Workshop : Empowering Innovation with EPFL Core Facility

Discover the technologies available through the Research Core Facility at EPFL's School of Life Sciences.

Biopôle is delighted to partner with “EPFL SV PTECH” on the following seminar :

Empowering Innovation: Discover the technologies available through the Research Core Facility at EPFL's School of Life Sciences.

On Thursday, February 26th 2026, representatives of EPFL’s School of Life Sciences Research Core Facilities (RCF) will present the state-of-the-art technologies, specialized expertise, and service capabilities available at RCF, while also exploring potential collaborative opportunities and synergistic partnerships that could benefit both the academic and industrial partners from the Biopôle.

The event will begin with a series of presentations followed by a meet-and-greet session with the Heads of the Facilities.

Agenda:

• 8.45 : welcome
• 9.00 : EPFL core facilities presentations:

· Introduction of EPFL SV PTECH by the head of RCFs, Dr. Roman Chrast

· Comprehensive overview of available OMICS technologies, Mr. Miguel Garcia

· General outline of advanced imaging techniques and structural biology capabilities, Dr. Florence Pojer

· Accelerating translational research through bioengineering, advanced 3D model systems and organoids, Dr. Gaspard Pardon

• 10:00 : refreshments
• 10.30 : end

Speakers:

• Roman Chrast - Head of RCF, EPFL School of Life Sciences

Roman Chrast earned his PhD in medical genetics from the University of Geneva. He then pursued postdoctoral research in developmental neuroscience at the Salk Institute in California, followed by group leader positions in neurogenetics at the University of Lausanne and at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. In 2020, he was appointed coordinator of the research core facilities (RCF) at EPFL’s School of Life Sciences in Lausanne, and in 2024 he became the head of the RCF. In his current role, Roman oversees the development and implementation of a strategic vision for research core facilities, ensuring they align with the evolving needs of EPFL’s life sciences research community.

• Miguel Garcia - Head of Flow Cytometry Platform

Miguel Garcia is a recognized expert in flow cytometry with a background in immunology and over 20 years of experience. Throughout his career, Miguel has worked in various fields, including basic research, clinical studies, environmental science, the food industry, and consulting, thus strengthening his multidisciplinary expertise. He is currently the head of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he oversees the development and optimization of flow cytometry technologies to support advanced research projects.

• Florence Pojer - Head of Protein Production and Structure Core Facility

Florence Pojer, PhD, MER is Head of the Protein Production and Structure Core Facility at the School of Life Sciences, a position she held since 2011. She is an expert in protein sciences, specializing in recombinant protein production and purification, as well as biophysical and structural characterization using X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy. She holds a PhD in biochemical microbiology from the University of Tübingen in Germany and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Franche-Comté in France. In parallel to her activities, she contributes extensively to doctoral and master-level teaching, serves on several academic committees and is actively engaged in innovation, open science and public outreach initiatives.

• Gaspard Pardon - Head of Bioengineering & Organoids Technology platform

Gaspard Pardon leads the Bioengineering & Organoids Technology Platform at the AGORA Cancer Research Center next to CHUV, an open facility supporting the Lausanne community with organoids, organ-on-chip, and automation technologies to advance cancer and translational research. Gaspard holds an MSc in Microengineering from EPFL and a PhD from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He pursued postdoctoral research in bioengineering and stem cell biology at Stanford University, where he developed bioengineered and computational platforms for the study of contractile function in cardiac and muscular diseases.

About RCFs at EPFL School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences at EPFL hosts eleven distinct research core facilities (RCFs), each managed by a designated head who brings specialized expertise and leadership to their respective area. The RCFs provide access to state‑of‑the‑art technologies and know‑how, enabling scientists to address questions at the interface between engineering and biology. In addition, they support researchers in planning and executing projects and, through dedicated training, disseminate accumulated expertise. To anticipate and meet the evolving needs of the research community, the RCFs also continuously evaluate and implement new techniques and methods through ongoing R&D activities.

Access to Biopôle

By public transport

Take the M2 metro line to the Croisettes terminus. The Alanine 5A building is within walking distance from the station.

By car

Parking is available at the P+R Vennes car park. From there, you can take the M2 metro to Croisettes, or walk uphill (about 5 minutes) to reach Alanine 5A.