Dr. Dilara Perver
Dr. Dilara Perver
Staff of Professorship for Applied Mechanobiology
My work is driven by a compelling mission: To translate the intricate mechanobiological characteristics of human bone marrow into practical clinical applications and to harness bioengineering technologies for a profound impact in the field of hemato-oncology. The urgency of this undertaking arises from the critical need for effective treatments for patients struggling against aggressive hematologic malignancies.
Among the treatment options, cellular interventions such as hematopoietic (stem) cell transplantation (HCT) and chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) offer the primary source of hope for many individuals facing relapsed/refractory lymphoma and acute leukemias. However, the harsh reality is that only 30-50% of patients undergoing cellular therapies achieve enduring remission or a cure, leaving relapse as a major contributor to morbidity and mortality.
My strategic research vision orbits around the idea that a markedly enhanced understanding of the intricate interplay between hematopoietic and stromal components within the bone marrow niche, orchestrated by extracellular stimuli, holds the key to unveiling the fundamental biology driving disease progression. Moreover, it provides a route to clarifying, why certain therapies exhibit unpredictable outcomes in specific patients.
To this end, my team and I, in close collaboration with clinical partners, are steadfast in our commitment to forging a unique interdisciplinary and innovative perspective on the bone marrow stromal and hematopoietic micro-niches. Our aspiration is to leverage Bone Marrow-Mimetic Microphysiological Systems (BM-MPSs) to discern cellular and extracellular alterations in hematological malignancies. The availability of these bone marrow-mimicking testbeds, enabling the evaluation of distinct drug combinations and donor-recipient scenarios, holds the potential to provide invaluable clinical insights. Addressing these critical technology and knowledge gaps stands as a pivotal effort, crucial for saving lives and advancing the predictability and efficacy of cellular immunotherapies, as well as conventional treatments.
At the core of my research lies the exploration of how hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in human bone marrow (BM) are intricately regulated by their microenvironment and mechanobiological factors. Over the course of my work, I have pioneered the development of engineered microphysiological systems known as Bone Marrow-Mimetic Microphysiological Systems (BM-MPS). These systems empower us to investigate the intricate communication network between HSPCs, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. Furthermore, they facilitate the expansion of clinically relevant HSPCs for transplantation therapies, deepening our comprehension of the profound impact and intricacies of bone marrow micro-niches on both health and hemato-oncological diseases.
Are you interested in our research?
Don’t hesitate to contact me at to hear more about our research, colloborate with us, or conduct a multidisciplinary thesis/semester project or an internship in our team!
Short CV
As a junior group leader at ETH Zürich with over six years of experience in bioengineering and translational medicine, I create value by bridging teams in science, innovation technology, and clinical development to address gaps in predictive technology within haemato-oncology research.
With dual master's degrees in biology and chemistry, I have a solid foundation in life sciences, further enriched by my expertise in bioengineering and data-driven decision making through a doctorate from ETH Zürich. Additionally, I've acquired invaluable experience in transdisciplinary clinical studies through an advance study of Clinical Trial Management from the University of Basel and an internship at Novartis A.G. in the Global Clinical Development Department of CAR-T cell therapy.
Throughout my career, I have engaged in collaborative projects with clinicians, academics, and industry experts, focusing on pioneering advanced ex-vivo tools and humanized microphysiological systems designed to follow cancer remission/relapse responses, encompassing immuno-cellular therapies.
04/2023 – still: Group Leader and Scientrepreneur at the Institute of Translational Medicine, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
05/2021 – 03/2023: Post-Doctoral Researcher, Lecturer, and Project Leader at the Lab of Applied Mechanobiology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
10/2016 – 03/2021: Research Assistant and Doctoral candidate at the Dept. of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
01/2018 – 11/2019: Advance Studies (CAS I-II) Clinical Trial Practice and Management, University of Basel, Clinical Research Center & European Center of of Pharmaceutical Medicine
09/2014 – 09/2015: Research Assistant at the Biomimetic and Bioinsipired Surfaces Research Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Department, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
09/2018 – 12/2015: Multidisciplinary Master and Bachelor Studies, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry & Department of Biology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry, GPA: 3.96/4 High honors degree, 2012 – 2014
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biology, GPA: 3.94/4 High honors degree, 2012 – 2015
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology and minor in Chemistry, GPA: 3.23/4 Honors degree, 2008 – 2012
Erasmus internship 2011: "Developmen of Hemato-vascular System and Stem cells", Cell biology and Biotechnology, CABD, Sevilla, Spain