New at ETH Zurich: Johan Six

How would you explain your research to a child?
Johan Six: By saying: “I try to get the best food onto your plate and want to make sure that the food you get on a daily basis is of really high quality – that means, healthy and produced in a good way. With this kind of food, not only you stay healthy, but also the environment.”

What was your main motivation to come to ETH Zurich?
I was ready for a change after ten years at the University of California in Davis. ETH Zurich was my first choice because in many ways, ETH represents what I think a University should be these days: not only research, but an environment where education enjoys a high status and broad public support.
Moreover, in my research I started to focus more and more on Africa, and here in Switzerland, or in Europe in general, there seems to be more interest in this area than in the US. So, I really think that ETH Zurich with its World Food System Center is an ideal opportunity.

What are you most looking forward to at ETH?
I’m mainly looking forward to setting up a research program that is relevant to the whole world, with some special focus on Africa. I am also keen on expanding the interdisciplinary work with colleagues, especially with economists and sociologists. In doing so, we can truly address sustainable agriculture from a biophysical, economic and social perspective.