March 2014

It has become extremely difficult for companies to get a clear picture of the crowded 3D printing sector. But now that’s changing: ETH spin-off Additively.com brings transparency to the market and helps customers find the right provider.

The fundamental laws of thermodynamics do not apply to objects on the nanoscale to the extent they do in our macroscopic world. A team of researchers describe how heat can transfer from cold to hot objects in the nanoworld.

In its Strategic Trends report, the Center for Security Studies (CSS) illuminates the geopolitics of tomorrow. As Russia asserts its power in international affairs with greater frequency, the US is taking a decidedly less active role on the global stage.

ETH Zurich has received CHF 5 million from the Coop Sustainability Fund to undertake research projects in the field of sustainable food production over the next several years. The first projects are now underway as part of the ETH World Food System initiative.

Consuming less energy is fun! This is the conviction of the ETH offices in charge of environmental matters and sustainability, which are launching a programme to promote sustainable behaviour. The first Energy Efficiency Challenge for ETH employees will be held in May.

The future oil supply constraints for the Western European OECD countries are rarely discussed in public. While my last entry presented the “known facts” about the topic, this blog post deals with the “known unknown” and the “unknown unknown” boundary conditions for the near future oil consumption in Western Europe.

For his basic research in molecular spectroscopy Frédéric Merkt, Professor of Physical Chemistry, has received a number of awards. His research career began with a blessing in disguise.

Despite the disturbing import dependence on oil and the unpredicted increase of the oil price during the last 10 years, the future oil supply constraints for the Western European OECD countries are rarely discussed in public. The following two blog posts present the “known”, “known unknown” and the “unknown unknown” boundary conditions for the near future oil consumption in Western Europe.

ETH Zurich does not abandon its students. For almost all problems there is always a port of call, for instance an academic adviser or coach. However, the fear of failure is still considerable.

The Academic Sports Association is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. A talk on the subject of sport & robotics on 1 April will mark the start to the anniversary events.