What happens when you volunteer to be the first human injected with mRNA? For Dr. Steve Pascolo, it meant glowing skin, but it took many years for this technology to hit the mainstream. 

In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Dr. Steve Pascolo, a senior scientist in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Zurich and co-founder of CureVac, about his groundbreaking role in testing mRNA back in 2003. They explore why the scientific community was sceptical for so long, how COVID-19 changed everything, and why mRNA could hold the key to treating not just infectious diseases, but also cancer, autoimmune conditions, and even aging. 

They also dig into the technical and practical realities of working with mRNA: the challenges of stability, the role of lipid nanoparticles, and the lessons learned from scaling production during the pandemic. Steve shares how chemical synthesis, AI, and cross-disciplinary collaboration could accelerate the next wave of mRNA therapies. 

His advice for young scientists is simple but powerful: true breakthroughs require teamwork across fields, from chemistry and biology to medicine and computer science. The future of mRNA is not just vaccines; it is a platform for reimagining medicine itself. 

LINKS 

• Dr. Steve Pascolo on LinkedIn 
• CureVac Website 
• METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website 
• METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn 
• Balancing The Future Podcast Website 
• Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn 
• Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn 

SOURCES 

The tangled history of mRNA vaccines – Nature.com 

The Long History of mRNA Vaccines – Johns Hopkins: Bloomberg School of Public Health 

Webinar: PAT and Model-Based Approach to Accelerate Biopharma Process Development - Merck KGaA and METTLER TOLEDO 

Scaling Up the Global COVID-19 Vaccination Program: Production, Allocation, and Distribution with an Emphasis on Equity - PubMed Central 

ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE: 

Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. 

Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. 

ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: 
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. 

From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.