The Institute for Women’s Health is working to close the gaps in knowledge, research, and care that affect women’s lives. We begin by identifying the most overlooked and underfunded needs, then bring together researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and partners to develop solutions with the greatest potential for impact.
Leadership
Prof. Dr. med. Michael Mueller
Chief of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Inselspital Bern
President, Institute for Women’s Health
Prof. Dr. med. Michael D. Mueller is President of the Institute for Women’s Health and Professor of Gynaecology at the University of Bern. He is Co-Director of the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Inselspital Bern and Head of Gynaecology and Gynaecological Oncology.
His clinical and scientific expertise spans endometriosis, gynaecological oncology, minimally invasive surgery, inflammation and the mechanisms underlying pain. He has published more than 400 peer-reviewed articles and plays a leading role in advancing gynaecological endoscopy in Switzerland.
As President, Prof. Mueller provides the institute with clinical and scientific leadership. He is committed to ensuring that its activities address the needs of patients, strengthen collaboration across disciplines and institutions, and accelerate the translation of women’s health research into meaningful improvements in clinical practice.
Eliane Brechbuehl, PhD
Innovation Project Manager, Institute for Women’s Health
Eliane Brechbuehl, PhD is co-leading the establishment of the Institute for Women’s Health, developing partnerships with universities, hospitals, industry, foundations and policymakers in Switzerland and internationally. Her work focuses on shaping the institute’s strategic direction, systematically identifying unmet needs and building collaborations that translate research into meaningful improvements in women’s health.
A translational medical scientist, she holds a PhD in Medical Science from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Materials Science and Engineering from EPFL. Her research focused on clinically viable molecular imaging technologies for tracking cell therapies, including CAR-T cell cancer treatments and regenerative approaches for the central nervous system.
Eliane combines scientific expertise with experience in innovation, commercialisation and venture development. An award-winning scientific presenter and experienced mentor, she brings an interdisciplinary, collaborative and execution-focused perspective to the institute and works fluently across English, German, French and Spanish.