New appointments at ETH Zurich
Professor Ueli Angst (*1980), currently Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Durability of Engineering Materials in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. Ueli Angst investigates the durability of reinforced concrete structures and his research draws on his knowledge of materials science, chemistry, electrochemistry and civil engineering. His goal is to evaluate and predict the performance of technical materials more reliably in order to improve the safety, sustainability and durability of civil infrastructure. Ueli Angst is a leading expert in his field who has successfully attracted research funding and received multiple awards, including an ERC Starting Grant.
Dr Hyunju Kwon (*1991), currently Hermann- Weyl-Instructor at ETH Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics. Hyunju Kwon is particularly interested in difficult, unsolved mathematical problems. The main focus of her research is on the mathematical bases of hydromechanics, and especially the analysis of Navier-Stokes equations as well as Euler equations and their variants. She has opened up a potentially new area of research through combining convex integration with the wavelet analysis of partial differential equations. Her results have attracted worldwide attention. Through appointing Hyunju Kwon, the Department of Mathematics is expanding its expertise in mathematical hydromechanics and substantially strengthening the research area of nonlinear partial differential equations.
Professor Prisca Liberali (*1980), currently Adjunct Professor at the University of Basel and Senior Group Leader at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, as Full Professor of Multicellular Systems in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering. Prisca Liberali’s unusually interdisciplinary training in biophysics, chemistry and biology enables her to investigate complex cell-cell interactions and tissue self-organisation questions in stem cell and developmental biology using a wide range of molecular and imaging approaches. This gives her a unique advantage in her efforts to answer fundamental questions of stem cell biology. Her work has won several awards, including an ERC Starting Grant and the EMBO Gold Medal. At ETH Zurich in Basel, Prisca Liberali’s expertise will further strengthen interactions with the medical school and industry.
Professor Joaquim Serra (*1986), currently Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics. Joaquim Serra’s research is concerned with partial differential equations (PDEs), and he has a particular interest in phase transitions, free boundary problems, integro-differential equations and reaction-diffusion systems. He has won several awards for his outstanding research findings, including an ERC Starting Grant. In addition, he has many years of successful teaching experience behind him. With the appointment of Joaquim Serra, the Department of Mathematics is expanding its expertise in the field of PDEs while also strengthening its links with financial mathematics, mathematical physics and machine learning.
Professor Sobhan Seyfaddini (*1982), currently Director of Research at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) and at Université d’Orsay in Paris, as Full Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics. Sobhan Seyfaddini’s research is in the field of symplectic geometry and topology, a relatively young branch of mathematics which supplies a geometric language for the study of classical mechanics. His main focus is on C^0 symplectic topology. Sobhan Seyfaddini has made a significant contribution to the development of this research area and his work has been recognised through a number of awards, including an ERC Starting Grant. In the Department of Mathematics he will strengthen the subject area of geometry, particularly in the field of symplectic topology.
Dr Barbora Trubenová (*1984), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich, as Assistant Professor of Pathogen Evolution in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Barbora Trubenová’s research involves the mathematical modelling of how drug resistance develops in pathogens. In her work she uses a combination of pharmacodynamics, population genetics and evolutionary theory to create realistic models that can be tested experimentally. By appointing her, the Department of Environmental Systems Science is strengthening the area of infectious diseases and the modelling of drug resistance as well as the cooperation with Eawag, where Barbora Trubenová will additionally work as a group leader.
Dr Cornelia W. Twining (*1989), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Eawag, as Assistant Professor of Food Web Ecophysiology in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Cornelia W. Twining’s work examines the question of how organisms adapt to spatio-temporal fluctuations in their nutritional landscape and how global change affects nutrient fluxes in and between ecosystems. Her current focus is the impact of climate change on the phenology and nutritional metabolism of aquatic insects. Cornelia W. Twining brings cooperations with Eawag, where she will additionally work as a group leader, and WSL to ETH Zurich, and her expertise will strengthen the Department of Environmental Systems Science.
Promotions at ETH Zurich
Professor Florian Dörfler (*1982), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Complex Systems Control in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. Florian Dörfler is an internationally acclaimed expert on automatic control, systems theory and optimisation. The main focus of his research is on decision-making in complex systems, with the aim of developing methods in the areas of control, optimisation, game theory and learning. His methods are used in industrial environments, for example, and particularly in power supply systems. Florian Dörfler has published numerous articles in leading journals and has received many awards. He has also made a name for himself as a gripping speaker and dedicated teacher.
Professor Giacomo Indiveri (*1967), currently Associate Professor at the University of Zurich and at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Neuromorphic Cognitive Systems in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. Giacomo Indiveri is a world expert in neuromorphic computing. He studies biological and artificial neural processing systems and builds neuromorphic cognitive hardware systems. The growing use of artificial neural networks makes neuromorphic engineering a topic of great social significance, with implications for robotics and personalised medicine. Giacomo Indiveri has an outstanding list of publications to his name and has received many awards, including an ERC Consolidator Grant in 2017. He will continue to hold a dual professorship at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich.
Professor Simone Schürle-Finke (*1985), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Medical Microsystems in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Simone Schürle-Finke’s interdisciplinary research focuses on developing nano and micro systems with potential applications in diagnosing and treating diseases such as cancer. This internationally acclaimed researcher has received a large number of awards and honours. In addition, Simone Schürle-Finke has made an excellent contribution as a teacher and actively organises scientific workshops and symposia on medical robotics and biomechanics.
Professor Bruno Studer (*1977), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Molecular Plant Breeding in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Bruno Studer is a leading researcher in the area of grasses and fodder crops, and plays a pioneering role in research into apple breeding. His aim is to develop and apply genetic and genomic tools to optimise plant breeding strategies. Bruno Studer’s professorship is run in collaboration with Agroscope, the Swiss centre of excellence for agricultural research. He thus acts as an important bridge between basic and applied research, while forging a strategically important connection between ETH Zurich and Agroscope.
Professor Barbara Treutlein (*1982), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Quantitative Development Biology in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering. Barbara Treutlein is a leading scientist in the field of quantitative development biology, and her research is dedicated to understanding human ontogeny. Among other things, she investigates the formation of human organoids in order to understand the failure of processes in the event of illness and to influence the development of organoids in vitro so that they correspond more closely to real tissues. Barbara Treutlein is a member of several prestigious bodies and numerous appointment committees. She has received a large number of awards for her research, including an ERC Starting Grant and an ERC Synergy Grant.
New appointments at EPFL
Dr Nikita Kavokine (*1995), currently Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry in the School of Basic Sciences. The chemist Nikita Kavokine has won several awards in the young research field of nanofluidics, which investigates the behaviour and control of fluids on the nanoscale. Findings from nanofluidics help drive forward industrial innovations such as the desalination of water and the development of renewable energies. Nikita Kavokine has already produced an impressive number of groundbreaking research results. His approach to the quantum technology of hydrodynamic fluids will help EPFL assume a leading position in modern techniques of molecular separation.
Dr Suong Nguyen (*1994), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the School of Basic Sciences at EPFL. Suong Nguyen works in the field of synthetic chemistry, for which she has won numerous awards. She uses an interdisciplinary approach in order to develop photo-controlled catalytic methods that are applied to the organic synthesis and functionalisation of materials, especially polymer structures. Her groundbreaking achievements in the field of photo-induced activation of C-H bonds open up promising prospects for duroplast elastomers such as rubber or silicone, and are of great interest to industry. Suong Nguyen’s research methods and expertise complement and enhance the research already taking place at EPFL.
Professor Thomas Vidick (*1982), currently Full Professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, USA, as Full Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. Thomas Vidick is an exceptional researcher in the field of quantum and theoretical computer science. He works at the interface of theoretical computer science, quantum information and cryptography. He uses complexity theory as a tool to study problems in quantum computing, and quantum mechanical phenomena as a way to gain a new perspective on classical concepts from theoretical computer science. Thomas Vidick thus plays a leading role in the forward-looking and industry-sponsored research area of quantum science. He will greatly enrich the recently opened Interfaculty Centre for Quantum Science and Engineering.
Promotions at EPFL
Professor Alexandre Alahi (*1981), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Transportation Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering. Alexandre Alahi works on the question of how the future of transport and mobility can be optimised through the use of innovative artificial intelligence (AI) methods. He has developed algorithms which enable the perception and prediction of human mobility, such as the movements of millions of people in railway stations. His work involves a combination of computer vision, machine learning and robotics, as well as findings derived from social sciences. Alexandre Alahi’s topical approach, which is supported by significant third-party funding and explores the social dimension of AI as it applies to autonomous mobility, is an excellent match with the strategy of the School and of EPFL.
Professor Alcherio Martinoli (*1966), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Distributed Intelligent Systems in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering. Alcherio Martinoli’s research concerns developing methods of designing, controlling and optimising intelligent systems that are physically distributed, such as multi-robot systems, sensor networks and intelligent vehicles. His work has a particular focus on swarm robotics and swarm intelligence, including their applications in environmental and civil engineering. This internationally acclaimed researcher has successfully attracted third-party funding both nationally and internationally, as well as from industry. By appointing Alcherio Martinoli, EPFL is strengthening the future-oriented field of robotics and distributed intelligent systems in a targeted way.
Award of the title of “Professor”
Dr Jake Alexander (*1980), currently Lecturer and Senior Scientist at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. Jake Alexander is an internationally recognised plant ecologist with a focus on alpine plants. He studies how ecological and evolutionary processes such as climate change affect the distribution and spread of species and lead to changed interactions. Jake Alexander’s research has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant, among others.
Dr Martin Frimmer (*1982), currently Private Lecturer and Senior Scientist at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at ETH Zurich. Martin Frimmer’s areas of research are electronics and photonics. His main focus is on the interaction of light with nanostructured materials and on how to control and improve this interaction with nanostructures such as optical antennas or resonators. He has represented the Department and ETH Zurich at many outreach talks and is very active in teaching.
Dr Christel Genoud (*1977), CEO of the Dubochet Center for Imaging (DCI) and Head of the Electron Microscopy Facility at the University of Lausanne, as Adjunct Professor in the School of Life Sciences at EPFL. Christel Genoud is a neuroscientist and an internationally acclaimed expert in electron microscopy. She has built and managed three high-performance electron microscope facilities at various institutions. At EPFL, Christel Genoud will supervise the DCI and pass on her outstanding knowledge to scientists in the field of electron microscopy.
Dr Eva Lieberherr (*1980), currently Lecturer and Group Leader at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. Eva Lieberherr’s research is concerned with natural resources and the impact of policies and administrative processes on the use and protection of natural spaces. In the area of environmental governance, she examines how the behaviour of the population can be steered towards meeting agreed environmental objectives. Eva Lieberherr shows great commitment to ETH Zurich.
Dr Maarten Nachtegaal (*1974), currently Private Lecturer at ETH Zurich and Group Leader at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences at ETH Zurich. Maarten Nachtegaal is an expert on beamline operando X-ray measurements. His work combines inorganic chemistry and chemical physics, with a focus on further developing synchrotron techniques in order to investigate the structure of catalysts and improve catalytic processes. Maarten Nachtegaal is highly regarded in his field and is a dedicated and successful supervisor and mentor.
Award of the title of “Professor of Practice”
Dr Meret Branscheidt (*1984), Deputy Medical Director and Medical Research Director at the cereneo clinic in Hertenstein as well as Researcher and Lecturer at Zurich University Hospital, as Professor of Practice in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich. Meret Branscheidt is a neurologist who specialises in neurorehabilitation. The aim of her research is to gain a deeper mechanistic understanding of the brain so that therapeutic methods can be improved. Meret Branscheidt has gained international recognition in the field of strokes, in particular. Her commitment to high-quality research, her extensive experience in her own research area and her successful cooperation with other researchers and industry will make a significant contribution to the Department and to ETH Zurich.
Dr Sylke Poehling (*1967), Global Head and Senior Vice President for Therapeutic Modalities at Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (Roche pRED) and Member of the Supervisory Boards of Roche Diagnostics GmbH and Roche Deutschland Holding GmbH, as Professor of Practice in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich. Sylke Poehling has more than 25 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals sector and has contributed to groundbreaking innovations and numerous achievements in pharmaceutical research. She will strengthen the cooperation between higher education and industry, while also driving forward the close exchange in science and teaching between ETH Zurich and Roche pRED as part of the joint postdoctoral programme.
Walter Thurnherr (*1963), former Federal Chancellor, as Professor of Practice at ETH Zurich. During his term of office as Federal Chancellor from 2016 to 2023, Walter Thurnherr showed strong commitment to fostering dialogue between science and politics, and he was a particular advocate of involving the scientific community in political decision-making. As Professor of Practice at ETH Zurich, Walter Thurnherr will offer applied courses on policy-making in Switzerland and also help to set up the planned School of Public Policy, with particular responsibility for impact. His many years in leadership roles have given him unique experience of policy design and diplomacy, as well as proven skills in strategic planning, interdisciplinary cooperation and problem-solving.
Departures from ETH Zurich
Professor Georgios Anagnostou (*1959), currently Full Professor of Underground Construction in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, is to retire at the end of January 2025. Georgios Anagnostou joined ETH Zurich as a full professor in 2003 following many years working as a consulting engineer for tunnel building. His current research focuses on swelling in rocks containing clay and anhydrite, the behaviour of hard, brittle rock under high tension, and the stability and deformation of deep tunnels in soft soils. Georgios Anagnostou is much sought-after as a member of national and international expert committees. He twice served as Deputy Head of the Institute for Geotechnical Engineering and was Head of the Institute from 2005 to 2007.
Professor Marc Burger (*1959), currently Full Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics at ETH Zurich, is to retire at the end of January 2025. Marc Burger joined ETH Zurich as a full professor in 1997. From 1999 to 2009 he was Head of the Institute for Mathematical Research (FIM). His research focuses on the study of discrete subgroups of Lie groups, the geometry of spaces that are non-positively curved, and synthetic geometry. As a world leader in his subject, Marc Burger has had a substantial impact on the Department of Mathematics during his long career at ETH Zurich. He has also made a contribution to a variety of scientific societies, committees, editorial boards and other bodies on behalf of the scientific community.
Professor Rudolf Glockshuber (*1959), currently Full Professor of Molecular Biology in the Department of Biology, is to retire at the end of January 2025. Rudolf Glockshuber joined ETH Zurich as a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in 1994 and was appointed to a full professorship in 2000. His research is concerned with the mechanisms that underlie the function of biological macromolecules, especially protein folding and the assembly of supramolecular protein complexes. Rudolf Glockshuber served for many years as Head (and also Deputy Head) of the Institute of Molecular Biology, as Director of Studies for Biology and as a member of the Planning Committee at ETH Zurich. He has also been a member of numerous scientific bodies.
Professor Michael Hagner (*1960), currently Full Professor of Science Studies in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, is to retire at the end of January 2025. Michael Hagner joined ETH Zurich as a full professor in 2003. His research interests have a focus on the history of the human sciences, especially the neurosciences and anthropology, as well as the relationship between science and democracy. He has published several monographs and books and has undoubtedly left his mark on ETH Zurich, including through his commitment to setting up the centre of excellence for the “History and philosophy of knowledge and technology”, the Graphische Sammlung art collection and the Thomas Mann Archive.
Professor Manfred Kopf (*1960), currently Full Professor of Molecular Biomedicine in the Department of Biology, is to retire at the end of January 2025. Manfred Kopf took up his professorship at ETH Zurich in 2001. In his research he investigates the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of acute and chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, particularly of the lungs. His work has made a significant contribution to the development of new immunotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of cancer. Manfred Kopf is an outstanding scientist with a high international reputation. He has shown great commitment to ETH Zurich, having been a member of the Research Commission from 2003 to 2007 and also played a significant role in setting up and developing the ETH Phenomics Center (EPIC), among others.
Professor Marco Mazzotti (*1960), currently Full Professor of Process Engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, is to retire at the end of January 2025. Marco Mazzotti joined ETH Zurich as an associate professor in 1997. His research, which is conducted in dialogue with industry, is concerned with reaction systems and separation processes. It has helped bring about a deeper understanding and improved control of these processes, and has impacts on different branches of the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Marco Mazzotti has won numerous awards, including an ERC Advanced Grant, and was a contributor to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He has also made a significant contribution to ETH Zurich through serving as a deputy head of department and also as a head and deputy head of institute.
Professor Marco Pavone (*1980) was appointed Full Professor of Robotics and Autonomous Systems in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at the meeting of 6/7 March 2024. Marco Pavone has decided not to take up his post at ETH Zurich. The ETH Board and the President of ETH Zurich have taken note of this decision.
Professor Petra Schmid (*1983), currently Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics, will leave ETH Zurich at the end of August 2024. Petra Schmid joined ETH Zurich in 2015 as a Tenure Track Assistant Professor. Her research focuses on the effects of (perceived) social power on human behaviour, thus contributing important facts to current debates. She is leaving ETH Zurich in order to devote herself to a professional reorientation and further training.
Professor Frank Schweitzer (*1960), currently Full Professor of Systems Design in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics, is to retire at the end of January 2025. Frank Schweitzer joined ETH Zurich as a full professor in 2004. One focus of his research is on systemic risks. His data-driven agent-based and network models have attracted global attention. He concentrates on the application of complex systems theory in social and economic systems. Frank Schweitzer is a founding member of the ETH Risk Center and editor-in-chief of two scientific journals. During his time at ETH Zurich he raised the discipline of Systems Engineering to the highest academic level internationally, and expanded it further.
Departures from EPFL
Professor Jan Hesthaven (*1965), currently Full Professor of Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computation in the School of Basic Sciences, will leave EPFL at the end of September 2024. Jan Hesthaven joined EPFL as a full professor in 2013. He is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning expert in computational mathematics. From 2017 to 2020 he was Dean of the School of Basic Sciences at EPFL, and since 2021 he has served as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Jan Hesthaven has thus made a decisive contribution to EPFL’s strategic development. He is leaving EPFL in order to take up his new post as President of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) at the beginning of October.
Professor Klaus Kern (*1960), currently Full Professor of Experimental Physics in the School of Basic Sciences, is to retire at the end of July 2025. Klaus Kern joined EPFL in 1991 and the Max Planck Society in 1998. In 2013 he played a major role in founding the Max Planck – EPFL Center for Molecular Nanoscience and Technology (CMNT), of which he has been Director during its ten years of existence. His research relates to nanometre-scale science at the interface between physics, chemistry, materials science and biology. Klaus Kern has significantly strengthened the links between EPFL and four of the Max Planck institutes. His achievements in nanometre-scale physics have made a substantial contribution to EPFL’s reputation.
The ETH Board would like to thank the departing professors for their services to science and teaching, as well as their commitment to their institution.
