Partners - IM

The Institute collaborates with the Microbial Ecology Group of the Microbiology Unit at the University of Geneva, sharing research projects and master’s and doctoral projects. The Institute provides scientific support to the Alpine Biology Center Piora (CBA) for activities related to environmental microbiology. In collaboration with the CBA, courses are organized in partnership with university and cantonal institutions, promoting academic and research synergies.

The Biosafety sector, together with the Regional Laboratory South, is an integral part of the RLN. This network includes six regional laboratories, national reference centers, high-security laboratories (Institute of Virology and Immunology, National Reference Center for Highly Pathogenic Bacteria, Spiez Laboratory, National Reference Center for Emerging Viral Infections), federal offices (FOPH, FSVO, FOEN, METAS), and the Federal Commission for Biological Safety.

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A longstanding collaboration with the Spiez Laboratory on projects related to highly pathogenic agents and toxins, such as surveillance of arboviruses in mosquitoes or research projects for the development and implementation of fast, reliable, and sensitive methods for detecting biological toxins that could be used as bioterrorist weapons or are relevant to the food sector, as well as highly pathogenic viruses and host dependency factors for diagnostics and antiviral agent discovery.

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The institute has a long-standing collaboration with the Office of the Cantonal Doctor and the Office of the Cantonal Veterinarian to develop and implement strategies to protect both human and animal health in the event of diseases transmitted by vectors. We actively collaborate with the Section for Air, Water, and Soil Protection (SPAAS) to assess potential threats on the cantonal territory following biological events and to develop protocols for event management.

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Collaboration with the Experimental Zooprofilactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna on topics related to changes in the ecology of vector insects and their impact on human, animal, and environmental health from a "One Health" perspective. Specifically, we study the interactions between insects, hosts, and the environment, deepening knowledge of the seasonal characteristics of zoonoses and their impact on the epidemiology, ecology, and distribution of arboviruses (WNV, USUV, TBEV, etc.) and exotic or neglected viruses (DENV, ZIKV, CHIKV, CCHFV, etc.). This enables the development of meaningful management assessments and provides operational guidance to involved operators, fostering the development of early warning systems, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and improving public health in the region.

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Collaboration with the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology on European Commission-funded research projects (Horizon Europe) focusing on aspects related to the prevention and spread of diseases caused by pathogens transmitted to humans and the study of their vector ecology (arthropods). Specifically, early detection methods for West Nile virus, phylogenetic analysis of mosquito species collected in the field, risk prediction through mathematical models, and technical scientific support.

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The institute collaborates with Dr. Hans-Joachim Nägele and Dr. Rolf Warthmann from the ZHAW Life Science Department, experts in anaerobic digestion research and long-time project partners.

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In collaboration with Prof. Fabian Fischer from HES-SO Valais-Wallis – Haute École d'Ingénierie, we work together on research related to microbial fuel cells.

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In collaboration with Prof. Orlandi Viviana from the Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences at Uninsubria, we have an active collaboration on the inhibition of bacterial biofilms.

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In collaboration with Dr. Dimitrios Terzis, co-founder of Medusoil and a leader in the field of biocementation, we work together on a research project involving microbial strains capable of precipitating calcite.

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In collaboration with Giovanni Arioli, CEO of Laborex SA in Ligornetto and an industrial partner in the field of anaerobic digestion of livestock matrices.

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In collaboration with the Office of the Cantonal Doctor and the Office of the Cantonal Veterinarian, we focus on the development and implementation of strategies aimed at protecting both public and animal health in case of risks posed by vector-borne diseases.

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In collaboration with the Office for Nature and Landscape and the Bolle di Magadino Foundation, we conduct wildlife censuses of vectors in natural areas and implement control measures in the event of public health issues.

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In collaboration with the National centre for fauna data and information, we coordinate and validate data on mosquitoes (Culicidae) necessary for the Swiss database.

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We collaborate with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute on national surveillance and control systems for invasive mosquitoes, particularly within the Swiss Mosquito Network, and on One Health concepts.

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We collaborate with TDR – World Health Organization (WHO) to develop new techniques aimed at improving the efficiency of mosquito surveillance, specifically for disease-carrying species, at a global level (optical egg recognition technique), and to enhance their control (sterile male technique).

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In collaboration with Prof. Anupam Sengupta from the Physics of Living Matter at the University of Luxembourg, we approach topics such as bioconvection and the role of light for different photosynthetic cells from a mathematical perspective. This interdisciplinary collaboration adds significant value to scientific research on the ecology of anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria present in the meromictic lake of Cadagno.

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In collaboration with the Department Surface Waters, focusing on the monitoring and modeling of abiotic physical parameters with Prof. Damien Bouffard from the Aquatic Physics Group, and biogeochemical parameters with Dr. David Janssen from Aquatic Geochemistry.

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Collaboration with the Molecular Ecology Group (CNR-IRSA Pallanza) on various research projects in biodiversity and microbial ecology, and the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

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Collaboration with the Department of Aquatic Ecology at EAWAG on several research projects, such as studying biodiversity and functional ecology of small streams, or in biomonitoring aquatic biodiversity.

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Collaboration with the Hydrobiology Group of Fondazione Edmund Mach on research and teaching related to the biodiversity of alpine aquatic ecosystems, such as in the Val Piora and the Swiss National Park.

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The institute also has long-standing collaborations with the Office for Watercourses for the evaluation of freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity.

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We have long-lasting collaborations with Dr. Michael Döring and Dr. Diego Tonolla from the ecohydrology group on applied river ecology.

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We have been working for several years with TIBIO Sagl in Comano, providing various microorganism analysis and identification services, as well as occasionally conducting research projects to support their objectives. Over this long collaboration, a strong relationship of trust has developed between our two teams.

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The SMIC is located in the same laboratories as our Institute (Bellinzona office). Due to this proximity, we conduct daily bacterial identification services using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. We also collaborate on the development of joint projects.

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Under mandate from the Department of Territory, our Institute has been monitoring lakes and rivers for several years to detect antibiotic resistance organisms and genes.

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The Institute for Water Research in Verbania is closely linked to our sector, particularly with the Natural Environment group. We both conduct service work and research projects related to the aquatic environment, with a strong focus on antibiotic resistance, which is currently a key area of interest.

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We have been working with the Agricultural consultancy office (UCA) for many years. UCA relies on us for monitoring vegetative crops used in the production of Ticino cheeses. This service is carried out weekly in our Bellinzona laboratories. Additionally, in collaboration with UCA, we are involved in various projects related to the microbiological content of Ticino mountain cheeses and their potential connection to the microclimatic conditions of the aging cellars.

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