International Conference on Molecular Systems Engineering

Molecular Systems Engineering

Molecular systems engineering attempts to capture the complexity and emergent properties prevalent in biology. The uniqueness of this initiative relies on the combination of both chemical- and biological modules. In this approach, complex dynamic phenomena emerge as the result of the integration of molecular modules (molecular- or biological prosthetics) designed to interact in a programmed way with their complex environment. In this manner, it should be possible to create molecular factories and cellular systems whose properties are more than sum of the attributes of the individual modules.

ICMSE 2026 marks the completion of a joint research effort, NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, a National Centre of Competence in Research funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and jointly led by the University of Basel and the ETH Zurich in Basel. Research at the NCCR MSE combines groundbreaking science at the interface between systems chemistry with synthetic biology. Over the past decade, NCCR MSE has significantly contributed to the creation of three institutes in Basel: Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Botnar Institute of Immune
Engineering and Institute of Human Biology totalling > 600 Mio € in private/public funding.