Fresh energy for teaching and research

Dr Sebastian Dötterl (*1982), currently Group Leader at the University of Augsburg, Germany, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Soil Resources. Sebastian Dötterl conducts research into the effects of disturbances on soil processes and investigates the control factors for greenhouse gas fluxes between soils and the atmosphere. His work includes experimental research in remote, data-poor areas, as well as mechanistic modelling to improve the transfer of knowledge from smaller to larger scales. The appointment of Sebastian Dötterl enables the Department of Environmental Systems Science to strengthen the links between understanding biological and geochemical processes and investigating pressing questions relating to global change.

Anne Holtrop (*1977), currently Visiting Professor at the Accademia di Architettura, Mendrisio, and owner of the architecture firm Studio Anne Holtrop, as Associate Professor of Architecture and Design. Anne Holtrop’s very first buildings won him an international reputation. Although his constructions are based primarily on conceptual ideas, he develops architectural themes with great precision and persistence. The buildings he has created in recent years arise from meticulous, fundamental materials research. The experimental approach used so successfully by Anne Holtrop in his work as a practising architect, and convincingly developed in his teaching, acts as a perfect link between key institutes of the Department of Architecture.

Dr Christian Holz (*1985), currently a researcher in private industry, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science. Christian Holz's research focuses on the development of innovative wearable and mobile devices and interactive experiences. He is particularly interested in measuring physiological signals from the human body, such as blood pressure measurements, which he observes continuously using lightweight sensors. This enables him to contribute to a better understanding of user input and intentions, and to new developments in mobile and personalised healthcare. The appointment of Christian Holz strengthens the Department of Computer Science’s research and teaching in the field of human-computer interaction.

Dr Taekwang Jang (*1983), currently a post-doctoral student at the University of Michigan, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Analogue and Mixed Signal Interfaces. Taekwang Jang works on the design of analogue-digital circuits for miniaturised computer systems, with particular reference to the Internet of Things. He is especially interested in designing ultra-low power circuit components used in miniaturised computer systems with a very limited energy budget. By appointing Taekwang Jang, the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering is strengthening its position in the field of circuit design and linking existing research activities in analogue and digital technology.

Professor David Kammer (*1985), currently Assistant Professor at Cornell University, Ithaca, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computational Mechanics of Materials. David Kammer conducts research into dynamic failure mechanisms at the interfaces of heterogeneous materials, drawing on the material and engineering sciences as well as physics. One area of particular focus is the prediction of extremely fast crack propagation. With the appointment of David Kammer, the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering is strengthening its competence in numerical modelling and achieving an ideal blend between basic research into building materials and practical applications.

Professor Daniel Razansky (*1974), currently Professor of Molecular Imaging Engineering at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, as Full Professor of Biomedical Imaging. Daniel Razansky’s research focuses on the development of innovative biomedical imaging procedures, including those based on optoacoustics, diffuse optics and ultrasound. These procedures make it possible to produce images with high spatial and temporal resolution of everything from organs to cells. Daniel Razansky has been awarded two ERC research grants and will hold dual professorships at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. His appointment makes a substantial contribution to the international reputation of both universities.

Professor Sai Reddy (*1980), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Systems and Synthetic Immunology. Sai Reddy investigates the high-frequency DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of adaptive immune repertoires. This work, which attracts worldwide attention, has enabled him to establish and decisively shape the new research area of systems immunology. His group recently invented the molecular amplification fingerprinting method, which offers almost complete error and bias correction for immune repertoire sequencing. Sai Reddy also shows a high commitment to teaching and is very popular with his students.

Professor Milica Topalović (*1971), currently Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Architecture and Territorial Planning. Milica Topalović is one of the key exponents of the new and innovative research area known as the architecture of territory. Her exceptional way of approaching territorial transformation processes from the architectural perspective has enabled the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich to position itself ahead of similar projects at other universities. She has developed a promising methodological approach that is capable of closing the gap between architecture and urban research. Milica Topalović is a dedicated teacher with an ability to help students progress in their studies.