The largest scientific society connecting researchers in Switzerland

Originally founded by Prof. Eward Weibel as USGEB (Union of Swiss Societies for Experimental Biology) in 1969, the society has more than 50 year history in uniting researchers from various Life Sciences disciplines, facilitating interdisciplinary collaborating, protecting and promoting scientific work and educating the general public. In 2012, USGEB changed its name to LS2 (Life Sciences Switzerland). Since then, the society has expanded by adding more Sections, becoming the largest Life Sciences Society in Switzerland, representing approx. 1000 members.

The society runs scientific programs, organizes conferences and workshops, and coordinates initiatives bringing together academic researchers, industry partners, and early-career scientists.

LS2 organizes:

  • The LS2 Annual Meeting: a two-day conference featuring multiple Keynote speakers, 10+ symposia and 30-40 speakers selected from the submitted abstracts. The meeting is preceded by The Young Scientists' Satellite;
  • The annual meetings of LS2 Sections organized by our Board members or affiliated societies;
  • Webinar Series - Knowledge@Noon;
  • Travel grants to PhD students allowing them to participate in scientific meetings;
  • Various social events and events for the general public, to foster debate & exchange between the public & the scientific community.

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Latest News:

Swiss Autophagy Conference 2026

We are pleased to invite you to the Swiss Autophagy Conference 2026, taking place on September 3-4, 2026, in Fribourg, Switzerland.

This year’s theme, “Autophagy in Development, Disease and Ageing,” will bring together early-career researchers and experts to discuss the latest advances in autophagy research. The interactive two-day program includes keynote lectures, short talks, and flash presentations, offering excellent opportunities for scientific exchange and networking.

Abstract submission until June 21, 2026! Register until July 31, 2026.

Company visit

Join the LS2 Company Visit to Bio-Technopark Schlieren on May 28 and discover the start-up ecosystem from the inside by meeting the teams at DISCO Pharmaceuticals and Microcaps. Participation is free, but limited to 7 spots, and registration closes on May 10.

Knowledge @ Noon webinar

If you are interested in academic career path, join us on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 12:00 to 13:00 on Zoom to find out how much the first impressions matter, how to deal with setbacks, how to accept that the ideal career path does not exist and how to form more realistic understanding of academic careers. We will hear personal experience from two assistant professors, one of whom was selected as "Ones to watch in 2025" by Nature! 

This session is perfect for everyone who is interested into academic career. The event is free and open for everyone, but registration by 21.04.2026 is necessary to receive the webinar link.

Volunteer with us!

Want to help shape LS2 Annual Meeting 2027? 

We are looking for Chairs for the PIs of Tomorrow and the Young Scientists’ Satellite. 

Gain leadership experience, grow your network, and boost your CV! 

Apply by 31.05.2026.

Swiss Proteomics Meeting

The Swiss Proteomics Meeting 2026 will take place from 23 to 24 April 2026 at the Holiday Inn Bern Westside, bringing together researchers exploring the frontiers of proteomics, genomics, and systems biology.

Mentorship Workshop - date change!

Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth, leadership development, and strengthening professional communities. But impactful mentorship doesn’t happen by chance. It requires structure, skill, and intention.

Therefore, on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at Haus der Akademien in Bern we will be hosting an interactive, hands-on workshop for our members only! Led by Natasha Konstantinova, this workshop will help participants to gain practical tools and frameworks to confidently design and maintain successful mentoring relationships.

Given the highly interactive format, places are strictly limited to 21, so register now and secure your spot early!

Theory across Biology

The registration is open for Theory Across Biology 2026 in Bern on June 12. The event emphasizes chalk-talk presentations and flip-chart discussions that encourage deep, cross-disciplinary exchange on shared biological principles. 

Deadlines & Dates:
• Abstract submission: 10 May 2026
• General registration: 24 May 2026

The meeting is FREE for LS2 members!

Swiss Physiology meeting

Registration is now open for the Swiss Physiology Meeting 2026, organized by the LS2 Physiology Section and taking place in Fribourg on September 3, 2026. 

A major highlight of the meeting is the Young Investigator Award (YIA) contest. Early Career Researchers, including PhD students and early postdoctoral fellows, are strongly encouraged to participate, present their ongoing work, and compete for prizes recognizing outstanding oral and poster presentations. Registration deadline: 31.05.2026.

Travel Grants

Our September 2026 PhD Travel Grant call is open!

Apply by 01.09.2026. 

Annual Meeting

The LS2 Annual Meeting 2026 in Zurich brought together the life sciences community for 2½ days of inspiring science and exchange under the theme “Fueling Life Across Scales.”

From outstanding keynote lectures to dynamic symposia, poster sessions, and vibrant networking opportunities, the meeting highlighted the breadth and excellence of research across Switzerland and beyond.

We thank all participants, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors who made this event a success.

Curious to relive the highlights? See all pictures HERE!

PIOT finalists

Congratulations to Dr. Olimpia Bompadre (EPF Lausanne) and Dr. Juan Cruz Landoni (EPF Lausanne) - the winners of "PIs of Tommorrow" competition at LS2AM26!

Congrats also to the finalists Dr. Theodora Constantin (University of Basel) and Dr. Alaz Ozcan (University of Zurich)!

Big THANK YOU to PIOT chairs for the wonderful session and the sponsors of PIOT prizes: NIKON, New England Biolabs, MDPI - Medical Sciences and Proteomes and opnMe by Boehringer Ingelheim.