With great sadness the Biozentrum announces that Prof. em. Andreas Engel passed away on 1 April 2026 at the age of 82. With his passing, the Biozentrum bids farewell to an outstanding scientist, a dedicated teacher, and an esteemed colleague who shaped research and teaching at the institute for more than 25 years. His groundbreaking work on elucidating the structure and function of membrane proteins has significantly influenced modern structural biology and remains an indispensable contribution to science.
Andreas Engel, born in Bern, initially studied mathematics and physics at the University of Bern, where he subsequently earned his PhD in laser physics and holography. After a sabbatical at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, he joined the Biozentrum of the University of Basel in 1974. Under the mentorship of Prof. Eduard Kellenberger, he established a scanning transmission electron microscopy platform (STEM), which became instrumental in groundbreaking research over three decades. After working in industry, Andreas Engel returned to the Biozentrum as Professor of Structural Biology and, together with Prof. Ueli Aebi, founded the Maurice E. Müller Institute for High-Resolution Microscopy (MIH).
Andreas Engel’s research focused on elucidating the structure of membrane proteins using cutting-edge technologies such as electron crystallography, atomic force microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. He made decisive contributions to the three-dimensional structural elucidation of the bacterial porin OmpF and the development of 2D crystallization techniques for membrane proteins. His work on the atomic structure of the membrane protein Aquaporin-1, together with Peter Agre and Yoshinori Fujiyoshi, was a milestone in structural biology. It contributed to Peter Agre being awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and structural elucidation of water channels. Between 2000 and 2003, Andreas Engel was recognized as one of the most frequently cited structural biologists in Europe. Throughout his career, he published over 400 scientific papers.
Beyond his many scientific achievements, Andreas had a rare ability to develop and apply new methods to address fundamental biological questions. His work was always driven by curiosity and a deep interest in understanding biological systems at their core.
Alongside his research, Andreas Engel was a dedicated teacher and mentor, and a leading figure as Co-Director of the Maurice E. Müller Institute for High-Resolution Microscopy (MIH) and Chair of the Biozentrum. His international network was reflected in his roles as coordinator of the European Cluster of Excellence "Three-dimensional Electron Microscopy" and vice president of the SystemsX Steering Committee. Andreas Engel also developed the first degree program in nanoscience, which attracted many young talents to the University of Basel.
After his retirement in 2010, Andreas Engel joined the Case Western Reserve University, to build up the Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology and later the Kavli Intitute for Nanoscience Delft to spearhead the cryo-EM activities.
Andreas Engel was an exceptionally supportive mentor. His enthusiasm for science, his positive outlook, and his kindness and humility left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him. Even in his final days, he continued to care for his former coworkers, received many visits from former students, and found small moments of joy in each day.
With the passing of Andreas Engel, the Biozentrum has lost not only an exceptional scientist but also a kind-hearted individual who inspired many with his passion for research and willingness to help. We will honor and cherish his memory. Our deepest sympathy goes to his family and loved ones.
Contact: Communications, Katrin Bühler