On the 167th anniversary of ETH Zurich, Rector Günther Dissertori spoke about the areas of teaching where he would like to see change. Against the backdrop of the current crises, ETH President Joël Mesot and Federal Councillor Alain Berset discussed the role of science in general and that of ETH in particular.
ETH Zurich celebrated its 167th anniversary on 19 November with invited guests from academia, politics, and business. It was also the first ETH Day with Rector Günther Dissertori as host. It became clear during his appearance that he – like his predecessor – is passionate about his role as Rector. His conversations with young people, he said, inspire him and never fail to fill him with joy and optimism.
The importance of pausing for a moment
In his speech, Dissertori spoke about the highlights of the past year, such as the partnership with UBS, as well as commented on the current challenges. Against the background of current crises such as global warming, he said, it is important to “put all of our energy into better education for future generations”. It is also important to take a moment from time to time to pause and reflect. Dissertori did this himself after a significant teaching retreat and from it drew three conclusions – or fields of action. First, ETH Zurich will continue to be a bricks-and-mortar university, with new online events incorporated into the university’s approach to teaching. The focal point of university teaching remains the interaction between lecturers and students, and of students with each other. The second field of action is related to the growth in the number of students, which can no longer be compensated for by merely increasing personnel resources and infrastructure. Dissertori has commissioned a working group to analyse how growth can be managed in a way that enables ETH to continue to fulfil its educational mission. Finally, the Rector wants to critically examine ETH’s dense academic calendar to see if and how students can be given more freedom to pause, to get involved with activities outside the curriculum, or complete an industrial internship.
ETH researchers create order and provide a basis for decision making
In his speech, ETH President Joël Mesot thanked the Federal Council and the ETH Board for his re-election a year ago and the trust they continue to place in him. He also looked back over his first four years in office. Right from the beginning, Mesot said that he had turned his focus inward and initiated the organisational development project “rETHink” together with his colleagues on the Executive Board. Within this framework, ETH members from all levels of the organisation have talked intensively about the kind of institution they want ETH to become and the values central to this approach.
Impressions from the ETH Day
Mesot emphasised the role of science against the backdrop of the current crises and societal challenges: “ETH Zurich and its members continue to deliver even in times of crisis: their dedication and expertise can be relied on, whether it’s a question of overcoming the pandemic, restructuring our energy system or achieving net zero.”
Finally, Mesot expressed his sincere thanks to his two outgoing Vice Presidents Detlef Günther and Robert Perich for their commitment, service to ETH and loyalty over the past few years.
Seeing the current uncertainty as a wake-up call
The keynote speaker at this year’s ETH Day was Federal Councillor Alain Berset, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs, who thanked ETH and its members for their vital contribution during the pandemic. The Federal Council is concerned about the increasing political scepticism and loss of trust in democratic processes. In view of the current enormous crises, such as the war in Europe and climate change, a rational debate is urgently needed, he continued. “We have to convince the vast majority of society, once again, that it is possible to live well and safely in this society,” said Berset. He sees the current uncertainty as a wake-up call to renew this fundamental social contract.
A word on behalf of the students
Naturally, students were also able to have their say at ETH Day: the president of the student association VSETH Emir İşman thanked the Rector for the excellent collaboration and the equality of their exchanges. However, he also took the opportunity to send a political message: İşman sees a need for action in terms of the restrictive conditions that face ETH students from third countries who want to work in Switzerland after graduation. “This,” he said, “is all the more incomprehensible as Switzerland urgently needs skilled workers and has invested in this young talent.”
Following his speech, the VSETH President awarded a golden owl to particularly committed lecturers. He presented the Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching, which is given to only one lecturer each year, to Ghislain Fourny from the Department of Computer Science.
Two honorary doctorates and two honorary councillors
Traditionally, on the occasion of its anniversary, ETH Zurich also awards honorary doctorates to outstanding researchers. This year, an honorary doctorate was awarded by the ETH Rector to Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, NASA. Zurbuchen, who grew up in Switzerland, has spent the past six years driving the largest ever research programme in space and planetary exploration.
A second honorary doctorate was awarded to Theodor W. Hänsch, who is considered one of the pioneers of laser spectroscopy and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2005. Hänsch has invented new lasers, developed ground-breaking methods and initiated countless research activities that have been carried out into the world by his students.
The title of honorary councillor is awarded to individuals who either promote key scientific activities or fields of work at ETH Zurich, or support the university as a whole. In 2022, ETH Zurich named Irene Kaufmann-Brändli an honorary councillor for her outstanding services in promotion of young talent. Giatgen Spinas received the award for his outstanding services – in particular, in establishing the Bachelor’s degree in human medicine at ETH Zurich.