At the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (IBMM), we investigate structure, function and pharmacology of membrane proteins. We combine chemical synthesis (Lochner), chemical biology/analytics (Gertsch) with electrophysiology (Abriel, Peinelt), structural biology (Fotiadis, Kukulski) with computational biology (Lemmin). A strong focus is put on the roles of membrane transporters, ion channels and receptors in human disease. For instance, human ex vivo and genetically-modified mouse models serve to study such membrane proteins in different diseases like cancer (Peinelt), cardiac disorders (Abriel), preeclampsia (Albrecht) and neuropsychiatric disorders (Gertsch).

The IBMM drives and participates in major national collaborative initiatives. From 2010 to 2022, the IBMM served as the Leading House for NCCR TransCure, advancing membrane transporter research from fundamental discovery toward early-stage drug development. At present, the IBMM is involved in the Dubochet Center for Imaging (DCI), a flagship cryo-EM initiative by the Universities of Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, and the EPFL. At the DCI Bern, IBMM researchers contribute as scientific advisors and users in single particle cryo-EM and cellular cryo-electron tomography. 

The IBMM directorate is composed of Dimitrios Fotiadis (Managing Director and Co-Director Finances), Jürg Gertsch (Deputy Managing Director & Co-Director Infrastructure and Research), Christine Peinelt (Co-Director Teaching), and Wanda Kukulski (Co-Director Safety, Quality, and Equal Opportunities).

Explore the Research section to learn more about our individual research groups.