The World Innovation Day - Pr Francis A. Waldvogel, a Swiss citizen, graduated from the University of Geneva Medical School in 1964 and undertook postgraduate training in medicine, infectious diseases and clinical microbiology at Harvard from 1966-1970. He then joined the academic staff at the University Hospital of Geneva to head Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology until 1986. In 1982, he became full Professor of Medicine and Physician-in-Chief in internal medicine, and from 1990 to 2001 Chairman of the Department of Medicine. In 1995, after having served as Vice-President of the Swiss Science Council, he was elected by the Federal Government to become the President of the Swiss Polytechnic Institutes, a position he held until 2004. His scientific activities led to more than 150 publications, several books, numerous invited professorships and lectures, and elections into several Academies (Switzerland, Leopoldina-European Academy etc.). He is the founder of the World Knowledge Dialogue, aimed at a better dialogue between the human and natural sciences. He is President of several humanitarian Foundations, and Advisory Board Chairman of Novartis Venture Funds, investing in young start-up companies in the life sciences. He is also Chairman of Symbiotics Inc, a young start-up company active in the field of microfinance-sustainable finance in emerging countries.