
HES-SO introduces the first Digital Life Sciences program in Western Switzerland
10 December 2024

To meet the growing demand for hybrid expertise at the crossroads of life sciences and digital technologies, HES-SO Valais-Wallis has introduced a pioneering specialization in Digital Life Sciences, the first of its kind in Western Switzerland.
The HES-SO Valais-Wallis School of Engineering has unveiled a groundbreaking specialization in Digital Life Sciences (DLS) within its Life Sciences Engineering program. Backed by the canton of Valais, this innovative offering is the first of its kind in Western Switzerland, designed to address the rising demand for experts at the intersection of biological sciences and digital technologies.
This new curriculum equips students with expertise in biological data analysis and artificial intelligence, bridging a crucial gap for industries increasingly reliant on digital solutions. By fostering skills that blend life sciences with advanced data technologies, the program supports industrial growth and economic resilience in the region.
The importance of digital tools in life sciences has gained global recognition, as highlighted by the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for research on protein structure prediction through AI. This trend underscores the relevance of the DLS program, which prepares graduates for roles in industries such as biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
A response to industry needs
Renzo Cicillini, Director of Lonza’s site in Visp, emphasizes the critical need for hybrid professionals: “This digital shift demands expertise combining life sciences and advanced digital skills.” François Seppey, Director of HES-SO Valais-Wallis, echoed this sentiment, saying: “By training engineers in Digital Life Sciences, we meet current and future industry demands while strengthening our leadership in digitalized life sciences within Switzerland’s Health Valley.”
Based at the Energypolis Campus in Sion, the program offers specialized modules, including biotechnology, analytical chemistry, and food technology, with a strong emphasis on real-world application. It also aligns with Switzerland’s national strategy to promote STEM education and digital transformation. Graduates are expected to meet the urgent demand for professionals adept in both biology and data science, ensuring quick integration into the workforce.