New appointments at ETH Zurich
Dr Shawn Shuoshuo Chen (*1992), currently Researcher at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in Santa Clara, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science. Shawn Shuoshuo Chen, who was a technical manager at Google before obtaining his doctorate, conducts research into computer networks and studies how their topology can be optimised for modern applications, with special reference to artificial intelligence and machine learning. He has made significant contributions in the field of software-defined networking and has worked on novel optical networks. By appointing Shawn Shuoshuo Chen, the Department is strengthening its capacities and expertise in an area that is of the utmost significance to science and industry. Promising opportunities for cooperation with the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering will also arise.
Professor Reinhard Heckel (*1986), currently Associate Professor at Technical University of Munich, Germany, as Full Professor of Machine Learning and Signal Processing in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. Reinhard Heckel’s research focuses on machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as signal and information processing. One of the aims of his research is to enable faster, more reliable imaging processes for use in medicine and the natural sciences. Other key areas include the principles of machine learning and the use of DNA as a form of digital information technology. Through the appointment of Reinhard Heckel, ETH Zurich is gaining a leading international scientist who will strengthen the Department’s research and teaching over the long term.
Professor Inge Katrin Herrmann (*1985), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, as Associate Professor of Medical Materials and Technology in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. Inge Katrin Herrmann is an acknowledged expert on the development of novel solutions in precision medicine. Her research combines materials technology, complex theoretical approaches and simulations, thus opening a direct path to application-oriented solutions in diagnostics and therapy. With this appointment, the Department is strengthening the connection between fundamental engineering research and translational medical technologies. A wide range of synergies will also be created with other subject areas at ETH Zurich as well as with academic, clinical and industrial partners worldwide.
Professor Maria Ibanez (*1983), currently Associate Professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, USA, as Full Professor of Technology and Public Management in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics. In her research, Maria Ibanez focuses on empirical and behavioural aspects of operations management, with special emphasis on how scope for decision-making, together with scheduling and technological tools, can influence quality, productivity and fairness in work processes. Her work relates in particular to the public sector and healthcare. By appointing Maria Ibanez, the Department is strengthening its expertise in evidence-based public service provision, digital transformation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in public services, while at the same time reinforcing the links between science and practice both in Switzerland and beyond.
Dr Carmelo Sferrazza (*1993), currently Senior Applied Scientist at Amazon Frontiers AI and Robotics in San Francisco, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. Carmelo Sferrazza’s research focuses on the development of humanoid robots, with special emphasis on artificial intelligence methods that enable robots to operate autonomously in human environments and support human beings. In addition to his interdisciplinary research, which combines robotics, machine learning, image processing and control technology, Carmelo Sferrazza has extensive teaching experience. His appointment strengthens the Department in the field of dynamic systems and control technology, with particular reference to robots and embodied intelligence.
Promotions at ETH Zurich
Professor Valentina Boeva (*1981), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Computational Genomics in the Department of Computer Science. Valentina Boeva is a leading researcher at the intersection of bioinformatics, machine learning and cancer research. Her work illustrates how data-based methods can change our understanding of cancer, while also contributing to earlier diagnosis, more precise treatments and improved therapeutic outcomes for patients. Valentina Boeva has built the laboratory for computational biology at ETH Zurich into an internationally recognised centre. By making this appointment, the Department is retaining a promising researcher who is ideally placed to develop new computational methods for solving key biomedical problems.
Professor Nicholas Bokulich (*1986), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Microbial Systems and Bioinformatics in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Nicholas Bokulich is an expert in the study and utilisation of the diversity of microbial ecosystems in animals and plants. Using his own experimental data, he has, for example, conducted a detailed investigation into the dynamic changes in microbial communities during fermentation processes in the gut and in foods such as grapes and sourdough. Nicholas Bokulich is not only a committed scientist and lecturer, but is also very active in academic self-government. Through this appointment the Department is retaining an outstanding researcher who will continue to enrich ETH Zurich.
Professor Konrad Tiefenbacher (*1980), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich and the University of Basel, as Full Professor of Synthesis of Functional Modules in the Department of Biosystems. This is a dual professorship with the University of Basel. Konrad Tiefenbacher is a leading scientist in the field of supramolecular catalysis. His research programme focuses on the application of molecular recognition and encapsulation to tackle fundamental challenges in synthetic organic chemistry. Konrad Tiefenbacher obtained an ERC Starting Grant as well as several other grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation. He is an outstanding lecturer who takes a very active part in the academic community. By promoting him, ETH Zurich is strengthening the area of supramolecular chemistry and making a targeted investment in further collaboration with the University of Basel.
New appointments at EPFL
Dr Oliver Edtmair (*1997), currently Junior Fellow at ETH Zurich and a Clay Research Fellow, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Mathematics in the School of Basic Sciences. Oliver Edtmair is regarded as one of the most promising young researchers of his generation in symplectic geometry and dynamics. His most notable achievements include the construction of dynamically convex but non-convex hypersurfaces, his work on the smooth-closing lemma for area-preserving surface diffeomorphisms, and his contribution to the problem formulated by Vladimir Arnold in 1973 concerning the topological extension of helicity, a fundamental quantity in fluid dynamics and magnetodynamics. His appointment strengthens teaching and research in symplectic geometry, differential geometry and dynamical systems at the Institute of Mathematics.
Dr Alexandra Henzinger (*1998), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. Alexandra Henzinger obtained her doctorate in 2026 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the field of electrical engineering and computer science, with a focus on data protection and privacy. Her research at the intersection of cryptography, IT security and systems engineering aims to develop a new generation of mechanisms to strengthen trust in IT systems. The goal is to render systems that comply with data protection regulations usable at the level of real-world infrastructure for billions of users, whilst at the same time extending them to emerging fields such as generative artificial intelligence. With the appointment of Alexandra Henzinger, EPFL is strengthening the strategic area of IT security and privacy.
Dr Denys Nikolayev (*1986), currently Senior CNRS Researcher in Rennes, France, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Neurotechnology in the School of Engineering (Campus Biotech, Geneva). Denys Nikolayev, who has received an ERC Starting Grant, conducts research at the interface between applied electromagnetism, bioengineering and neurotechnologies. His work focuses on wireless communication and power transfer for implantable and wearable devices, combining wave biophysics with innovative bioelectronic technologies. His findings contribute to making bioelectronic systems more efficient, robust and compact. Through his innovative research, Denys Nikolayev strengthens EPFL’s activities in adaptive and minimally invasive neurotechnologies.
Dr Lindsey Salay (*1992), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences. Lindsey Salay’s research in the field of systemic neuroscience investigates how the brain transforms sensory experiences into internal states that control adaptive behaviour. She also studies how neural circuits integrate internal drives with social and sensory signals to trigger innate behaviours. Her work has resulted in important findings about the neural mechanisms that link perception, emotion, motivation and action. With her multidisciplinary and quantitative research approach, she is an ideal complement to EPFL’s neuroscience programme and its existing research groups.
Promotions at EPFL
Professor Matteo Dal Peraro (*1975), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences. Matteo Dal Peraro’s research involves molecular simulation and integrative modelling. He combines molecular simulations, experimental approaches and artificial intelligence in order to understand biomolecular mechanisms. His work has helped to clarify the mechanisms of membrane proteins and to investigate disease-associated proteins and complexes. In the future he intends his teaching to have a stronger focus on physical aspects and the use of artificial intelligence. Matteo Dal Peraro is an outstanding researcher and dedicated lecturer, whose research programme is an ideal fit with the orientation of the new molecular design centre at EPFL.
Professor François Gallaire (*1975), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering. François Gallaire is a leading international scientist in the field of fluid mechanics. His research focuses on hydrodynamic stability, vortex dynamics, free interface flows and theoretical microfluidics. His approach combines theory, numerical simulation and experiment to develop reduced-order, physics-based models, and has significantly advanced the understanding of complex fluid dynamics phenomena. Among other honours, he is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and has received an ERC Starting Grant. Through his scientific excellence and original approach, François Gallaire will further enhance EPFL’s international profile in theoretical and numerical fluid dynamics.
Professor Jeremy Luterbacher (*1984), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Chemical Engineering in the School of Basic Sciences. Jeremy Luterbacher is internationally recognized as a leading figure in sustainable conversion of biomass, catalysis and the development of chemical processes based on renewable resources. His research has made significant contributions to advancing biomass fractionation approaches. Jeremy Luterbacher has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant and an SNSF Consolidator Grant, as well as numerous distinctions, including the EPFL Latsis Prize and an ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering Lectureship Award. This promotion highlights Jeremy Luterbacher’s leading role at EPFL, through the excellence of his research, his commitment to training the next generation of scientists and his contribution to the academic life of the School.
Professor Semyon Malamud (*1980), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Finance at the College of Management of Technology. Semyon Malamud is an internationally renowned financial economist and mathematician. His research has a focus on the valuation of assets, liquidity and strategic trading, the information economy, international finance and machine learning methods. He combines mathematical finance with the latest developments in econometrics and artificial intelligence. Semyon Malamud was the recipient of an SNSF Starting Grant for his research activities. This promotion strengthens EPFL’s position in a fast-growing field, while also enhancing its attractiveness to the next generation of scientists.
Professor Julia Schmale (*1981), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Extreme Environments in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering. Julia Schmale’s research investigates the composition of the atmosphere, the influence of natural and anthropogenic aerosols on cloud formation, and their effects on the warming of the polar regions. Her work provides important insights for climate models and for understanding climate change. She has taken part in numerous field campaigns in the polar regions and driven forward the development of measuring instruments. As an acknowledged expert in atmospheric sciences, she has participated in significant missions such as Tara Polar Station and Antarctica InSync. Her promotion enables EPFL to strengthen its research and teaching in the area of climate and extreme environments.
Award of the title of “Professor of Practice” at EPFL
Dr Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux (*1962), currently Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at SICPA SA, as Professor of Practice at the College of Management of Technology. The engineer and materials scientist Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux has over 30 years’ international experience in industrial research and development, technology strategy and innovation management. He has held leadership positions at SICPA, Solvay and DuPont and plays a very active role in the scientific and academic community. At the College of Management of Technology he will help to develop and implement courses on applied strategy, leadership and innovation management. With his appointment, EPFL is strengthening the connection between scientific excellence, industrial innovation and the education of future leaders in the field of technology.
Departures from EPFL
Professor Joachim Lingner (*1962), currently Full Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences, will leave EPFL at the end of May 2027. Joachim Lingner is an internationally renowned scientist in the field of telomere biology. He has been researching the molecular mechanisms of telomeres, telomerase and genome stability for more than three decades, resulting in groundbreaking findings on cellular ageing, tumour development and hereditary diseases. In addition, he has developed innovative methods for investigating telomeric chromatin and protein composition at the ends of chromosomes. He received an ERC Advanced Grant for his research, among other awards.
Professor Henry Markram (*1962), currently Full Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences, is to leave EPFL at the end of March 2027. Henry Markram joined EPFL in 2002 as founding director of the Brain Mind Institute. This internationally acclaimed neuroscientist has made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the cellular organisation of the cerebral cortex and to the reconstruction and simulation of the mammalian brain; his work has had a significant impact on systemic neuroscience. His research combines experimental neurobiology, computer-aided modelling and large datasets in order to unravel the principles of neural circuits. Henry Markram has played a decisive role in developing Campus Biotech in Geneva into a leading centre for neuroscience.
Professor Yihui Quek (*1993), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Communication Systems and Physics in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences and in the School of Basic Sciences, will leave EPFL at the end of December 2026. Yihui Quek joined EPFL on 1 August 2025. Her research lies at the intersection of several fundamental areas of quantum computing and provides key theoretical insights to some of the most complex challenges in quantum physics and computing. Yihui Quek is a brilliant scientist and a talented mentor. She is leaving her position at EPFL for personal reasons.
The ETH Board would like to thank the departing professors for their services to science, teaching and academic administration.
