Patrick Eppenberger, PD Dr. med., EMBA, Dipl. Industrial Designer FH
- Co-Head Evolutionary Pathophysiology and Mummy Studies Group
- Phone
- +41 44 635 05 43 (Room Y42 G86)
Navigation auf uzh.ch
Navigation auf uzh.ch
I co-lead the 'Evolutionary Pathophysiology and Mummy Studies' research group at the University of Zurich's Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, where my focus is on human health and disease evolution, particularly in non-communicable diseases. Reconstructing the epidemiology of past populations has been a central part of my involvement since joining the Institute as a full-time researcher and lecturer in 2016, and later assuming the role of acting leader in 2019.
My academic journey is marked by diversity, significantly shaping my research approach. It includes an industrial design degree from the Zurich University of Art and Design (2002), leading initially to a career in medical device development and, subsequently, a shift to human medicine with a doctorate from the University of Zurich (2012). My innovative research methods are further highlighted in my Habilitation thesis (2023), 'Adaptation of medical imaging modalities for the diagnostic evaluation of ancient human remains'. An Executive MBA from the University of Zurich (2024) further diversified my skills and enhanced my abilities in strategic management and interdisciplinary research.
In my latest endeavor, I am a co-Principal Investigator in the SNF Weave/Lead Agency project titled 'Genetic variants of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 - their role in human red blood cell physiology and evolution'. Here, we explore the evolution of the PIEZO1 ion channel, to advance understanding in human red blood cell physiology and potential applications in healthcare.
The Palaeopathology and Mummy Research Group runs an advanced imaging laboratory featuring portable conventional and in-house engineered tomographic X-ray devices (for on-site use in museums and at archaeological excavations), as well as various stationary diagnostic and pre-clinical imaging systems.