Lambda Biolab
Direct Democracy in Biotechnology Research:
Switzerland's BSL-1 Lab for All
Switzerland's BSL-1 Lab for All
Come do awesome science in a state-of-the-art molecular biology lab
This laboratory aims to democratize scientific discovery and bio-entrepreneurship safely and responsibly. It stands as a beacon of independence and inclusivity in a field typically crippled by red tape and exclusion. Here, you do not need to be affiliated with any academic institution or company to use the lab. The procedure to join is completely transparent, and there are no arbitrary hoops to jump through. If you successfully complete the safety training and safety assessment, and your project falls under biosafety level 1, you will be granted access. All projects hosted by Lambda Biolab comply with the authorization and notification requirements set by the Swiss Federal Coordination Centre for Biotechnology. The lab itself complies with the Containment Ordinance (ContainO), and the Ordinance on the Protection of Employees against risks related to microorganisms (OPTM).
Available Equipment
Clean Working Space and Storage
Clean Working Bench
Closed-System HEPA-Filtered Work Area
Sterile Laminar Flow Hood
-80C, -20C, and 4C Refrigerated Storage
Cell Culture and Transfection
Temperature-Adjustable Shaking Incubators
Electroporator for Genetic Transformation of Bacterial or Eukaryotic Cells
Upright Compound Light Microscope with Widefield 10X Eye Piece and 4X(air), 10X(air), 40X(air), and 100X(oil) Objectives
Spectrophotometer for Measuring Cell Culture Optical Densities
Nucleic Acids and Molecular Cloning Workstation
PCR Machine, Gel Electrophoresis Box, Transilluminator
Nano Spectrophotometer
Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuge
Pipettes and Other Instruments
Media Preparation
Laboratory pH meter
Analytical Scale
(accurate to 0.0001g)
Microwave
High Pressure Cooker / Autoclave
Other Equipment and Materials
Plasticware, glassware, etc.
Sink, running water
Waste disposal
Temperature-adjustable dry bath
A Safe Working Environment
The lab is furnished with gloves, safety goggles, lab coats, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher. The safety concept also includes procedures for proper waste disposal.
Note: During peak hours, the space requires reservations in advance
Official Certification and Regulatory Compliance
Lambda Biolab is a fully authorized community biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) laboratory officially recognized by Swiss regulatory authorities. Our facility operates in compliance with:
The Swiss Federal Coordination Centre for Biotechnology requirements
The Containment Ordinance (ContainO)
The Ordinance on the Protection of Employees against risks related to microorganisms (OPTM)
Our operations have been formally reviewed and approved by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU), the Federal Office of Public Health, and cantonal authorities (Reference: A240192-1, approval date: February 4, 2025).
a240192-1-entscheid-bafu-basel-2025.pdfWhere to find us
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