The Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist will enable the Wyss Institute to advance its efforts to find solutions to complex bioengineering challenges, from developing tools to manipulate DNA to filtering toxins out of blood, by drawing on design principles found in nature. In addition to exploring how nature builds, controls, and manufactures, the institute seeks to translate new discoveries into products that create near-term impact for humanity.
The institute’s research priorities are focused around six synergistic technology platforms: bio-inspired robotics, programmable nanomaterials, biomimetic microsystems, adaptive material technologies, anticipatory medical and cellular devices, and synthetic biology. Its partner institutions include Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston University, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts University Medical Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, and Tufts University.