Patrick Aebischer (born 22 November 1954 in Fribourg, Switzerland) was the president of the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) from 17 March 2000 to 31 December 2016.

[citation needed] From 1984 to 1992, he worked at Brown University in Providence (Rhode Island, United States), as Research Scientist, Assistant and then associate professor of Medical Sciences.

In 1991, he became the chairman of the Section of Artificial Organs, Biomaterials and Cellular Technology of the Division of Biology and Medicine of Brown University.

[3] His current research focuses on the development of cell and gene transfer approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Aebischer was influenced and inspired by the "American model" of university management, which he describes as a meritocratic system that encourages innovation.