Dr. Michele De Palma

Associate Professor

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Biography

Michele (Miki) De Palma is a tenured associate professor at the School of Life Sciences at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), specializing in cancer biology. He trained as a postdoctoral researcher and became a group leader at the Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy in Milan, where he developed gene transfer strategies to engineer monocytes into anti-tumoral immune cells. This pioneering work led to the first-in-kind clinical trial for brain cancer. His research program focuses on tumor resistance to immunotherapy mediated by myeloid cells and angiogenic vasculature. The De Palma lab aims to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies by identifying novel mechanisms of therapeutic vulnerabilities in tumors. Miki has received numerous accolades, including an ERC programme grant in 2017 and the Robert Wenner Prize for cancer research. Outside of his academic pursuits, he studies the taxonomy of Scarab beetles from the family Cetoniinae.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2018-01-01 — Present

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne • Lausanne, Switzerland

Teaches courses on cancer biology and leads a research group focusing on tumor immunotherapy.

Awards

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Robert Wenner Prize

2017-01-01
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Leenaards Prize

2013-01-01
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Highly Cited Researcher

2023-01-01
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Polysphère-SV Teaching Award

2024-01-01

Courses

Cancer Biology II Oncology Practical - De Palma Lab Translational Oncology

Requirements for École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field Strong foundation in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability Proficiency in programming (Python, Java, or C++)
Application Checklist
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Copy of University Degree(s)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Copy of Passport or Identity Card
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Specialization Notes

Standard requirements for Engineering and Basic Science Master's programs. Architecture requires an additional portfolio.