14 new professors at the two Federal Institutes of Technology
Zurich, 06.03.2015 - Upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Lino Guzzella, and the President of EPFL, Professor Patrick Aebischer, at its meeting of 4/5 March 2015 the ETH Board appointed a total of 14 individuals as professors, took note of the resignation of eight professors and thanked them for their services, and awarded the title of professor to four individuals.
Appointments at ETH Zurich
Professor Habib Ammari (*1969), currently Director of Research at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) in Paris, France, and Professor of Applied Mathematics at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris, as Full Professor of Applied Mathematics. Habib Ammari is a world expert in several areas of applied mathematics. His research is notable for its breadth as well as its mathematical rigour and depth. He is currently working on mathematical principles and numerical methods in relation to imaging, which is a research focus of several departments at ETH Zurich. The appointment of Habib Ammari strengthens ETH Zurich's leading role in this and other fields of mathematics.
Professor Adrienne Grêt-Regamey (*1973), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Landscape and Environmental Planning. Adrienne Grêt-Regamey is one of the world's leading scientists in the field of landscape and environmental planning. Since joining ETH Zurich in 2008, she has launched successful research projects and financed them to a significant degree through third-party funding. Adrienne Grêt-Regamey's particular contributions are primarily concerned with the evaluation of ecosystem services, modelling decision-making processes, and 3D visualisation of landscape planning developments. Her interdisciplinary work has resulted in numerous joint projects within ETH Zurich, thus helping to expand the networks of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering even further.
Dr Will Merry (*1984), currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich, as Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Will Merry works on symplectic and contact geometry. This field of research has developed very rapidly, forging cross-connections with many other areas of mathematics and theoretical physics. Will Merry is already one of the world's leading experts on «Rabinowitz Floer homology», a key branch of symplectic and contact geometry. His broad-based research orientation, international reputation and dynamic teaching style greatly enrich ETH Zurich and the Department of Mathematics.
Dr Loïc Pellissier (*1984), currently a Research Group Leader at the Université de Fribourg, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Landscape Ecology. Loïc Pellissier conducts pure and applied research in the field of biodiversity and spatial ecology. He focuses on climate change and evolutions in land use as key driving forces. Loïc Pellissier's appointment is of great importance to the study of «Biological diversity and adaptation to changing environmental conditions» at the Department of Environmental Systems Science of ETH Zurich. His appointment is a joint one with WSL, thus significantly strengthening the strategically important alliance between the two institutions.
Professor Jörg Stelling (*1969), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Computational Systems Biology. Jörg Stelling's research interests are focused on the analysis and synthesis of biological networks using – and further developing – methods from systems theory and computer science. The highly interdisciplinary nature of his research projects is reflected in his international network of cooperation partners from different disciplines. Jörg Stelling occupies an important position in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering with his focus on systems biology in general and computational biology in particular; he bridges the gap between bioinformatics and bioengineering.
Dr Rico Zenklusen (*1981), currently Senior Scientist at ETH Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Rico Zenklusen is a world leader among the younger generation of scientists in the field of combinatorial optimisation. In his research he makes use of combinatorial and probabilistic methods, among others, and also investigates applications of combinatorial optimisation in other scientific disciplines. With the appointment of Rico Zenklusen, ETH Zurich is gaining a highly creative and communicative mathematician who will enable the Department of Mathematics and the Institute for Operations Research to broaden the range of subjects they cover.
Appointments at EPFL
Professor Bryan Ford (*1973), currently Associate Professor at Yale University, Connecticut, USA, as Associate Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems. Bryan Ford is an established and internationally recognised systems specialist. At present, his research activity focuses on the highly topical areas of data security and the protection of privacy on the net. His ability to use innovative approaches to complex tasks enables him to develop robust, resilient computer systems. Bryan Ford's appointment will significantly strengthen EPFL's research in the area of computer security. In order to accept this post, he has declined offers from other prestigious institutions.
Professor Nikolas Geroliminis (*1980), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Transport Engineering. In recent years Nikolas Geroliminis has established himself as one of the leading experts in traffic analysis and modelling urban traffic flows thanks to his globally acclaimed research activities. His discovery of laws governing the spatial movement, density and speed of traffic flows has formed the basis for many other studies in this highly topical research field. Nikolas Geroliminis greatly enriches EPFL with his academic excellence, ability to attract funding and commitment to teaching.
Professor Andras Kis (*1975), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Since joining EPFL, Andras Kis has been working on a revolutionary research approach aimed at massively boosting the performance of semiconductors. His basic idea is to replace the silicon previously used in semiconductors with two-dimensional materials. These are composed of a single monocrystalline molecular layer. Their use in semiconductors would make it possible to minimize energy loss. These findings have made Andras Kis one of the world's leading scientists in his specialist area. His ambitious research plan will further strengthen this position, and with it the reputation of EPFL.
Professor Christos Kozyrakis (*1974), currently Associate Professor at Stanford University, California, USA, as Full Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems. Christos Kozyrakis is a scientist with a global reputation who has already achieved several significant breakthroughs in the field of computer architecture and the energy efficiency of information systems. In his latest work in the area of cloud computing, he developed an algorithm that optimises the use of resources for the computing power of mainframe computers. Google Inc. also benefited by means of a partnership. Christos Kozyrakis is a brilliant researcher whose creativity substantially enriches EPFL.
Dr Brice Lecampion (*1976), currently Principal Scientist in the private sector, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Geo-Energy. Brice Lecampion has excellent scientific expertise in very topical subjects such as geothermy, the extraction of hydrocarbons and carbon sequestration in geological formations. His industrial experience also covers fracking and safety issues relating to deep drilling. Against this background he is globally recognised as a top expert in a number of areas, including theoretical work on the problems currently facing geothermy in many locations. The appointment of Brice Lecampion is a milestone for engineering education and research at EPFL.
Professor Sebastian Maerkl (*1980), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Bioengineering. Sebastian Maerkl is an internationally renowned specialist in the behaviour of fluids and gas at molecular levels – a discipline known as microfluidics. His extensive knowledge of biology and physics enables him to develop and implement successful new technologies to solve extremely complex problems. In doing so, he combines methods and findings from synthetic, systemic and computer-aided biology with his core area. Sebastian Maerkl's research will support and foster EPFL's worldwide reputation as a leading university.
Professor Sylvie Roke (*1977), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Bioengineering. Sylvie Roke has the rare gift of breaking new ground in terms of theory while at the same time exploring it experimentally. In recent years she has used this approach to gain an outstanding global reputation in the field of the structural, dynamic and biological characteristics of water and aquatic systems. Sylvie Roke's promotion enables EPFL to retain her innovative research ability in the field of bioengineering and life sciences as well as her top-quality contributions to teaching in these important research areas.
Dr Marie Violay (*1984), currently Research Associate at ETH Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Rock Mechanics. Marie Violay is already regarded as one of the world's top scientists in the field of experimental rock mechanics. She is currently using innovative methods to investigate how thermomechanical pressure equalisation occurs during earthquakes in fault zones. Marie Violay is a very promising young scientist who will make a significant contribution to research and teaching in construction and engineering sciences at EPFL.
Award of the title of Professor
Dr Stephen Cairns (*1961), Scientific Director of the Future Cities Laboratory (FCL) in Singapore, as Adjunct Professor at ETH Zurich. Stephen Cairns is an architect with an impressive academic record and a strong international reputation. Since joining FCL he has made significant contributions to the success of the joint programme with ETH Zurich.
Dr Werner Eugster (*1964), Senior Scientist and Lecturer at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor at ETH Zurich. Werner Eugster is a recognised expert in several areas of micrometeorology, especially the exchange of trace gases between the biosphere and the atmosphere. He has an excellent international network of contacts and plays a leading role in several important organisations.
Dr Paul Bowen (*1957), Senior Scientist at EPFL, as Adjunct Professor at EPFL. Paul Bowen is an internationally recognised researcher who has made significant contributions to the understanding of atomic and molecular processes in powdered materials. Paul Bowen has worked at EPFL since 1987 and is an outstandingly dedicated teacher.
Dr Dimitrios Kyritsis (*1957), Senior Scientist at EPFL, as Adjunct Professor at EPFL. In recent years Dimitrios Kyritsis has made a notable contribution through his work on the use of computer technology in sustainable manufacturing. He has focused in particular on the construction of closed-loop product lifecycles. Dimitrios Kyritsis has worked at EPFL since 1989 and is also a highly committed teacher.
Departures from ETH Zurich
Professor Daniel L. Chen (*1977), currently Associate Professor of Law and Economics, will leave ETH Zurich at the end of July 2015. Daniel Chen has worked at ETH Zurich since mid-2012. In his research he has attained prominence through large-scale empirical studies on the relationship between law, social norms and the enforcement of legal norms, and on judicial systems.
Professor Roger Diener (*1950), currently Full Professor of Architecture and Design, will retire with effect from 1 August 2015. Roger Diener is a globally recognised architect. He was appointed to his present role at ETH Zurich in 1999. Roger Diener currently runs ETH Studio Basel at the Department of Architecture, together with Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron and Marcel Meili. This external «experimental laboratory» was founded in order to explore new ways of teaching architecture. Roger Diener has received numerous awards for his work, including the architecture prize of the Académie Française in 2002. In 2011 he also won the Heinrich Tessenow Medal for his architectural work.
Professor Salomé LeibundGut (*1973), currently Assistant Professor of Infection Immunology, is leaving ETH Zurich at the end of March 2015. Salomé LeibundGut has worked at ETH Zurich since 2010. Since then, she has established a successful research group and gained international recognition in the field of fungal immunology. She is leaving ETH Zurich in order to set up a new research group in the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zurich.
Professor Peter Märkli (*1953), currently Full Professor of Architecture and Technology, will take early retirement at the end of July 2015. Peter Märkli is one of the key exponents of Swiss architecture and was appointed to ETH Zurich in 2003. In terms of content his work represents a very self-contained, precise kind of architecture which is at the same time elemental and direct. His well-known designs include that of La Congiunta museum in Giornico, Ticino. He also designed various residential projects in his characteristic style, which often combines sculpturally fractured or distorted, yet strong, building structures with the earthy colours and materials typical of his work.
Professor Bernhard Plattner (*1950), currently Full Professor of Computer Engineering, will retire on 1 August 2015. Bernhard Plattner has worked at ETH Zurich since 1985. He was promoted to Full Professor in 1994. He has gained international acclaim for his research and publications. His main focus is on new architectures, protocols and systems for the Internet and for computer networks in general. Bernhard Plattner played a key role in developing the Internet for the Swiss universities and can justifiably be described as an Internet pioneer. He was responsible for the official registration of the country domain «.ch» in 1987.
Professor Josef Zeyer (*1950), currently Full Professor of Environmental Microbiology, is to retire on 1 August 2015. Josef Zeyer's primary focus is on investigating microbial structures and functions in terrestrial and aquatic systems. His main research topics include the characterisation of microorganisms using molecular methods, the in situ quantification of the microbial production and oxidation of methane and the microbial degradation of pollutants. Josef Zeyer enjoys a high reputation in the academic world. His services to ETH Zurich include many years as Director of the Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics. He has also been a member of the ETH Zurich Research Commission.
Departures from EPFL
Professor Tudor Ratiu (*1950), currently Full Professor of Mathematical Analysis, will retire with effect from 1 April 2015. Tudor Ratiu is a highly acclaimed mathematician with an excellent network of contacts. He joined EPFL in 1997. His research focused on geometrical mechanics, symplectic geometry and non-linear analysis. In this area, which is located at the interface between pure mathematics, applied mathematics and physics, he is regarded as one of the top experts in the world. Tudor Ratiu's work and international reach have been of great service to the reputation of EPFL. He has also contributed to EPFL's development by taking on several internal roles and through his commitment to teaching.
Professor Florian Maria Wurm (*1950), currently Full Professor of Biotechnology at EPFL, will retire on 1 April 2015. Before being appointed to EPFL in 1995, Florian Wurm spent about 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry, latterly in senior management roles. During the impressive academic career he went on to develop, he drew on the expertise thus acquired. In his career, Florian Wurm played a crucial role in transforming classical molecular biology into modern biotechnology. He carried out pioneering work, particularly on the production of recombinant proteins from mammalian cells. At EPFL many projects have benefited from his extensive knowledge at the interface between biology and engineering sciences.
The ETH Board would like to thank the departing professors for their services to science, teaching and academic administration.
Address for enquiries
Alex Biscaro
Head of Communication of the ETH Board
CH-8092 Zürich
alex.biscaro@ethrat.ch
+41 44 632 20 03
Publisher
Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology
https://www.ethrat.ch/en
