6 professors at ETH Zurich appointed

Professor Alessio Figalli (*1984), currently Full Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, USA, as Full Professor of Mathematics. Alessio Figalli conducts research across a broad range of mathematical analysis, working primarily on calculus of variations, optimal transport and partial differential equations in connection with mathematical physics. His work is fundamental, ground-breaking and characterised by the utmost originality and elegance. Through the appointment of Alessio Figalli, ETH Zurich is gaining a leading mathematician with a great future. His international reputation and diverse focus will significantly strengthen the Department of Mathematics.

Professor Robert Finger (*1981), currently Professor at the University of Bonn, Germany, as Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics and Policy. Robert Finger is one of Europe's leading agricultural economists. His research interests centre on the fields of general agricultural economics, applied microeconomics, agricultural production systems, risk and risk management in agriculture, as well as climate change impacts and adaptation in agricultural systems. In Robert Finger, ETH Zurich is gaining a very active agricultural economist with an excellent research record who will play a decisive role in reorganising and successfully reshaping the entire subject area.

Dr Alex Hall (*1982), currently Research Fellow at ETH Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant ­Professor of Pathogen Ecology. Alex Hall is a promising young scientist. His research is aimed at increasingly integrating an ecological perspective into investigations of microbial interactions between host and parasite. He combines ecological and evolutionary conceptual approaches with modern methods of microbiology and genetics. Alex Hall's research findings will help with the development of new strategies to control bacterial infections. In view of the sharp increase in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, ETH Zurich is making an important contribution to current health policy with this research.

Professor Hyung Gyu Park (*1973), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Nanoscience for Energy Technology and Sustainability. Hyung Gyu Park is an internationally renowned expert in the development of new and more efficient energy conversion devices. His research encompasses theoretical and experimental interdisciplinary studies of ultra-efficient mass transport through carbon nanotubes. The areas of application of his research include the enhancement of fuel cells and the development of materials for water purification and desalination. Hyung Gyu Park's work will yield significant contributions to sustainable water and energy supply.

Dr Petra Claudia Schmid (*1983), currently a post-doctoral student at New York University, New York, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior. Petra Claudia Schmid is an internationally recognised specialist in the impact of social power and emotional mood on psychological information processing. Her interdisciplinary approach to basic research­ is of major importance for understanding judgement and decision-making processes in companies and organisations. In Petra Claudia Schmid, ETH Zurich has attracted an outstanding young scientist in a promising field of research.

Ankit Singla (*1986), currently a doctoral student at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science. Presently in the process of completing his doctorate, Ankit Singla is regarded as a promising talent. His research interests are in the areas of networked connectivity, computer networks and data centres. Ankit Singla's applications focus on internet architecture and network topologies, with particular regard to the efficiency of infrastructures and the speed of protocols. He links the classic areas of high-performance computing with new methods of protocol design and networks.

Award of the title of Professor

Dr John C. Reed (*1958), Member of the Enlarged Corporate Executive Committee of Roche, as Adjunct Professor at ETH Zurich. John C. Reed is a renowned cell biologist and cancer specialist with an outstanding network of contacts. Ideally embodying the strategic goals of the Department of Biology in the area of personalised medicine, he will be instrumental in entrenching this promising field at ETH Zurich.

Departure from ETH Zurich