Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technologies

The research group led by Dr. Qun Ren addresses key challenges in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biofilm-associated infections, with a strong focus on the mechanisms governing biofilm formation and biofilm tolerance to antimicrobial treatments. The group studies interactions between microbial communities, host environments, and material surfaces to develop effective strategies for the prevention, detection, and control of persistent infections. A core component of the group’s research is the development and evaluation of antimicrobial materials. By integrating microbiology, materials science, and bioengineering, the group advances innovative approaches to tackle AMR in biomedical and applied contexts. Within the FAST-Real consortium, Dr. Qun Ren’s group collaborates closely with partners at the University of Tartu (Estonia), the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (Germany), and the University of Oulu (Finland). The group contributes expertise in antimicrobial performance assessment under realistic, application-relevant conditions. The team includes Dr. Mihyun Lee, Ms. Anna Hu, Ms. Flavia Zuber, and Ms. Stefanie Altenried. Together, they combine interdisciplinary expertise and experimental rigor to translate fundamental research into impactful antimicrobial technologies.

Group leader contact: Qun.Ren@empa.ch

Members