USI launches the new Master's degree in Oncology, Translational Immunology and Ageing (MOTIA)
Institutional Communication Service
A new Master’s degree aimed at training the next generation of researchers and professionals equipped to tackle some of the primary challenges in contemporary biomedicine. Starting in the 2027–2028 academic year, the USI Faculty of Biomedical Sciences will offer the Master's in Oncology, Translational Immunology and Ageing (MOTIA), an interdisciplinary programme taught in English that combines oncology, translational immunology, and the biology of ageing.The Master's programme combines a strong research component with practical training within Bellinzona's Bios⁺ ecosystem. This hub unites the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR)—both affiliated with USI—and houses the joint USI-EOC Translational Research Institute (IRT).
The new Master's stems from the desire to translate the scientific expertise developed within a particularly rich biomedical research ecosystem into an educational offer. The programme is directed by Prof. Greta Guarda, Vice-Dean and Full Professor at USI's Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Director of the Laboratory of Mechanisms of the Immune System at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), affiliated with USI.
The programme connects three fields: immunology, oncology, and ageing. The interplay between these disciplines is increasingly vital for understanding disease mechanisms and developing new strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The goal is to give students not only a solid scientific foundation but also the tools to address complex biological problems through an interdisciplinary, critical approach. Alongside experimental skills, MOTIA places emphasis on computational and quantitative tools, scientific communication, biostatistics, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, maintaining a sharp focus on translational research and thus bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application.
Studying within a research ecosystem
One of MOTIA's defining features is its direct connection to research. A significant portion of activities takes place in the Bios⁺ building in Bellinzona, allowing students to engage with researchers—including many young doctoral candidates from around the globe—working in translational immunology, cancer research, the development of innovative clinical trials, and the study of biological processes linked to ageing and their health impacts.
Laboratory work forms a core element of the course. As early as the second semester, a 15-ECTS "First Lab Experience" allows students to join a laboratory and research group. The second half of the Master's is entirely dedicated to the Master's thesis (worth 60 ECTS), offering an extended research experience. The thesis may also be carried out at other institutions or private companies.
The Master’s degree spans four semesters, totalling 120 ECTS. The first two semesters focus on compulsory modules and initial laboratory experience, while the third and fourth semesters focus on the Master's thesis. Subjects covered include molecular and cellular biology, genetics, microbiology and virology, immunology, oncology, pharmacology, clinical haematology and oncology, clinical immunology, ageing and senescence, tumour immunotherapy, biostatistics, and computational skills. The curriculum also includes modules on the links between nutrition, microbiota, and immunity, as well as research ethics, scientific communication, and technology transfer.
Training bridging basic research and clinical application
Translational character is one of MOTIA's core pillars. Students engage with the full pathway from understanding fundamental biological mechanisms to developing potential health applications, in an environment where basic research, translational research, and clinical practice communicate directly.
The programme offers opportunities to engage with academic and clinical research, as well as the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. The goal is to help students explore professional avenues and prepare for careers spanning basic and translational biomedical research, the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, clinical trial management, computational and data-driven biomedical sciences, and scientific communication, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship. The Master's also serves as ideal preparation for those wishing to pursue a PhD.
Who should apply to MOTIA?
The programme is designed for students with a scientific background aligned with its content. Applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 ECTS from a recognised Swiss or international university in fields such as biology, life sciences, biotechnology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, genetics and genomics, microbiology, neuroscience, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, bioinformatics, or other related disciplines specified in the regulations are eligible to apply.
Admission will consider not only the applicant's degree title, but also the consistency of their previous academic background, their academic results, motivation, and English proficiency; the Programme Board may also request an interview. The maximum intake is capped at 30 students—a size that allows for close interaction with teaching staff and researchers while facilitating student integration into laboratory activities.
"Learning science where science is made": Interview with Prof. Greta Guarda
Director of the new Master’s degree, Greta Guarda, expands on the background behind MOTIA's creation, the distinctive features of this new educational pathway, and the opportunities it offers prospective students by integrating university education with biomedical research in Bellinzona.
Professor Guarda, MOTIA is USI’s new two-year Master’s degree—a study programme literally immersed in biomedical research. If you had to describe it in a single sentence, what would you say?
"I would say that MOTIA allows you to learn science right where science is made. Those who choose it will join an international research community and learn to bridge immunology, oncology, and ageing to tackle some of the major challenges of contemporary biomedicine."
This is USI’s first two-year Master’s degree that will take place (in part) on the Bellinzona Campus. What does studying in the Bios⁺ facility mean in practice?
"It means studying in a place where education and research are deeply integrated right from the start of the course. In Bellinzona, IRB, IOR, and IRT bring together around 300 researchers active in biomedicine. Enrolled students will not simply arrive on campus to attend lectures; they will become part of the Bios⁺ scientific community in an intensive research ecosystem, working alongside professionals who deal with frontier scientific questions every day. They will also enjoy access to state-of-the-art laboratories and live in an environment where research, education, and innovation intersect daily."
Why bring together immunology, oncology, and the biology of ageing into a single Master’s degree?
"Because in biological reality, these fields are not separate. The immune system, tumours, and ageing processes are interconnected. Understanding these relationships is vital for developing new preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. MOTIA was created to move beyond over-compartmentalised education and prepare a new generation of professionals capable of connecting knowledge from different fields. In my experience, it is precisely from this dialogue across disciplines that the most interesting scientific questions and promising innovations arise."
What are the career prospects?
"Naturally, the Master's can serve as a stepping stone to a PhD and a career in academic research, but the skills acquired are also in high demand in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, and could also facilitate entrepreneurial ventures."
How important is the connection to the broader Swiss biomedical ecosystem?
"It is very important because we want students to grasp the complete pathway of biomedical innovation: from fundamental research to clinical research, all the way to the development of new products and therapies. Exposure to academia, clinical practice, and potential touchpoints with pharmaceutical and biotech companies allows students to gain insight into diverse professional roles and perspectives, while building a professional network that will prove invaluable once they graduate."
What would you advise anyone interested in learning more?
"The best way is to take part in USI’s Master Info Day and the Master Meeting. It is a concrete first step to see whether MOTIA is the right path: it will offer an opportunity to get a closer look at the content, meet teaching staff and coordinators, explore the admission procedures, and learn more about the exciting career prospects. Additionally, our webpage—which we update regularly—provides comprehensive information about this new Master's alongside contact details for further enquiries."
