Nine professors appointed
At its meeting on December 5, 2024, the ETH Board appointed nine professors at the request of ETH President Joël Mesot. In addition, the title "Professor" was awarded twice.
New appointments
Adrien Comte (*1990) and Adrien Meuwly (*1993), founders and partners of the Comte/Meuwly architecture practice in Zurich, as Associate Professors of Architecture and Construction in the Department of Architecture. The early work of Adrien Comte and Adrien Meuwly is notable for its craftsmanship, tangibility and joy in invention. Their process-oriented design strategy leads to surprising and poetic architectonic solutions on many different scales – from agricultural barn conversions through to the urban development of former commercial sites. The projects feature clever strategies for appropriation and conversion processes while making suitable use of economic resources. By appointing Adrien Comte and Adrien Meuwly, the Department is strengthening the training in experimental construction offered to students and encouraging the exploration of critical approaches to the housing stock.
Professor Stefan Leutenegger (*1983), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, as Associate Professor of Mobile Robotics in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. Stefan Leutenegger’s field of research is mobile robotics, particularly flying robots, with a focus on robot navigation in unknown environments. He develops algorithms and software that enable a robot to process images and other sensor data into a 3D structure and then categorise it with the help of modern machine learning. This ability enables it to fly safely and navigate through challenging environments. Stefan Leutenegger’s appointment strengthens the Department in the growing field of robotics research and promotes the targeted expansion of the newly added, forward-looking area of space science and technology.
Débora Mesa Molina (*1981), currently Partner in the Ensamble Studio architectural firm with offices in Madrid, Spain, and Boston, USA, as Full Professor of Architecture, Arts and Technology in the Department of Architecture. Débora Mesa Molina combines artistic and scientific methods in constructional experiments. Her works are characterised by innovative typologies, technologies and methods in the areas of architecture, urban design and landscaping. In founding the WoHo (World Home) start-up in 2020, she made a commitment to the further development of prefabricated living space with the aim of improving its quality, affordability and sustainability. By appointing Débora Mesa Molina, the Department is boosting its experimental constructional expertise at the point of intersection between materials research, technology and art.
Professor Vera Traub (*1994), currently Professor at the University of Bonn, Germany, as Associate Professor of Theoretical Computer Science at the Department of Computer Science. Vera Traub is a prize-winning scientist in the field of approximation algorithms and combinatorial optimisation. Her research sheds light on fundamental questions to do with the efficient computation of solutions for difficult optimisation problems. She has teaching experience, works successfully with industry, serves on international committees and as an expert assessor, as well as participating in conferences, colloquia and workshops. With the appointment of Vera Traub, the Department has found the ideal way to strengthen teaching and research on fundamental algorithmic questions.
Dr Kent Warren (*1992), currently Research Associate at the University of Colorado in Boulder, USA, and Chief Science Officer of OMC Thermochemistry (a company he co-founded), as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Solar Energy Engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. The aim of Kent Warren’s research is to exploit solar energy with the aid of thermochemical processes. He has a particular interest in producing fuels from solar heat. Kent Warren has published in leading academic journals, has successfully competed for funding and has already filed three patents. Through his appointment, the Department is strengthening its energy research in the key area of solar energy and creating opportunities for interactions with other departments and with industry.
Promotions
Professor Niao He (*1990), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science. Niao He is a highly regarded scientist with international visibility. She works in the general field of mathematical optimisation, particularly the basics and methods of intelligent decision-making, contributing to many areas of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Niao He has extensive teaching experience and is very successful at attracting funding; among other awards, she has received an SNSF Starting Grant. Her research significantly complements the existing expertise in the Department and strengthens ETH Zurich’s activities in the area of artificial intelligence.
Professor Christian Holz (*1985), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science. Christian Holz is a leading technical researcher in the field of human-computer interaction. His research focuses on designing intelligent interfaces and technologies that will complement human beings in future and enable them to interact with content. This is of pioneering importance to several areas of industry, including personalised health technologies as well as augmented and virtual reality. Christian Holz has received several awards and been successful at obtaining third-party funding, including from the EU, the Swiss National Science Foundation and industry. His appointment maintains and enhances the Department's reputation as a world leader in the field of computer science.
Professor Tobias Schmidt (*1981), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Energy and Technology Policy in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences. Tobias Schmidt is a global leader in the field of science, technology and politics. His research is concerned with the question of how to combat climate change while also ensuring access to reliable, affordable energy. He investigates the interaction between institutional framework conditions and technological change, on the basis of which he constructs theoretical models and drafts policy recommendations for politicians and other decision-makers. Tobias Schmidt has repeatedly obtained extensive third-party funding and published many articles in prestigious academic journals. His work contributes to promoting institutional change at ETH Zurich in the direction of more policy-oriented research.
Award of the title of "Professor" at ETH Zurich
Dr Sibylle Grad (*1966), currently Private Lecturer at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Sibylle Grad is an internationally regarded scientist in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Her innovative research, which is supported by a wide range of funding, focuses on improving the repair and regeneration of the musculoskeletal system, with a focus on joint cartilage and intervertebral discs. She is Senior Scientist and Focus Area Leader Disc/Cartilage Biology as well as Deputy Head of the Regenerative Orthopaedics Programme at the AO Research Institute Davos.
Dr Jörg Scheuermann (*1970), currently Private Lecturer at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences. Jörg Scheuermann is an internationally recognised researcher in the field of DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries (DEL) technology. He played a major role in the pioneering work on DEL technology launched in 2004, which has now become the standard for the industrial and academic development of small-molecule drugs. Jörg Scheuermann was the co-inventor of three DEL-related patents and is currently focusing on the further development of DEL technology.
Departures
Professor Paolo Burlando (*1960), currently Full Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources Management in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, is to retire at the end of July 2025. Paolo Burlando joined ETH as an associate professor in 1996 and was promoted to full professor in 2000. His research considers general questions of hydrology at the interface with earth science, geoscience, climate science and ecology. He has made significant contributions to hydrology and water resources management, such as directing innovative research on precipitation modelling and stochastic methods for downscaling climate scenarios. Paolo Burlando is a very dedicated member of the scientific community who has driven forward the strategic development of the Department by taking on many different functions at ETH Zurich, including that of Head of Department.
Professor Peter Chen (*1960), currently Full Professor of Physical-Organic Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, will retire at the end of July 2025. Peter Chen joined ETH Zurich in 1994. In his research, which has won multiple awards and resulted in numerous publications and nine patents, he combines detailed physical measurements with the planning and synthesis of molecules. As Vice President for Research and Corporate Relations and a member of the Executive Board from 2007 to 2009, he was responsible for strategic planning and technology transfer at ETH Zurich. In this role, Peter Chen co-initiated key strategic partnerships with research and industry at ETH Zurich. During the course of his career, he has undertaken numerous forms of advisory and other board activities on behalf of the scientific community, non-profit associations and the chemical/pharmaceutical industry.
Professor Andrea Deplazes (*1960), currently Full Professor of Architecture and Construction in the Department of Architecture, is to retire at the end of July 2025. Andrea Deplazes studied architecture at ETH Zurich before becoming managing partner of his own architecture firm in Chur. He joined ETH Zurich in 1997 as a tenure track assistant professor. Andrea Deplazes is particularly known for combining creative design with an unusually sound understanding of construction issues, which has enabled him to cultivate a close dialogue with engineers. He has been very successful at communicating this approach in his completely redesigned courses. Andrea Deplazes consolidated ETH Zurich's global reputation through the construction of the Monte Rosa Hut, one of Switzerland’s major, internationally prominent architecture projects.
Professor Timothy Ian Eglinton (*1960), currently Full Professor of Biogeosciences in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, will retire at the end of July 2025. Timothy Ian Eglinton joined ETH Zurich in 2010. He has won many awards for his research, which has a focus on the use of radiocarbon as a tool for understanding how the terrestrial carbon cycle functions and for determining the time scales of carbon turnover and transport within and between different carbon reservoirs. In his studies, he combines field work with the latest laboratory and instrumentation methods. Timothy Ian Eglinton has made an invaluable contribution to ETH Zurich as a teacher, supervisor and mentor, as a member of the Commission for Good Scientific Practice, as Head of Institute, and as Deputy Head and Head of Department.
Professor Bruce McDonald (*1960), currently Full Professor of Plant Pathology in the Department of Environmental Systems Science, is to retire at the end of July 2025. Bruce McDonald joined ETH Zurich in 1998. His research, which has won many awards, lies at the intersection of plant pathology, population genetics, evolutionary biology and fungal biology. He carried out pioneering work in investigating the population genetics of plant pathogens and formulating disease management strategies based on the population genetics of pathogens. Bruce McDonald has made wide-ranging contributions to the scientific community. He has been a member of the ETH Research Commission, Head of Department and Head of Institute, played a key role in founding the World Food System Center and the Institute of Integrative Biology, and has also made an outstanding contribution to teaching at ETH Zurich.
Professor Denise Mitrano (*1986), currently Assistant Professor of Environmental Chemistry of Anthropogenic Materials in the Department of Environmental Systems Science, will leave ETH Zurich at the end of January 2025. Denise Mitrano’s multi-award-winning research focuses on the distribution and impacts of anthropogenic materials in environmental systems. She is leaving ETH Zurich in order to take up a permanent position in Nestlé’s Research and Development Department in Lausanne. In her new role, Denise Mitrano will further expand academic relationships between Nestlé and universities, and will continue to collaborate with ETH Zurich in the future.
Professor Sotiris E. Pratsinis (*1955), currently Full Professor of Process Engineering and Materials Science in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, is to retire at the end of March 2025. Sotiris E. Pratsinis joined ETH Zurich in 1998. He enjoys an excellent reputation in the global scientific community, and his research is of great scientific and social relevance. It largely concentrates on the aerosol synthesis of materials and has made a decisive contribution to advances in flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) technology. Sotiris E. Pratsinis’ work has won multiple awards and has so far resulted in 23 patents that are in use in industry. He is active on a variety of committees at ETH Zurich and has been a member of the Research Commission, as well as participating in the management of the Institute and the Department for a number of years, and serving on numerous appointment committees.
Professor Angelika Steger (*1962), currently Full Professor of Computer Science (Theoretical Computer Science) in the Department of Computer Science, will leave ETH Zurich at the end of July 2026. Angelika Steger joined ETH Zurich in 2003. She is an internationally established scientist in the field of theoretical computer science, especially where it overlaps with discrete mathematics. For nearly 20 years she has played a leading role in combinatorics, focusing in particular on probabilistic methods and randomised algorithms, graph theory, the analysis of discrete structures and combinatorial optimisation. Angelika Steger was a member of the SNSF Research Council for many years, a Fellow at Collegium Helveticum and was elected to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. In 2019 she was awarded a Golden Owl for excellence in teaching, and in 2023 she received the VIS Teaching Award for Funniest Lecturer.
Professor Aldo Steinfeld (*1960), currently Full Professor of Renewable Energy Carriers in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, is to retire at the end of July 2025. Aldo Steinfeld joined ETH Zurich as an assistant professor in 1999. He is a globally leading scientist and innovator in the field of solar technology whose forward-looking vision of a sustainable energy future has characterised his academic career at ETH Zurich for 25 years. His basic research on heat/mass transfer phenomena and on multiphase thermochemical processes has made a significant contribution to driving forward key technological developments for efficient solar energy conversion. Aldo Steinfeld has filed 27 patents and received numerous awards, including an ERC Advanced Grant. He was Head of the Solar Technology Laboratory at PSI and Deputy Director of the Department at ETH Zurich.
Professor Ueli Suter (*1960), currently Full Professor of Cell Biology in the Department of Biology, will retire at the end of July 2025. Ueli Suter joined ETH Zurich as an assistant professor in 1993. Over the past three decades, his main activity has been basic research in cell biology and neurobiology. His primary focus has lain in investigating interactions between neurons and glial cells during the development, maintenance, plasticity and repair of the nervous system, with particular emphasis on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate myelination in health and disease. He is also interested in the mechanisms that control the biology of neural progenitor cells and stem cells. Ueli Suter has served as Head of the Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Director of Studies for Biology, and a member of the Research Commission. He was also an especially enthusiastic participant in founding and guiding the Neuroscience Center Zurich, a joint competence centre of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.
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