phd school of life sciences geneva

Doctoral Schools 

CUSO http://biologie.cuso.ch/accueil/ CUSO is a doctoral programme for the Universities in the Western regions of Switzerland (Bern, Fribourg, Lausanne, Geneva and Neuchâtel). CUSO offers numerous courses and workshops in a variety of biological sciences and topics.

EPFL Doctoral Schools Doctoral programs

• Doctoral school in Biotechnology and Bioengineering (EDBB)
• Doctoral school in Chemistry and Chemical engineering (EDCH)
• Doctoral school in Molecular Life Sciences (EDMS)
• Doctoral school in Neuroscience (EDNE) 

University of Lausanne PhD in Life Sciences  ( Cardiovascular and Metabolism , Ecology and Evolution , Experimental and Computation Biology , Microbiology ) PhD Program in Cancer and Immunology Lemanic Neurosciences Doctoral School

ETH/UZH Doctoral Schools Life Science Zurich PhD programs

• Biomedical Ethics and Law/ Medical Track
• Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism
• Cancer Biology
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Integrative Molecular Medicine
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Molecular Life Sciences
• Molecular and Translational Biomedicine
• Neuroscience
• Plant Science
• RNA Biology
• Science and Policy
• Systems Biology  

University of Geneva The University of Geneva unites all life science doctoral schools in the International PhD programme . Once a year, the program organises a PhD retreat.

University of Bern The University of Bern hosts the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences Furthermore, PhD students can enroll in the  School for Molecular Life Sciences

University of Basel The Biozentrum offers a broad selection of lectures on current topics in Molecular, Cellular and Systems Biology at the Masters and PhD level. This graduate teaching program offers young scientists opportunities to expand and broaden their theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI) The Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI) in Basel is an international leader in biomedical research in the fields of neurobiology, genome regulation and multicellular systems. It offers an international PhD program and MD-PhD program that provide interdisciplinary training and access to state-of-the-art technology platforms. The FMI’s affiliation with the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research and the University of Basel, as well as its location in Europe’s top life sciences hub, provide excellent opportunities for scientific interactions and collaborations.

University of Fribourg The Fribourg Graduate School of Life Sciences (FGLS) is an interdisciplinary and international graduate school, which offers a coordinated doctoral programme in life sciences at the University of Fribourg. It addresses doctoral fellows in the fields of biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, chemistry, physics, bioinformatics and mathematics who have a life science focus. State-of-the-art theoretical and experimental research will lead to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The Faculty of Sciences offers the following degrees related to biology: PhD in Biology, PhD in Biochemistry, PhD in Bioinformatics

PhD & Postdoc Association (PPA) of Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) The main intention of this association is to provide a platform for PhD students and postdocs for social and scientific networking across all departments. The PSI institute is organized into five research and two service divisions:

• Research with Neutrons and Muons (NUM)
• Photon Science (PSD)
• Energy and Environment (ENE)
• Nuclear Energy and Safety (NES)
• Biology and Chemistry (BIO)
• Division Large Research Facilities (GFA)
• Division Logistics (LOG)

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14 Students Honored with Tufts 2024 Presidential Awards for Civic Life

The Presidential Award for Civic Life is the highest recognition for service, leadership, and civic engagement conferred by Tufts University. Each year, Tisch College, in collaboration with partners from across the University, is proud to help select and celebrate outstanding individuals who combined academic achievement with a profound impact on communities near and far, helping to address some of the biggest challenges in our society.

School of Arts and Sciences

Saffiyah Veronica Masireh Coker, Economics & International Relations, A24

"How can we create joy and take up space? These questions have composed my time at Tufts. Through working with the Africana Center on the Black Women's Empowerment Conference and in other spaces at Tufts, I have seen the power of uplifting and learning from those around you. A love for others has taught me how I want to move through the world. Above all, be curious. Question the structures that exist around you and find like minded people who can grow your visions with you."

Alexandra Tatiana Dingle, International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, A24

"At the core of my civic engagement lies a profound love for the people and communities that surround me. This affection is embodied within my interactions, whether with fellow students and professors at Tufts or the inspiring youth I've collaborated with in Greece, India, and Jordan. Through embracing others in building solidarity — listening intently to stories, nurturing connections, and immersing myself among diverse settings — I am continuously fueled to contribute to the creation of a more equitable and empowering society where every voice is valued and respected.

I firmly believe that genuine transformation of global systems and conventional protection structures, anchored in principles of peace and inclusivity, hinges on our ability to lead with empathy and compassion. The potential for meaningful change resides within each of our hearts, and it is the prospect of true justice that propels me forward as I strive towards a liberated future."

Adrian Huq, Applied Environmental Studies, A24

"I am honored to be a recipient of the 2024 Presidential Award for Civic Life. My experience with leadership and civic engagement began when I was a junior in high school, and I am proud to have still continued my work on localized climate action through policy change and education with the same organizations throughout my time at Tufts despite being outside of my home state."

RuiSha Kingston, Biology, Psychology, and Environmental Studies, A24

"Community organizations, businesses, and university partners have taught me that curiosity, creativity, and relationship-building are fundamental in pushing for a more inclusive and justice-centered environmental space. I've found a lot of joy in connecting with others who have various backgrounds and building a bridge between our different perspectives. Equitable and meaningful collaboration often leads to innovative solutions to real-world problems. I'm looking forward to bringing these lessons with me throughout the rest of my civic engagement journey."

Sabah Lokhandwala, Political Science and Science Technology and Society, A24

"My work is informed by the communities who raised me and continue to teach me about advocacy, care, and progress. My Muslim and South Asian communities at Tufts and beyond have reminded me the importance of civic engagement and how our shared histories should inform and push us to take social and political action. None of us exist in a vacuum and we have a moral and civic responsibility to nurture and protect each other. I hope we all continue to work towards a world free from oppression by means of community. "

Wanci Chouaffe Nana, Biopsychology, A24

"I’m deeply grateful for the blessings God has given me, feeling called to use these gifts to contribute to my communities. It’s become clear to me that keeping this vision to myself wouldn’t be right. We’re often told about how different we are from each other, but I’ve come to see that we share more similarities than we’re led to believe. I think those in power use our supposed differences to keep us from discovering our real strength, which is found when we work together. This award recognizes that when we lean on what God has taught us about unity and caring for one another, we can achieve incredible things for both individuals and the collective. It’s a call to action for all of us to come together, and to create communities that thrive on compassion and cooperation."

School of Engineering

Matthew Patrick Ung, Computer Science, E24

"In our increasingly digital world, I believe engineers have many unique opportunities to effect positive change. From my work in building software for community organizations through JumboCode to my research in providing nonprofits with access to cybersecurity support, I am proud that I’ve been able to use my technical skill set to support Tufts’ community members. I believe it is through this intersection of innovation and social responsibility that we, both as students and as future leaders, can make a meaningful impact."

Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy

Muhammed Shabab Anwar, MIB, F24

"I believe your civic engagements are the most true form of expressions of  your convictions that you can see evolve and come to fruition. I started as one of the Co-Leads of  Fletcher South Asia Society, and in my last semester I contribute to six students organizations and have founded Fletcher Muslim Student Association. I have held events where I saw a foot-fall of more that 250 students and 5 students, both equally challenging to organize and fundraise for."

Allen Chacko Nelson, MIB, F24

"Life is like a Brachistochrone curve, no matter where you are in life, you always end up together in the end. So the focus should be on return on intention over investment."

Roseanna "Rosie" Soto, MALD, F24

"My work and service is inspired by my friends and the student body at the Fletcher School and the Tufts community, whom have taught me so much about leadership. Building community, supporting each other, and bringing joy are goals that drive my actions, with the aim of making a meaningful impact. I aspire for our community to continue to be inclusive, welcoming, impactful, and engaged. I'm grateful for the opportunities to express myself and for the kindness from others."

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Jaiveer Singh, Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning (MA), AG24

"Receiving this prestigious award is truly humbling. I dedicate it to all those who have inspired me with their grace, humility, and unwavering commitment to the greater good and community. Their selfless service towards a gentle cause has ignited a fire within me to do more and be more for the betterment of society. I hope we appreciate the beauty of life and strive for justice, for the nourishment and prosperity of all."

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa

School of Medicine

Anna K. Daoud, MD/MPH, M24

"During the long days and nights, I am incredibly thankful for the relationships that I have built throughout this journey. These relationships span from my family, whose experiences as immigrants shaped my passion for health equity, to my undergraduate professors, who established my sociology and public health-driven frame of reference for medicine, and to my patients, faculty, and peers I met during my time at Tufts. I advise other students, in any profession, to listen to the narratives of their patients, peers, mentors, and faculty as these stories will push you further in diagnosis, care, and strengthening relationships more than any piece of solitary quantitative data. Medicine does not occur in a vacuum. Abortion is healthcare."

Shantiera Nicole Taylor, MD, M24

"Entering medical school, my passion for service was deeply ingrained, fueled by the distressing inequities pervading medical care and affecting patient outcomes. Engaging in enriching civic activities within the Tufts community has been nothing short of illuminating — shedding light on the indispensable role a physician plays when tightly integrated into the community's fabric. Serving as a physician leader within the community is both an honor and a privilege, offering firsthand experience of the challenges patients encounter in accessing quality healthcare — from transportation and housing status to pervasive stigma and bias. This involvement also provides the added benefit of fostering genuine relationships with individuals, which in turn aids in decreasing distrust within the medical system.

These experiences have provided profound insights into tailoring healthcare delivery, advocating for better dissemination of healthcare services, and fostering trust within the healthcare system. Each civic engagement has been a catalyst for personal growth, teaching me to personalize care according to individual needs and to prioritize empathetic listening without judgment to achieve patient-centered outcomes.

As I embark on my surgical residency, I am unwavering in my commitment to serve as a physician leader within the community. My goal is to deepen my understanding of the community's needs and to strive for continual improvement in healthcare delivery. Through continued engagement and dedication, I aim to contribute to the provision of equitable and high-quality healthcare for all."

School of Dental Medicine

Arika Neal, DMD, D24

"One of the most valuable things I've learned through my civic engagement experience here at Tufts is to be able to lean on the community I work with. Service is not a sole job. It's just as important to make yourself vulnerable and share what support you need to fulfill the mission or goal of a service project. Part of what drives me are the stories and experiences I hear from others. Some stories make me laugh and feel warm; others, I feel empathy and compassion. It's the human connection. Part of being human is continually growing; I believe that in order to do this, we must deepen our understanding of one another."

• The Graduate School >
• Graduate News >

Did RNA droplets help originate life on Earth? UB researcher awarded Hypothesis Fund to explore

Priya Banerjee, associate professor of physics, has received a Hypothesis Fund seed grant to explore RNA molecules and their role in the origin of life on Earth. Photo: Douglas Levere/University at Buffalo

Temperature-controlled droplet formation may have protected RNA in the prebiotic world, allowing it to self-replicate and kickstart life

By Tom Dinki

Release Date: April 12, 2024

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The RNA world theory suggests that life on Earth began with RNA molecules that copied themselves. It’s believed this self-replication eventually gave rise over millions of years to DNA and protein, which then formed with RNA to create cells. 

Yet RNA would seem ill-suited to serve such an important role in the harsh environment of the prebiotic world — it’s known to destabilize under high temperature and pressure.

Priya R. Banerjee, PhD, associate professor of physics at the University at Buffalo, believes the key to solving this puzzle may be RNA’s intrinsic ability to form liquid-like droplets at high temperatures, which may have protected it from harsh conditions and compartmentalized its functions.

Banerjee has now received a seed grant from the Hypothesis Fund to better study these RNA droplets and their potential role in the origin of life on Earth. 

The project, “Liquid RNA Condensates as Programmable Scaffolds for Compartmentalization and Catalysis,” was selected for the boldness of the science, as well as Banerjee’s willingness to take risks and go after a big idea, according to the Hypothesis Fund, which announced the award this week. 

Hypothesis Fund seed grants fund innovation research at its earliest stages, typically before there is any preliminary data, with the goal of supporting high-risk, high-reward ideas that may not be funded or pursued otherwise. 

“Dr. Banerjee’s project brings unique insights into the origin of life by understanding the biophysical properties and self-organization principles encoded into RNA molecules. His hypothesis is bold and innovative and has the potential to answer conundrums in how life may have arisen with RNA, while also bringing insight to the development of more effective RNA-based interventions,” says Hypothesis Fund Scout Taekjip Ha, PhD, professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Cellular & Molecular Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. 

According to RNA world theory, RNA served functions in the primordial soup later done by DNA and protein — encoding genetic material and catalyzing chemical reactions. 

However, the theory is hotly debated. Key objections include thermal instability of RNAs and a lack of mechanistic understanding of how RNA-driven compartmentalization was achieved in the prebiotic world. 

Banerjee, who is also director of graduate studies in the UB Department of Physics, has recently reported an unexpected discovery of RNA phase separation into droplets, or condensates, when exposed to high temperatures . He is now studying how these droplets, which are also formed by DNA and protein, impact cellular function and disease processes. 

“We posit that temperature-controlled reversible and dynamic droplet formation by RNA molecules can address this key knowledge gap,” Banerjee says. “Our working hypothesis is that tiny RNA liquid droplets are programmable microscale compartments for RNA biology.”

By shedding light on the molecular origin of RNAs’ thermo-responsive droplet formation, the project could determine the role of the droplet state of RNAs in diverse biological functions, Banerjee says. 

The project is expected to last for 18 months.

Media Contact Information

Tom Dinki News Content Manager Physical sciences, economic development Tel: 716-645-4584 [email protected]

Virginia Tech graduate students earn awards for weed science research

• Tyler Bauguess

10 Apr 2024

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A diverse group of Virginia Tech graduate students from across the globe – Honduras, India, South Korea, and the United States – earned international and national awards for turfgrass research under the leadership of Shawn Askew , professor at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences .

Askew manages the Turfgrass Weed Science Lab, where he leads the development and evaluation of new herbicides, organic and cultural weed control, diagnostic and application technology, and environmental effects of weed management in turfgrass.

Graduate students in Askew’s lab work on research projects including using lasers to eliminate weeds, determining how herbicides change the way insects behave, and measuring the force it takes to eliminate weeds with specialized tools.

Four School of Plant and Environmental Sciences graduate students who work in Askew’s lab were recently honored with the following awards:

John Peppers, a postdoctoral researcher from Snead, Alabama, received the 2024 Award of Excellence from the Musser International Turfgrass Foundation. This international honor, granted to only one student per year, was accompanied by a $45,000 honorarium.

Navdeep Godara of India received second place at the Tri-Societies International Meeting in St. Louis for his research poster on glyphosate residues within zoysiagrass turf canopies during rainfall. Godara also earned second place for his oral presentation on turf protection product impacts.

Daewon Koo of South Korea claimed second place at the Northeastern Weed Science Society annual meeting in Boston in the scientific poster competition.

Juan Romero of Honduras took first place at the Southern Weed Science Society and Weed Science Society of America Joint Meeting in San Antonio for his poster on the use of thermal energy and organic chemicals for weed control in turfgrass.

This team of four students has completed over 200 research trials; delivered approximately 30 Extension presentations; published 53 abstracts from scientific presentations at 12 scientific conferences in Canada, Denmark, India, Thailand, and the U.S.; and contributed to 18 peer-reviewed publications. Collectively, they have won over 60 awards, scholarships, or travel grants since 2022.

“Each student brings their own unique skills and disciplinary focus to enhance the diversity of outcomes in my lab," Askew said. "I’m very proud of what our team has accomplished.”

Tom Soladay

540-232-2501

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Related Content

UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin continues to be one of the premier schools for graduate studies, according to U.S. News & World Report’s partial release of its most recent “Best Graduate Schools.” UT made gains in several disciplines, including the College of Education’s jump into the top 10.

U.S. News has delayed release of its engineering, medicine and clinical psychology rankings, areas in which the University has historically achieved No. 1 and top 10 rankings.

Even with the partial release of the graduate rankings, UT maintained its top 10 spot for five colleges and schools: the College of Education (No. 8); the School of Information (No. 5); the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (No. 8); the College of Pharmacy (No. 6); and the Jackson School of Geosciences (No. 7), ranked under Earth Sciences. Three specialties ranked No. 1 in the country: Accounting, Latin American History and Sociology of Population. Overall, the University has 42 graduate schools and specialty programs ranked in the top 10 when combined with previous years.

“These rankings are striking and reflect our ability to continue to attract exceptional faculty and students. Our excellence is evident in our set of more than 40 schools, programs and specialties ranked in the top-10 in this partial release alone, including several that are the best in the country, if not the world,” said President Jay Hartzell. “Our talent is what puts UT at the leading edge of discovery in AI and robotics, life sciences, population research, and many other disciplines that are at the forefront of solving many of the world’s most pressing problems and bettering society.”

Among the highlights in this year’s rankings:

• The College of Education is now ranked in the top 10, moving up eight spots to No. 8.
• The McCombs School of Business moved up four ranks to No. 16 overall.
• The Information Systems MBA program in the McCombs School of Business is ranked No. 4 this year, marking 31 years that it has ranked in the top 5. Accounting has been ranked No. 1 for 18 years.
• The College of Pharmacy moved up one spot to No. 6. Computer Science moved up one rank to No. 7.
• The Nursing master’s program rose six spots to No. 14.

U.S. News & World Report’s graduate rankings, which are published separately from the yearly ranking of undergraduate programs, are considered the gold standard of graduate and professional rankings. They are based on surveys of academic leaders and, for select programs, additional quantitative measures including placement test scores, student/faculty ratios, research expenditures, salary by profession and job placement success.

The publication updates some of its specialty rankings each year and republishes the most recent rankings in other areas. The rankings for engineering, medicine and psychology will be released at a later date, according to U.S. News.

Graduate schools, programs and specialties that U.S. News ranked in the top 25 are listed below.

Business – 16

• Accounting – 1
• Business Analytics – 8
• Entrepreneurship – 10
• Finance – 13
• Information Systems – 4
• Management – 11
• Marketing – 11
• Production/Operations – 15
• Project Management – 4
• Real Estate – 8
• Supply Chain/Logistics – 16
• Executive MBA – 15
• Part-Time MBA – 7

Education – 8

• Counseling – 15
• Curriculum/Instruction – 12
• Education Policy – 9
• Educational Administration/Supervision – 5
• Educational Psychology – 6
• Elementary Teacher Education – 10
• Higher Education Administration – 14
• Secondary Teacher Education – 10
• Special Education – 7

Health Disciplines (other than Nursing)

• Audiology – 12
• Pharmacy (College of Pharmacy) – 6
• Social Work (Steve Hicks School of Social Work) – 8
• Speech-Language Pathology – 14
• Business/Corporate Law – 17
• Constitutional Law – 11
• Contracts/Commercial Law – 15
• Criminal Law – 20
• Intellectual Property Law – 15
• International Law – 25
• Tax Law – 13

Library and Information Studies Schools (School of Information) – 5*

• Archives and Preservation – 4*
• Digital Librarianship – 7*
• Information Systems – 8*
• Master’s – 14

Public Affairs – 13

• Public Policy Analysis – 15

The Sciences

Biological Sciences – 25*

• Ecology/Evolutionary Biology – 8*

Chemistry – 16*

• Analytical – 4*
• Inorganic – 14*
• Organic – 20*
• Physical – 14*

Computer Science – 7

• Artificial Intelligence – 9
• Programming Language – 7
• Systems – 10

Earth Sciences (Jackson School of Geosciences) – 7*

• Geochemistry – 13*
• Geology – 2*
• Geophysics and Seismology – 5*
• Paleontology – 3*

Mathematics – 13*

• Algebra – 19*
• Analysis – 8*
• Applied Math – 7*
• Topology – 8*

Physics – 13*

• Cosmology/Relativity/Gravity – 10*
• Condensed Matter – 22*

Statistics – 27* 

Social Sciences and Humanities

Economics – 22*

English – 17*

• American Literature After 1865 – 18*

History – 11*

• African American History – 10*
• Latin American History – 1*
• Modern U.S. History – 16*

Political Science – 19*

• American Politics – 20*
• Comparative Politics – 18*

Psychology – 23*

• Behavioral Neuroscience – 8*
• Social Psychology – 9*

Sociology – 11*

• Sociology of Population – 1*
• Sex and Gender – 6*
• Social Stratification – 13*

Fine Arts – 23*

• Sculpture – 6*

*Ranking not revised for 2024-25. Based on latest available ranking.

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