2021
Of avalanches and waves
News
![Image collection with images from 2021](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/looking-back-at-2021/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1096444020.jpg)
A turbulent year is soon coming to an end. Despite the coronavirus, much has been researched, developed and invented at ETH Zurich. ETH News looks back at 2021.
Swaying mountains
News
![measuring station on top of the Matterhorn](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/swaying-mountains/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1476554689.jpg)
Like bridges and tall buildings, large mountains are constantly vibrating, excited by seismic energy form the Earth. An international team of researchers has now been able to measure the resonant swaying of the Matterhorn and make its motion visible using computer simulations.
Gazing deep into the universe
News
![Artist’s rendition of the JWST](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/gazing-deep-into-the-universe/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1026026623.jpg)
The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope is set to take place in the coming days. For ETH Zurich physicist Adrian Glauser, who was involved in two unspectacular but vital contributions to this ambitious project, it will bring to an end a long period of anxious anticipation.
Heartfelt tributes to departing Rector
Globe magazine
![""](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/heartfelt-tributes-to-departing-rector-globe/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1139299101.jpg)
Sarah Springman made a real difference as Rector and helped to improve teaching at ETH on many levels. Her passion and commitment inspired everyone she met – both inside and outside the university walls.
Shaping the future together
Globe magazine
![Dieter Schmid and Julia Dannath](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/shaping-the-future-together-globe/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1486403757.jpg)
The idea behind rETHink is to cement the university’s position as a world-leading institution. President Joël Mesot, Vice President Julia Dannath and transformation coach Dieter Schmid reflect on ingrained habits and inspiring moments.
Compost for Kenya
Globe magazine
![Waste sorting in a hall](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/compost-for-kenya/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1708507981.jpg)
Manuel Mathis is doing an internship at a composting plant in Nairobi as part of his Master’s degree programme. He is now in charge of a 20-strong team of workers – and, thanks to his improvements, the business is back in profit.
Future visions
Globe magazine
![Chris Luebkeman, Samira Cabdulle and Lydia Bouroubia](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/future-visions-globe/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.898464004.jpg)
With the world facing enormous challenges, the need for innovation has never been greater. But how can we design universities to deliver the kind of knowledge we need for the future? And how do we deal with the ever-increasing pace of change?
Watch out for fakes
Globe magazine
![ETH alumna Leonie Flueckiger](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/watch-out-for-fakes-globe/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.1342580959.jpg)
ETH alumna Leonie Flückiger is blazing a trail through the male-dominated world of tech start-ups with her company Adresta, which uses a blockchain-based certificate to authenticate luxury timepieces. She hopes to encourage other women to follow in her footsteps.
Freedom to fail
Globe magazine
![Student Project House of ETH Zurich](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/freedom-to-fail/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.2060538793.jpg)
The Student Project House offers a model of what learning might look like in the future. With no course credits on offer, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and to venture into unknown territory.
“Oceans are one of the main driving forces of the Earth’s climate”
Globe magazine
![Portrait of Núria Casacuberta Arola](/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/12/oceans-climate-engines-globe/_jcr_content/pageimages/imageSmall.imageformat.contentteaser.382491667.jpg)
Núria Casacuberta Arola studies water circulation using radionuclides to understand the role of the oceans in mitigating climate change.