What brought Kadjita Asumbisa to the Biozentrum? He shares how the institute’s world-class labs, Basel’s vibrant scientific community, and the city’s welcoming lifestyle make it the perfect place to live and do research.

What initially attracted you to join the Biozentrum Basel from abroad?
For me, it was the Biozentrum’s fantastic labs and excellent scientific outputs over the years that first caught my eye, and the fact that it sits right in the middle of a buzzing hub of top research institutes, pharma companies, and translational startups. It felt like the perfect place to dive into cutting-edge science and connect with people who can help bring those discoveries to life.
 
How has working in Basel's scientific community advanced your career or research?
Working in Basel’s scientific community has been a huge boost. I’m surrounded by labs doing everything from structural biology to computational neuroscience, so I’m constantly picking up new ideas to adapt for my own research. On top of that, leading scientists from around the world drop by regularly to give talks, and the frequent cross-institute seminars and events make networking completely effortless.
 
How would you describe daily life in Basel for international residents?
Basel is super welcoming and really easy to get around. It’s pretty compact, so you can bike almost anywhere, walk if you’re into that, or jump on a tram or bus. With all the big research institutes and pharma companies here, you’re also constantly bumping into people from everywhere. Plus, there are tons of expat groups, language meetups, and sports clubs to help you plug in and feel at home right away.