Nako Nakatsuka, head of the Laboratory of Chemical Nanotechnology in the School of Engineering, has been selected by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurch (ETH Zurich) to receive the prestigious Ruzicka Prize 2025.
The Ruzicka Prize, named after the ETH professor and Nobel laureate Leopold Ruzicka, is presented by ETH Zurich to Swiss or Switzerland-based early-career scientists in recognition of outstanding research achievements in the field of chemistry. The award is endowed with 10,000 CHF.
This year's Ruzicka Prize, supported by dsm firmenich, goes to Nako Nakatsuka, head of the Laboratory for Chemical Nanotechnology (CHEMINA) in EPFL's Neuro-X Institute. She was selected for her outstanding work on Engineering Nano- and Micro-Biosensors for Human Health. The prize will be formally awarded at a ceremony and lecture on November 27th at ETH Zurich's Hönggerberg campus.
Nako Nakatsuka is an expert in the field of neurochemical sensor technology and biosensors at the intersection of chemistry, physics, neuroscience and engineering. Her research at EPFL focuses on the development of transformative therapeutic and diagnostic technologies to treat and prevent psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. She is also the recent recipient of an ERC Starting Grant and was shortlisted for the 2025 Nature Awards Inspiring Women in Science in the Scientific Achievement category.