As the leader of one of the world's most dynamic research institutes, Professor Aebischer is recognized as an ambassador of cutting-edge science. He marries enthusiasm for tackling major scientific challenges with the desire to contribute to our planet's global development by training a new generation of technological leaders. His goal, at the helm of EPFL, is to promote interdisciplinarity, the engagement of young researchers, and an awareness of the economy and the arts world.

Biography

Patrick Aebischer, a Swiss doctor and neuroscientist trained at the University of Fribourg and the University of Geneva, began his career in 1984 as a professor of neuroscience, biomaterials and artificial organs at Brown University in the United States. In 1992, he became a professor in the independent surgical research and gene therapy centre at the Centre hospitalier universitaire Vaudois in Lausanne. For 11 years now, he has been President of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, and in 2004 he became a member of the Conseil des Écoles Polytechniques fédérales.

As a member of numerous professional associations both in Europe and the United States, Professor Aebischer has founded two biotechnology companies. He is also pursuing his laboratory research, focusing on the development of cellular therapy approaches and gene transfers for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

About the honorary doctorate

The honorary doctorate is awarded by Université de Montréal following the recommendation of the Polytechnique Montréal board of directors and the academic board. The honorary degree highlights the exceptional accomplishments of a nationally or internationally renowned individual.

Left to right : Mr Guy Breton, Université de Montréal, Mr Patrick Aebischer, École Polytechnique de Lausanne, Mr Christophe Guy, École Polytechnique de Montréal et Mr Alexandre Chabot, Université de Montréal.