Natural Language Processing
Generative AI for medical document automation
Health interoperability, the semantic web, and knowledge graphs
Prof. Dr. Sandro Manni
Head of subcluster Molecular Biomarkers, Clinical Chemistry Lead, Head of Research Group, Lecturer for the BSc Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology ZHAW

«As key elements of precision medicine, new biomarkers not only enable the diagnosis of diseases, but also the adaptation and monitoring of therapies. Advances in biomarker research are thus paving the way for even more precise and individualized treatment options.»
Main areas of work/expertise:
- Development of new and optimization of existing bioanalytical and diagnostic methods
- Development of proteomic workflows for the discovery of new biomarkers
- Development of cell-based test systems (bioassays) and cellular disease models for the diagnosis and screening of biological parameters
- Identification and evaluation of potential drug targets suitable for targeted therapies
Dr. med. vet. Julia Traversari
Head of subcluster One Health, Research and Teaching Associate, Group Computational Health, Institute of Computational Life Sciences ZHAW

«Digitalization is transforming the way we provide care and conduct research. I believe that medical professionals should take an active role in this change, and that collaboration across fields will allow us to help shape a better future for healthcare and biomedical research. I look forward to connecting with like-minded people through C2D2!»
Main areas of work/expertise:
Digital pathology
AI-based laboratory diagnostics
Disease prediction
Translational medicine
Dr. Simone Ulzega
Expert in subcluster Molecular Biomarkers, Senior research scientist and Lecturer, Group Computational Health, Institute of Computational Life Sciences ZHAW

«We excel at developing cutting-edge algorithms and methods. Our goal is to ensure they serve human well-being and improve people’s lives.»
Main areas of work/expertise:
- Complex systems modelling
- Bayesian data science
- High performance computing
- Optimisation and inference algorithms
Dr. Tugçe Bilgin Sonay
Expert in subcluster Translational Medicine & Omics, Lecturer in Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Computational Life Sciences ZHAW

«I am passionate about empowering the students with as much as experience and collaborations with industry and hospitals. This cluster provides the perfect opportunity to start collaborating through small students projects.»
Pia Lagler
Scientific Assistant, Group Computational Health, Institute of Computational Life Sciences ZHAW
«As a Cluster Member, I am dedicated to uniting laboratory science and computation to develop smart digital health solutions and contribute to positive change in the healthcare system.»
Main areas of work/expertise:
Coordinating interdisciplinary collaboration between laboratory and computational teams
Supporting administrative and operational processes within the Cluster
Managing documentation, reporting, and information flow for transparency and alignment
Prof. Dr. Sven Hirsch
Co-Founder of C²D²
Institut für Computational Life Sciences
Prof. Dr. Sven Hirsch