Today, September 6, 2025, the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) took place. Among the many attendees were federal and cantonal political authorities: the Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and Head of the National Division for Research and Innovation, the President of the Ticino Government Norman Gobbi, the Mayor of Bellinzona Mario Branda, as well as prominent figures from the academic world, including the Rector of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Luisa Lambertini, and the Vice President for Research at ETH Zurich, Annette Oxenius.
Founded in 2000 and affiliated with the Università della Svizzera italiana, the IRB has become an internationally recognized center of excellence for studies in immunology and biomedical sciences. Over the past 25 years, the Institute has made a decisive contribution to the scientific development of Canton Ticino and Switzerland, training new generations of researchers, establishing academic and clinical collaborations, and attracting talent from all over the world.
Today, the IRB counts over 160 staff members, 13 research groups, and a record of nearly one thousand scientific publications, 46 patents, and the creation of 3 spin-offs. Its affiliation with USI, collaboration with the Institute of Oncology Research, the Institute of Translational Research, and other Swiss and international institutions have consolidated its role as a driver of innovation and a hub of attraction for biomedical research.
“Today, in small Bellinzona, researchers from all over the world arrive—young and experienced talents ready to engage in disciplines that look far ahead […]” said the Mayor of Bellinzona, Mario Branda, who in his speech proudly retraced the IRB’s journey, a path that has sparked a virtuous mechanism of innovation and development in the city, benefiting the local community and society at large. He also highlighted the Institute’s significant clinical contributions, with discoveries that have led to new drugs and treatments, for example against Covid.
This was followed by remarks from the President of the IRB Foundation Board and of BIOS+, Gabriele Gendotti, who warmly addressed the assembly and emphasized the importance of courage and forward-looking vision, which have made the IRB a magnet for international talent and a driving force for a future-oriented Ticino, integrated into the global scientific community:
“We are aware that scientific research generates knowledge, and knowledge is the key to the future, because we know that to ensure a country’s capacity to innovate and face the future, we must have the courage to invest strategically in education and research.”
The President of the Ticino State Council, Norman Gobbi, stressed the importance of the milestone achieved, wishing the IRB and the Ticino community another 25 years of success.
Among the most significant and anticipated moments was the talk by Laetitia Philippe, Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and Head of the National Division for Research and Innovation. Referring to the article 15 of the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation, she emphasized the value of IRB at the national level, praising its curiosity, perseverance, and courage in pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and calling for continued collaboration between the private, public sectors, and European Institutions.
A courageous and meaningful tribute came from USI Rector Luisa Lambertini, who—by virtue of the affiliation between IRB and USI—firmly cited the values of inclusivity and sustainability pursued by the Institute over these 25 years, which placed dialogue and exchange at the center of its presence in the international academic landscape:
“The Institute has been a pioneer in inclusion, immediately valuing women’s presence in science […]. Its investment in basic research builds solid foundations for future progress in medicine and public health, an effort that best expresses our idea of sustainability.”
Looking ahead to future achievements in immunological research, Professor Annette Oxenius stated: “Looking ahead, I am convinced that the IRB’s role will remain pivotal. Biomedical research is entering an era of unprecedented opportunities—with new technologies, from single-cell omics to artificial intelligence, reshaping the way we interrogate biological systems.”
Words of affection and pride also marked the greetings of Professor Giorgio Noseda, Honorary President of IRB (and first Foundation Board President), and Professor Franco Cavalli, who gave the celebration a profound sense of recognition and belonging for a community that has grown and been supported since its very beginnings.
The final remarks came from IRB Director, Professor Davide Robbiani, the perfect conclusion to a heartfelt day of celebration for the work of a team that continues to rise to the challenges at the new frontiers of immunological research: “In this new house for four years now, we have recently recruited three new laboratory directors—young talents who, after experience at prestigious universities, bring new expertise and innovative research programs to Bellinzona. […] The creation of a competence center on the biology of aging (NCCR Aging) in Italian-speaking Switzerland, a highly relevant theme not only for immunology, would provide an important boost to grow in new directions, with considerable potential for impact on society.” He concluded by thanking the entire community for its warm support and looking forward to the imminent challenges already facing the Institute.
The event also featured an artistic contribution by Ticino artist Patrizia Pfenniger, who celebrated the 25 years of achievements with an evocative installation representing the discoveries of the Institute’s laboratories. Contributions by musicians from the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana and by members of the Fondazione Diamante brought moments of entertainment that reflected the IRB’s spirit: ever since its founding, it has lived to spread the value of a “Science that helps.”
Happy Birthday, IRB!
