Governance

BCRT Steering Committee

The elected BCRT Steering Committee provides strategic direction for the Center. Together with the BCRT Science Management, the Steering Committee guides the Center’s development, shapes its priorities, and represents the BCRT both within the institution and to external partners.

The spokespersons team leads the Center’s strategic development and supports its effective operation. It consists of Georg Duda as Head, with Ludovic Vallier serving as deputy. Each brings complementary expertise and responsibilities to strengthening the BCRT’s structures, fostering collaboration, and advancing its mission.

The BCRT staff representative is also part of the Steering Committee and is invited to participate in all meetings and discussions in an advisory capacity, ensuring that staff perspectives are heard in the Center’s decision-making processes.

BCRT External Science Council (ESCO)

The External Science Council (ESCO) advises the BCRT Steering Committee on scientific matters and supports the Center in advancing its research mission. A key priority is to accelerate the safe and effective translation of research findings into clinical practice, helping bridge the gap between scientific discovery and patient care. To support this goal, the ESCO evaluates the Center’s research projects and regularly reviews its overall scientific performance, providing an independent perspective on the quality, progress, and impact of its research.

The Council comprises at least three external members who are distinguished experts from academia and/or industry. Their expertise and independent perspectives help strengthen the scientific excellence and translational potential of the BCRT. Following its meetings, the ESCO provides written reports to the BCRT’s partners, keeping them informed of its discussions and recommendations.

ESCO Members

• Viola Vogel; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland (Head ESCO BCRT)
• Lina Badimon; Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Barcelona, Spain
• Andrew Coats; Scientific Director at the Heart Research Institute, Australia
• David W. Grainger; Department Chair of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, USA
• Helen Heslop; Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine Houston​, USA
• Stephane Heymans; Masstricht University
• Massimo Pinzani; Institute for Liver and Digestive Health and the Sheila Sherlock Chair of Hepatology at UCL​
• Andrew Pitsillides; The Royal Veterinary College, England
• Molly Stevens; Imperial College London, England
• Andre Terzic; Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA
• Mary Tolikas; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
• Luk Vandenberghe; Harvard Medical School and Associate Member of the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT in Boston​