Preface and internationally. Thanks to the dedication and passion of our staff, students and trusted partners, we were able to translate knowledge into action, and hence, take science to impact. A pivotal moment for Swiss TPH was the signing of the new performance agreement with the University of Basel that provides a slight increase in core contributions to Swiss TPH, assuring stability for our future. With this and our increased funding from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the two Basel cantons from the year before, Swiss TPH is now in an excellent position to address global health’s greatest challenges. Transformation and change On 1 April 2022, Swiss TPH’s new headquarters “Belo Horizonte” officially opened in Allschwil. The new, modern building, which was masterfully designed by Basel architects Kunz und Mösch, includes five floors of innovative working areas, cutting-edge laboratories and biobanks, as well as seminar rooms, a library and our cafeteria, Belo Café. The building was the largest and most complex project that Swiss TPH ever pursued. Thanks to stringent project organisation, clear roles and responsibility and the tireless efforts by all individuals involved, the project was completed in time and within budget. Trust and respect at all levels were key ingredients of this project. Swiss TPH is now located in the midst of an emerging, dynamic life science and biotech cluster, which continues to attract additional research institutes, start-ups and private companies. Indeed, a bustling ecosystem for interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship is underway in the BaseLink area in Allschwil.
4
Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
Perseverance and progress As the world is learning to live with COVID-19 and other health threats, we must ensure that as a global community, we are better prepared for when, inevitably, future threats arise. Pandemic preparedness is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a must in order to ensure societies are equipped, have appropriate surveillance systems in place, and react quickly and efficiently to emerging and re-emerging challenges. We must work together to ensure that we do not only persevere, but thrive. Swiss TPH is ready to play its part, be a leader and put our unique and expansive network into action. I would like to thank all of our staff and students, partners and funders for the terrific collaboration and partnership. Together, we will continue towards our mission of making the world a healthier place.
Prof. Dr. Jürg Utzinger Director, Swiss TPH
