Connect with us

Published

on

Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) Jun 19 2024

“Swiss research institute established to focus on immune engineering and advancing global child and adolescent health.” The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) is launching as an independent research institute in Basel/Switzerland with a mission to develop novel immune-based diagnostics and therapeutics and address gaps in advanced healthcare technologies, thus improving the health of children and young people around the globe. The BIIE is supported for the first 15 years by an endowment of over 1 billion USD from Fondation Botnar. Planned inaugural partnerships with the University of Oxford and ETH Zurich will further expand the BIIE’s capacity and global reach as it develops computational tools, diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventative medicines as well as train the next generation of immune engineers. As a priority, BIIE program outputs will be of benefit to the health of young people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A new independent research institute, the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) is launching in Basel, Switzerland.

The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) is a newly founded non-profit research organization focused on developing computational tools and immune-based translational solutions for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Outstanding investigators from around the globe will be recruited to its facility in Basel, Switzerland, to form a new hub of innovation in immune engineering.

The BIIE is made possible by the generous endowment of over 1 billion USD (to be provided over 15 years) from Fondation Botnar, a Swiss philanthropic foundation working to improve the health and well-being of young people around the world. Strategic partnerships

The Institute will establish strategic partnerships with internationally renowned public and private research institutions and work with philanthropic organizations that support its mission in the Global South. Inaugural strategic academic partners are planned with ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and the University of Oxford, UK, with additional global partners to be announced in the future.

The BIIE will move into a new purpose-built research facility in 2027. In the interim, the BIIE is planned to be hosted by the Department of Biosystems Science and Systems Engineering (D-BSSE) of the ETH Zurich, a newly opened state of the art facility in Basel. The D-BSSE operates at the intersection of systems biology, bioengineering and computational biology. Prof. Christian Wolfrum, ETH Zurich VP of Research noted, “Close collaborations with an immune engineering institute in Basel further accelerates the development of medical solutions, and compliments the program goals of ETH Zurich D-BSSE. Hosting the inaugural class of BIIE scientists is an ideal opportunity to develop a lasting partnership through joint professorships, student training programs, and shared infrastructure.”

In its first international partnership, the BIIE intends to work with the University of Oxford to create the Basel-Oxford Centre of Immune Engineering, plans include professorships and student training programs as well as access to the extensive global clinical research capabilities of Oxford University. Prof. Sir Andrew Pollard, Fellow of the Royal Society and Director of Oxford’s Vaccine Group stated, “Looking no further than recent events, one can see that immune engineering is a catalyst in the rapid development of globally accessible therapeutics, in particular, vaccines. Through this partnership with BIIE, Oxford researchers will benefit from vibrant collaborations that advance basic and clinical research specific to children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. BIIE’s strengths in biocomputation and immune engineering mean this partnership will further accelerate discovery as well as the creation of safe and effective medicines for children around the world.” Organization, leadership and team

Established to realize the vision of Fondation Botnar, the “Foundation for Immune Engineering for Global Child and Adolescent Health” (FIE) and its Board of Trustees will govern and oversee the BIIE as it grows into a vibrant Institute of up to 300 scientists and support staff.

The FIE’s Board of Trustees are notable for their accomplishments in academia, biotechnology and finance. Inaugural FIE Board Chair, Dr. Dominik Escher, a molecular biologist turned biotech entrepreneur and Managing Partner at Pureos Bioventures, summarized the opportunity, “Building a critical mass of immune engineers in Basel with a shared goal of improving the health of young people globally is both inspiring and complex.” Each FIE Trustee brings extensive expertise and leadership experience to the BIIE: Prof. Jennifer Cochran (Stanford University), Dr. Andrew P. May (DCVC Bio), Prof. Gunilla Karlsson Hedestam (Karolinska Institute), Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola (University of Lagos), Joe Stadler (UBS). In line with our mission to improve the wellbeing of young people, Fondation Botnar has made a bold investment to unlock scientific innovations specifically for the benefit of child and young people’s health in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding the immune system of children and young people in different parts of the world is key to developing solutions that can diagnose, prevent and treat infectious diseases and other health conditions. With this investment in an independent institute that provides cutting-edge research in immune engineering, not only we continue the Botnar family’s frequent support of biomedical research, but also firmly believe to make a difference in the translation of scientific innovation into healthcare practice.”

Dr. Alexander Schulze, Interim CEO, Fondation Botnar Related StoriesResearch reveals light's impact on metabolism beyond circadian rhythmsResearch highlights positive impact of yoga and mediterranean diet on elderly healthPlacental DNA methylation patterns altered by pregnancy air pollution exposure, research reveals

The BIIE management team is composed of scientific leaders. Prof. Sai Reddy (ETH Zurich) shall assume responsibilities as Scientific Director, Prof. Georg Holländer (University of Oxford, University of Basel, ETH Zurich) will be the Director of Global Engagement. Dr. Stephen Wilson, the Chief Executive Officer of the BIIE (fmr. Chief Operating Officer, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, USA), said, “The BIIE will bring together a critical mass of investigators, all of whom are experts in various aspects of immune engineering; combining their strengths and perspective should result in a sum greater than its parts. Every element of our operation will be designed to maximize collaboration, including the physical layout of the facility, which interweaves computational and experimental groups, along with frictionless access to cutting-edge instrumentation. Because we are focused on translating discoveries in the lab into real-world solutions, our researchers will enjoy tremendous latitude as well as the institutional support necessary to advance promising discoveries into clinical development.” Immune engineering with a global vision

The emerging field of immune engineering leverages advanced technologies to understand and develop immune-based solutions for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. Integrating expertise in immunology, molecular and cellular engineering, genomics, artificial intelligence and other computational methods enables scientists to study immune responses at an unprecedented level of detail—from how individual cells react to pathogens to how genetic diversity within populations influence such responses. The immune system has been harnessed to treat a wide array of disorders, from infectious diseases to autoimmune disease and cancers. The BIIE will focus its research efforts on developing new approaches to improve health outcomes for children and adolescents, especially those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), who are often the most neglected and in need.

“Global impact is only possible with genuine global engagement.”, Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos and FIE Trustee said, “There are significant opportunities to elevate clinical research in the Global South if immune engineering tools are developed with specific intent; and with the establishment of the BIIE, we intend to remove barriers for research that improves the lives of children.” Source:

Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE)

Continue Reading

Politics

Crypto investor charged with kidnapping, torturing an Italian for passwords

Published

on

By

Crypto investor charged with kidnapping, torturing an Italian for passwords

Crypto investor charged with kidnapping, torturing an Italian for passwords

A Manhattan crypto investor is facing serious charges after allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian man in a disturbing bid to extract access to digital assets.

John Woeltz, 37, was arraigned on Saturday in Manhattan criminal court following his arrest on Friday. He stands accused of holding a 28-year-old Italian man captive for weeks inside a luxury townhouse in Soho, reportedly rented for $30,000 per month.

According to police reports cited by The New York Times, the victim arrived in the US on May 6 and was allegedly abducted by Woeltz and an accomplice.

The attackers are said to have stolen the man’s passport and electronic devices before demanding the password to his Bitcoin (BTC) wallet. When he refused, the suspects allegedly subjected him to prolonged physical abuse.

Crypto investor charged with kidnapping, torturing an Italian for passwords
Source: Mario Nawfal

Related: Violent crypto robberies on the rise: Six attacks that targeted investors

Crypto victim beaten, electroshocked

The victim described being beaten, shocked with electricity, assaulted with a firearm and even dangled from the upper floors of the five-story building.

He also told police that Woeltz used a saw to cut his leg and forced him to smoke crack cocaine. Threats were also reportedly made against his family.

Photographic evidence found inside the property, including Polaroids, appears to support claims of sustained abuse. The victim managed to escape on Friday and alert authorities, leading to Woeltz’s arrest.

Woeltz was charged with four felony counts, including kidnapping for ransom, and entered a plea of not guilty. Judge Eric Schumacher ordered him to be held without bail. He is expected back in court on May 28.

A 24-year-old woman was also taken into custody on Friday in connection with the incident. However, she was seen walking freely in New York the next day, and no charges against her were found in the court’s online database.

Authorities have yet to clarify the relationship between the suspect and the victim or whether any cryptocurrency was ultimately stolen.

Related: Crypto crime goes industrial as gangs launch coins, launder billions — UN

Crypto executives turn to bodyguards

Executives and investors in the crypto industry are increasingly seeking personal security services as kidnapping and ransom cases surge, especially in France.

On May 18, Amsterdam-based private firm Infinite Risks International reported a rise in requests for bodyguards and long-term protection contracts from high-profile figures in the space.

French authorities have responded by introducing enhanced protections for crypto entrepreneurs and their families, including security briefings and priority access to police assistance.

This comes amid a recent surge in kidnappings and ransom attempts. David Balland, the co-founder of hardware wallet company Ledger, was kidnapped in January 2025 and held for ransom for several days before being rescued by French police.

In May 2024, the father of an unnamed crypto entrepreneur was freed from a ransom attempt after French law enforcement officials raided the location in a Paris suburb where the individual was being held hostage by organized criminals.

Magazine: Bitcoiner sex trap extortion? BTS firm’s blockchain disaster: Asia Express

Continue Reading

Business

Gail’s backer plots rare move with bid for steak chain Flat Iron

Published

on

By

Gail's backer plots rare move with bid for steak chain Flat Iron

A backer of Gail’s bakeries is in advanced talks to acquire Flat Iron, one of Britain’s fastest-growing steak restaurant chains.

Sky News has learnt that McWin Capital Partners, which specialises in investments across the “food ecosystem”, has teamed up with TriSpan, another private equity investor, to buy a large stake in Flat Iron.

Restaurant industry sources said McWin would probably take the largest economic interest in Flat Iron if the deal completes.

They added that the two buyers were in exclusive discussions, with a deal possible in approximately a month’s time.

The valuation attached to Flat Iron was unclear on Sunday.

Flat Iron launched in 2012 in London’s Shoreditch and now has roughly 20 sites open.

The chain is solidly profitable, with its latest accounts showing underlying profits of £5.7m in the year to the end of August.

It already has private equity backing in the form of Piper, a leading investor in consumer brands, which injected £10m into the business in 2017.

Flat Iron was founded by Charlie Carroll, who retains an interest in it, but the company is now run by former Byron restaurant boss Tom Byng.

Houlihan Lokey, the investment bank, has been advising Flat Iron on the process.

McWin has reportedly been in talks to take full control of Gail’s while TriSpan’s portfolio has included restaurant operators such as the Vietnamese chain Pho and Rosa’s, a Thai food chain.

A spokesman for McWin declined to comment.

Continue Reading

US

The anniversary of George Floyd’s murder is a reminder of America’s racial divides

Published

on

By

The anniversary of George Floyd's murder is a reminder of America's racial divides

In Minneapolis, the spot where George Floyd was murdered has been turned into a mural.

His face is depicted in street art on a pavement covered in flowers, rosaries, and other trinkets left by people who have come to pay their respects in the last five years.

His final moments, struggling for breath with white police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee on his neck, were captured in a viral video that provoked anger, upset, and outrage.

Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd's neck
Image:
Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd’s neck

In Minneapolis and other parts of America, there were protests that at points boiled over into unrest.

The events to mark the fifth anniversary of his death took on a very different tone – one of celebration and joy.

Behind a wooden statue of a clenched fist on one end of a junction now renamed George Perry Floyd Square, people gathered in the morning.

There was a moment of prayer before a brass band began to play and the group marched, while singing and chanting.

George Perry Floyd Square, a makeshift memorial area
Image:
George Perry Floyd Square, a makeshift memorial area

‘It made us want to fight harder’

Among those gathered in front of a makeshift stage built in the square were two of Floyd’s family members – his cousin Paris and aunt Mahalia.

To them, the man whose death sparked a racial reckoning in America and further afield, was simply “Perry,” a larger-than-life figure whose presence is missed at family gatherings.

Speaking to me while the speakers behind them thumped and people danced, they didn’t just reflect with sadness though.

There was also pride at a legacy they felt has led to change.

“It made us want to fight harder,” said Mahalia, “and it’s a feeling you cannot explain. When the whole world just stood up.”

George Floyd's aunt Mahalia and cousin Paris
Image:
George Floyd’s aunt Mahalia and cousin Paris

Referring to Chauvin’s eventual murder charge, Paris added: “I think that from here on out, at least officers know that you’re not going to slide through the cracks. Our voices are heard more.”

The tapestry of items outside the Cup Foods convenience store, now renamed Unity Foods, is not the only makeshift memorial in the area.

A short walk away is the “Say Their Names” cemetery, an art installation honouring black people killed by the police.

Meeting me there later in the day, activist Nikema Levy says the installation and George Floyd Square are called “sacred spaces” in the community.

As someone who took to the streets at the time of Floyd’s death and a community organiser for years before that, she’s constantly stopped by people who want to speak to her.

Activist Nikema Levy speaking to Sky News
Image:
Activist Nikema Levy speaking to Sky News

‘White supremacy on steroids’

Once we do manage to speak, Levy reminds me of a wider political picture. One that goes beyond Minneapolis and is a fraught one.

In the week of the anniversary, the US Department of Justice rolled back investigations into some of the largest police forces in the country, including in Minneapolis – a move she calls “diabolical.”

“That type of cruelty is what we have seen since Donald Trump took office on January 20th of this year,” she continued.

“From my perspective, that is white supremacy on steroids. And it should come as no surprise that he would take these types of steps, because these are the things that he talked about on the campaign trail.”

Read more from Sky News:
US-EU trade war fears reignite
Arsenal secure historic Champions League crown
Scientists are on the hunt for dolphin poo

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Has US changed five years after George Floyd’s death?

‘True healing has never taken place’

Trump has argued his policing reforms will help make America’s communities safer.

Even on a day of optimism, with a community coming together, Levy’s words in front of headstones bearing the names of black people who have died at the hands of the police are a reminder of how deep the racial divides in America still are – a sentiment she leaves me with.

“From the days of slavery and Jim Crow in this country, we’ve just had the perception of healing, but true healing has never taken place,” she says.

“So the aftermath of George Floyd is yet another example of what we already know.”

Continue Reading

Trending