New appointments at ETH Zurich
Professor Nicole Marie Fernandez-Franzan (*1991), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Geomitigation of Greenhouse Gases in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Nicole Marie Fernandez-Franzan’s research focuses on fluid-rock interactions at near-surface conditions and their effects over geological time periods. Her work explores the biogeochemistry of the critical zone, increased rock weathering and microbial geochemical processes that are critical for mitigating climate change and maintaining the habitability of the planet. Through the appointment of Nicole Marie Fernandez-Franzan, ETH Zurich is underlining its leading role with regard to solutions for climate change. Synergies arise with the Department of Environmental Systems Sciences, the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, and the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering.
Dr Thomas Giroux (*1994), currently Researcher at the École Nationale de la Statistique et de l’Administration Économique (ENSAE Paris) and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, France, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Sustainable Finance in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics. Thomas Giroux conducts research into sustainable finance with an emphasis on biodiversity and climate. He examines the role of mixed financing in the co-funding of projects aimed at environmental protection, the financial consequences of climate and biodiversity risks, and the dynamic development of general financial risk factors. In appointing Thomas Giroux, the Department is strengthening its teaching thanks to his expertise in finance and accounting, as well as boosting research into sustainability in finance and management.
Dr Megan McDonald (*1985), currently UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leader Fellow at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, as Associate Professor of Plant Disease Dynamics in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Megan McDonald’s research explores the emergence of new fungal diseases in plants. She also investigates genes that determine the host specificity of fungi in crops such as wheat and barley. Her work provides key insights into the evolution of plant diseases as well as helping develop new control strategies and breed resistant varieties. By appointing Megan McDonald, the Department is boosting research into plant disease dynamics and population genomics while strengthening its links with WSL, Agroscope, the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, and the Department of Biology at the University of Zurich.
Professor Melika Payvand (*1987), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Autonomous Intelligent Agents in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (dual professorship with the University of Zurich). Melika Payvand’s groundbreaking research looks at the development of a new generation of computing systems that mimic the functioning of the brain and thus differ radically from conventional computer architectures. These novel computer systems could solve some of the serious deficiencies of artificial intelligence and perform tasks in areas where conventional computers fall short. In appointing Melika Payvand, the Department is gaining an internationally acclaimed, well-connected, award-winning leader in her field, as well as a committed and inspiring teacher.
Professor Anthony Straub (*1990), currently Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Membrane and Interfacial Science in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. Anthony Straub’s research focuses on the development of new, sustainable separation processes, based on innovative materials and the targeted use of interfacial phenomena. His work is of fundamental importance for a multitude of industrial applications such as water desalination, the production of fine chemicals and medicines, and separating CO2 from exhaust gases and the air. Anthony Straub is actively driving forward the implementation of his research through his spin-off company. His appointment enables the Department to strengthen the field of separation science and interfacial science, while encouraging valuable internal and external collaborations.
Dr Malik Wagih (*1989), currently Lawrence Fellow at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Materials Modelling in the Department of Materials. The focus of Malik Wagih’s research is on the discovery and development of new materials by means of defect engineering. Using the latest computer-aided simulations, theoretical methods and artificial intelligence, he investigates how the targeted manipulation of defects can achieve unique mechanical, electrical and chemical properties for applications in extreme environments, such as fusion energy and aerospace. His expertise can be applied to soft materials and biological structures as well as metallic systems. Through the appointment of Malik Wagih, the Department is enhancing the high level of innovation in this subject area and enabling important collaborations.
Promotions at ETH Zurich
Professor David Kammer (*1985), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Solid Mechanics in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. David Kammer’s research focuses on understanding the processes that lead to materials failing. This topic is of decisive importance for civil engineering structures as well as geological and biological materials. David Kammer’s significant achievements are based on an extremely effective combination of theory and high-performance computing. He has already received numerous grants for his research, including an SNSF Starting Grant. With his appointment, the Department is retaining a distinguished expert in the field of theoretical and computer-assisted mechanics, and a world leader in the study of fracture mechanics in materials.
Professor Julia Vogt (*1982), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science. Julia Vogt’s interdisciplinary research combines computer science and medicine, with an emphasis on machine learning methods. The aim is to develop computer-assisted and statistical tools for improving image-based medical diagnostics in order to enhance personalised patient care. Julia Vogt has received many awards for her research, particularly in the field of child health, including an ERC Starting Grant in 2022. She has an extensive network among the international research community and is also a dedicated lecturer. Thanks to this appointment, the Department is retaining a brilliant researcher and international leader while strengthening the area of artificial intelligence and health.
New appointments at EPFL
Dr Cosima du Pasquier (*1992), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engieneering in the School of Engineering. Cosima du Pasquier’s work is distinguished by an integrated approach that combines expertise in advanced manufacturing, computational modeling, and user-centered design. She develops soft-material devices capable of adapting to the human body through precise control of anisotropy and the distribution of mechanical properties. Her innovations include new clean 3D printing techniques, and multi-material knitting to create smart textiles with haptic feedback. By collaborating with EPFL experts in robotics, textiles, and human-machine interfaces, Cosima du Pasquier will foster interdisciplinary innovation and help position EPFL at the forefront of embodied robotics and sustainable wearable technologies.
Professor Nate (John Nathan) Foster (*1979), currently full Professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, USA, as Full Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. Nate Foster is regarded as a pioneer in the development of domain-specific languages and verification tools for programmable networks – an area which now plays a key role in modernising the infrastructure of the internet and the cloud. He conducts research in both theoretical and practical areas and has significantly advanced the state of the art with regard to network accuracy and performance optimisation. In addition, he actively seeks collaborations with industry in order to find applications for his research findings. By appointing Nate Foster, EPFL is gaining an internationally recognised scientist and significantly expanding its expertise in the area of programming languages and networks.
Dr Zuzanna Kozicka (*1994), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Harvard Medical School and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Chemical Biology in the School of Basic Sciences. Zuzanna Kozicka conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of chemical biology, structural biology, genetic screening and functional genomics. She has already achieved remarkable results in elucidating the mechanisms governing protein–ligase interactions, unravelling a novel mode of action for kinas inhibitors. She received several prestigious awards and was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe – Science list in 2023. At EPFL, Zuzanna Kozicka will explore the therapeutic potential of targeted protein degradation, thereby strengthening the institution’s excellence in chemical biology.
Dr Miranda Wei (*1995), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Princeton University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. Miranda Wei’s award-winning research takes place at the interface between IT security, the protection of digital privacy, and human-machine interaction, with a particular focus on combating online abuse and its social impacts. Her interdisciplinary research combines technical accuracy with social understanding in order to address the social harm associated with new technologies. The aim is to create a safer, fairer digital environment for everyone. Through the appointment of Miranda Wei, the School is strengthening a research area that is of strategic importance to EPFL and to Switzerland in general.
Dr Jie Zhou (*1992), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Yale University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Technology Management at the College of Management of Technology (CDM). Jie Zhou’s research studies the interaction between technological strategy and government policy, particularly in the digital innovation and digital economies context. She uses large-scale data, field experiments, and structural modeling to empirically examine how digital infrastructure, platform dynamics, and government policies influence innovation and market outcomes. Jie Zhou is a brilliant young researcher who is already working with leading researchers and Nobel laureates in her field. Her appointment represents a great asset to both CDM and EPFL.
Promotions at EPFL
Professor Nicolas Boumal (*1987), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Mathematics in the School of Basic Sciences. Nicolas Boumal is an internationally recognised expert in the field of continuous optimisation. His contributions to the theory of the so-called “benign” non-convex optimisation have significantly advanced our understanding of why standard methods often perform remarkably well in practice despite the lack of theoretical guarantees. Nicolas Boumal’s research is not only highly valuable to the scientific community but also finds practical applications in the applied sciences and engineering. Deeply committed to teaching and mentorship, Nicolas Boumal plays a key role within EPFL’s School of Basic Sciences.
Professor George Candea (*1974), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. George Candea’s research focuses on the development of reliable, high-performance operating systems that can withstand outages, security threats and unpredictable workloads. He holds nine patents in this area and strives to achieve concrete results through combining theoretical advances with practical applications. His vision for the future involves integrating AI into the design and analysis of systems to improve their scalability and automation. George Candea enriches EPFL not only through his top-class, important research but also through his untiring commitment to teaching and supporting his students.
Professor Michele Ceriotti (*1982), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Materials Science in the School of Engineering. Michele Ceriotti has made major contributions to the integration of machine learning into atomistic simulations, improving both their accuracy and efficiency. He has developed methods capable of predicting electronic properties and enhancing the transferability of models across different systems. His research combines artificial intelligence with traditional physical approaches, and he has introduced tools to estimate the uncertainty of predictions and better assess their reliability. These advances are applied to a wide range of materials, from molecules to high-entropy alloys and solid electrolytes. With his group, Michele Ceriotti also collaborates with industry to integrate these innovations into research and development.
Professor Roland Logé (*1971), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Materials Science in the School of Engineering. Roland Logé stands out for major scientific contributions to the understanding and control of the microstructural evolution of metals, developing innovative methods that also have a tangible impact on the performance and reliability of materials in both scientific and industrial fields. For example, he developed a novel process that integrates laser shock peening directly into laser-based additive manufacturing. Through his original approaches and his drive in studying thermomechanical metallurgical phenomena, Roland Logé is a leading scientific figure. At EPFL, he helps to strengthen important academic collaborations and foster innovative research.
Professor Mahsa Shoaran (*1986), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the School of Engineering. Mahsa Shoaran’s research addresses crucial challenges at the intersection of circuit design and algorithm development, with a particular focus on biomedical and neural interfaces. In her Integrated Neurotechnologies Laboratory, she conducts cutting-edge studies on the development of next-generation neurotechnologies for the treatment of disorders of the human central and peripheral nervous systems. Mahsa Shoaran is considered a leader and a rising star in her field and has received several awards, including an ERC Starting Grant in 2022.
Professor Giulia Tagliabue (*1985), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering. Giulia Tagliabue leads the Laboratory of Nanoscience for Energy Technologies, where she conducts research on nanoscience applied to energy technologies, nanophotonics, and the nanoscale control of energy conversion processes. In her work, she uses light as an energy source and develops techniques related to the capture, conversion, and storage of light energy. Her research ranges from understanding fundamental concepts to building demonstration devices. Giulia Tagliabue has received several major international awards, including the prestigious EPFL Latsis Prize in 2024.
Award of the title of “Professor” at EPFL
Professor François Labourie (*1960), currently Full Professor at Université Côte d’Azur, France, as Adjunct Professor in the School of Basic Sciences. François Labourie’s research activity covers a broad range of domains, from geometric analysis to the study of discrete subgroups of Lie groups and to Anosov flow theory. His work has played a central role in the development of what is now known as the superior Teichmüller theory. François Labourie’s presence at EPFL will foster collaborations within the Institute of Mathematics and help developing new international partnerships, thanks to his vast and active network.
Award of the title of “Professor of Practice” at ETH Zurich
Beat Weibel (*1966), currently Head of ETH transfer at ETH Zurich, as Professor of Practice in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences. During more than two decades in senior roles in the field of industrial property rights, Beat Weibel played a decisive role in shaping the global IP strategy of companies such as ABB, Siemens and Georg Fischer, as well as successfully managing international IP organisations. He has many years’ experience of both practice and training in the field of industrial property rights. At ETH Zurich, Beat Weibel is to co-develop and implement a training and awareness initiative in the area of intellectual property. The aim is to familiarise students and researchers with the principles, opportunities and challenges connected with protecting and exploiting intellectual property, and to impart practical skills.
Departures from EPFL
Professor Paolo Tombesi (*1961), Full Professor of Construction and Architecture in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, is to retire at the end of September 2026. Paolo Tombesi has been a full professor at EPFL since 2016, serving as Head of the Institute of Architecture and the City from 2017 to 2020. An international authority on the organisation and management of design knowledge across the building industry, he is well known for his analyses connecting the economics of professional practice with technological innovation and construction market dynamics. Throughout his tenure at EPFL, he has been studying the procurement of highly complex buildings as well as the results of construction activity in remote and developing locales. Teaching activities within his laboratory FAR (For an Architecture of the Real) have covered building construction in developing and transition economies as well as global design policy issues.
Professor Paola Viganò (*1961), Full Professor of Urban Theory and Urban Design in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, will retire at the end of July 2026. Paola Viganò’s research takes place at the intersection between urbanism, landscape and architecture. She joined EPFL as a full professor in 2013, while also remaining a full professor at the University of Venice. Paola Viganò has focused on the ecological and social transformation of cities, landscapes and territories, and has designed and carried out projects for public spaces throughout Europe. She is a leading voice in the European and international debate on urbanism and territorial visions in the context of socio-ecological change, and has won many awards for her work. Paola Viganò is an outstanding researcher, teacher and practitioner. She has had an enduring influence on her colleagues, staff and students.
The ETH Board would like to thank the departing professors for their services to science, teaching and academic administration.
