Gregor Hutter (Prof. Dr.)

Research Group Leader
(2018-present)

Luigi Mariani (Prof. Dr.)

Research Group Leader
(2018-present)

A leader in neuro-oncology with over 35 years of experience, he has advanced the molecular understanding and treatment of brain tumors. He identified key genetic markers in diffuse gliomas and is developing a novel CAR-T cell immunotherapy now entering clinical trials. His clinical innovations include function-preserving surgery for vestibular schwannomas, improved microsurgical techniques for pituitary adenomas, and a new endoscopic approach for tumors invading the cavernous sinus. His work has transformed brain tumor management and surgical practice.

Marie-Françoise Ritz (PhD)

Senior Scientist
(2018-present)

Projects:
1. Testing new therapies in different glioblastoma mouse models.
2. Uncovering the mechanisms of therapy resistance in recurrent glioblastoma.

Alexandra Gerber (M.Sc.)

Laboratory technician

(2018-present)

Project:

Assisting the lab with genomic techniques, cell culture and in vitro assays.

Marta McDaid (M.Sc.)

Laboratory technician

(2018-present)

Project:

Assisting the lab with genotyping and histology

Manina Etter (MD)

Neurosurgery resident – PhD Student
(2019-present)

Projects:

1. Compartment-resolved plasma and CSF biomarkers integrated with advanced MRI for early differentiation of true progression and pseudoprogression in high-grade gliomas.

2. Using anti-EGFRvIII-SGRP CAR T cells for the locoregional treatment of recurrent glioblastoma: a phase I clinical trial.

Deniz Kaymak (MD)

MD-PhD student
(2021-present)

Projects:
1. Investigating the role of Inhibitor of DNA-binding 1 (ID1) in tumor-associated microglia and its potential implication in local immunosuppression in glioblastoma.
2. Establishing patient-derived Glioblastoma Organoids and its application as a cancer model.

 Sabrina Hogan (PhD)

Postdoctoral fellow
Bioinformatician
(2021-present)

Valerio Sabatino (PhD)

Postdoctoral fellow
(2023-present)

Projects:
1. Phagocytic synapse enhancers for cancer immunotherapy.
2. Selective Reprogramming of the Tumor Microenvironment via Targeted Delivery of a CSF1-R Inhibitor (more)

 Timo Schenker (MD)

Neurosurgery resident
(2023-present)

Project: Generation and preclinical testing of CAR macrophages and microglia as a novel immunotherapeutic approach for glioblastoma patients.

Viviane Tschan (PhD)

Biomedical Analyst
(2023-present)

Philip Williams

MD Master Student
(2024-present)

Patrice Zeis (PhD)

Postdoctoral fellow
Biostatistician
(2024-present)

Andreas Zingg

Postdoctoral fellow
(2025-present)

Experienced in CAR-T cell research from early development to clinical manufacturing. Responsible for the translation of the EGFRvIII-SGRP CAR into a GMP environment.

Giulia Di Bartolomei

Postdoctoral fellow
(2025-present)

Beatriz Mourelo Soler

Master Student
(2025-present)

Generation and preclinical testing of CAR macrophages and microglia as a novel immunotherapeutic approach for glioblastoma patients.

Nico Hänggi

MD Master Student
(2025-present)