News
"The European Research Council needs our support"
ETH Professor Nicola Spaldin will soon take over one of the Vice Presidencies of the European Research Council. In this interview, she explains what the role means for her as a researcher, and what it means to her personally.
A Trojan horse for artificial amino acids
Researchers from ETH Zurich have succeeded in introducing large quantities of unnatural amino acids into bacteria, enabling the creation of innovative and highly efficient designer proteins. These can be used as more efficient catalysts or more effective drugs.
Four researchers awarded prestigious European Consolidator Grant
In the latest allocation of European funding for cutting-edge research, ETH Zurich scientists have performed exceptionally well. Here, we present the projects that will receive several million euros in funding.
Farewell after three decades of light and leadership at ETH Zurich
Ursula Keller, Professor of Physics at ETH Zurich, will deliver her farewell lecture on Monday, 15 December 2025. Her talk, entitled “Ultrafast science: a 32-year journey in Physics at ETH Zurich,” marks the close of more than three decades at the forefront of ultrafast laser science – a field she helped build from the ground up.
Inclusive housing arrangement makes for better ETH engineers
In Switzerland’s first inclusive 'ParaWG'-flatshare, students from ETH Zurich live alongside people with spinal cord injuries. It is hoped that the students will draw on this experience to help make the world more accessible for disabled people.
“The question of the value we place on human rights is a central issue”
Gregor Spuhler has headed up the Archives of Contemporary History (AfZ), home to important historical resources, for 18 years. In this interview, he talks about what he thinks about Nazi comparisons and why Switzerland needs a memorial for the victims of National Socialism right now.
Eleven professors appointed
At its meeting of 3 and 4 December 2025 and upon application of Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed eleven professors. In addition, seven adjunct professorships were awarded.
How influenza viruses enter our cells
For the first time, researchers have observed live and in high resolution how influenza viruses infect living cells. This was possible thanks to a new microscopy technique, which could now help to develop antiviral therapies in a more targeted manner.
What fire safety specialists study in ETH’s continuing education programme
Beginning in 2027, fire safety engineering will be planned more precisely as new regulations are introduced. ETH Zurich trains engineers by applying principles of physics and conducting experiments in a fire simulator.
Spark Award 2025: from pollutant to raw material
The prize for the most promising invention developed at ETH Zurich last year has been awarded to a research team from the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry. The scientists received the Spark Award 2025 for a novel process for converting common global pollutants into industrial raw materials.
“Protecting our knowledge means protecting our academic freedom”
War in Europe, the escalating rivalry between the USA and China - the rapidly shifting geopolitical situation is focussing more than ever on the question of how Swiss universities will be able to protect their knowledge.
Robert Riener, does artificial intelligence boost inclusion?
Artificial intelligence simplifies many areas of our lives. But does it also make the world more inclusive? Robert Riener outlines the requirements for this to succeed.