21 professors appointed at ETH Zurich and EPFL
Berne/Zurich, 11.03.2016 - Upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Lino Guzzella, and the President of EPFL, Professor Patrick Aebischer, at its meeting of 9/10 March 2016 the ETH Board appointed a total of 21professors and took note of the resignation of 17 professors and thanked them for their services.
Appointments at ETH Zurich
Dr David Niklaus Bresch (*1970), who currently holds a management-level position in the private sector, as Full Professor of Weather and Climate Risks. David Bresch is an internationally recognised expert in climate and weather risks. While working for a major reinsurance company, he collaborated closely with research institutions such as ETH Zurich, the University of Bern and, in particular, the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss. He made use of scientific findings in groundbreaking global climate change adaptation studies. The appointment of David Bresch is of great importance to the study of climate change in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. This joint appointment with MeteoSwiss will significantly strengthen the strategically important alliance between the two institutions in the field of weather and climate risks, climate adaptation and climate mitigation.
Dr Benjamin F. Grewe (*1980), currently a postdoctoral research fellow at Stanford University, California, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Systems and Circuits Neuroinformatics. Benjamin Grewe develops neurotechnological procedures which he uses to investigate information processing in neural networks. This unique combination of technological development and research into biological systems forms an ideal basis for obtaining new neuroscientific findings regarding the principles of information processing in the brain. With the appointment of Benjamin Grewe, ETH Zurich is gaining a promising researcher and strengthening neuroinformatics within the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering.
Professor Stefan M. Holzer (*1963), currently Full Professor at the University of the Federal Armed Forces, Munich, Germany, as Full Professor of Building Research and Construction History. Stefan Holzer is an internationally acknowledged expert in the documentation and analysis of historic monuments. He is ideally placed to build bridges between the technical sciences – particularly engineering, mathematics and computer science – and the humanities, especially history. The appointment of Stefan Holzer will significantly strengthen ETH Zurich, the Department of Architecture and the Institute of Historic Building Research and Conservation.
Dr Maryam Kamgarpour (*1982), currently a postdoctoral fellow at ETH Zurich, as Assistant Professor of Control Systems. Maryam Kamgarpour's research focus is on developing methods for verifying safety specifications and for the optimal control of dynamic systems. Awarded with an ERC Starting Grant, she works among other topics on designing controls for energy networks, the safe and CO2-efficient synthesis of aircraft trajectories and automatic support for search and rescue missions in adverse conditions. At the Automatic Control Laboratory Maryam Kamgarpour will boost research into systems for controlling energy and traffic. The Laboratory already enjoys an outstanding international reputation which it will be able to further enhance thanks to the appointment of Maryam Kamgarpour.
Dr Ender Konukoglu (*1981), currently an instructor at Harvard Medical School and at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Biomedical Image Computing. Ender Konukoglu is an expert in medical image computing and biophysiological modelling. In addition to exploring multivariate methods of evaluating image-based measurements, his primary focus is on machine learning in the area of medical imaging. By appointing Ender Konukoglu, ETH Zurich is adding the strategically crucial field of medicine to imaging research in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering.
Professor Torbjörn H. Netland (*1980), currently Associate Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Production and Operations Management. Torbjörn Netland is an internationally renowned expert in increasing the productivity of industrial companies by such means as improved production processes and the use of new technologies. He often conducts his research in close cooperation with global companies. Torbjörn Netland is an excellent academic teacher and researcher who will strengthen and further develop the area of Production and Operations Management at ETH Zurich.
Dr Hubert Pausch (*1984), currently research assistant at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Animal Genomics. Hubert Pausch has developed statistical and bioinformatic methods for combining sequence data from key animals in a population with incomplete data from animals from the genomic selection. Using cattle as an example, he has successfully identified allelic variations which have economic and health-related effects. Hubert Pausch has a forward-looking vision of customized livestock breeding. His appointment greatly enriches the Institute of Agricultural Sciences and is important to the running of the new Agrovet-Strickhof Education and Research Centre.
Dr Randall J. Platt (*1987), currently postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and at Harvard University, Cambridge, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Biological Engineering. Randall Platt focuses his research on the analysis of pathogenic genetic defects. He has conducted pioneering work on genetically caused disorders, using genome editing methods he developed himself. Methods he has patented are now used in over 1000 laboratories. Randall Platt has found an ideal way to integrate systems biology and biological systems engineering. He will hold joint professorships at ETH Zurich and the University of Basel.
Professor Shana J. Sturla (*1975), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Toxicology. Shana Sturla conducts research on toxicology, working on acute and activated cytotoxicity of food and beverage ingredients as well as the synthesis of the reagents and test methods required for her work. Shana Sturla has made an important contribution to developing the Food Sciences curriculum and fulfils a central bridging function between the two research fields Food and Health. With her appointment as full professor, ETH Zurich retains an outstandingly successful teacher and researcher with a distinguished international reputation and an excellent network of contacts.
Professor Thomas Willwacher (*1983), currently Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich, as Associate Professor of Mathematics. Thomas Willwacher is an exceptionally innovative and original mathematician whose work covers a vast spectrum. He conducts research into various aspects of algebra, geometry and topology, always with a close connection to mathematical physics. In his latest work, Thomas Willwacher demonstrates new and promising research approaches in relation to the topology of embedding spaces. His appointment strengthens the traditionally close links between mathematics and physics at ETH Zurich and adds new areas of study to this subject area.
Appointments at EPFL
Dr Maartje Bastings (*1984), currently postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University, Cambridge, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Materials Science. The research of Maartje Bastings focuses on dynamic interactions in programmable nanomaterials. She has achieved international recognition for developing a nanocapsule from folded DNA for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the body. The greatest challenge was that DNA origami is not stable under physiological conditions. Maartje Bastings is an exceptionally well-qualified researcher in the field of biomaterials. Her appointment strengthens the international position of EPFL in this forward-looking area.
Dr Jean-Philippe Brantut (*1983), currently researcher at ETH Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics. Jean-Philippe Brantut is a promising young scientist. He has already gained international attention for his work in the area of quantum Fermi gases and has the potential to achieve a leading position in this field. Jean-Philippe Brantut stands out for his impressive ability to design and implement complex experimental test assemblies. This has enabled him to gain striking results on transport phenomena in cold atoms and to quantify the conductivity of microchannels.
Professor Volkan Cevher (*1978), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. In recent years Volkan Cevher has become a world leader in his area of research. His main focus is on investigating fundamental questions in the fields of signal processing, statistics and machine learning, for which he has developed new theories, models and algorithms for this purpose. Volkan Cevher uses his research findings to drive forward practical applications in areas such as magnetic resonance imaging. He is pursuing an ambitious scheme of research which will further enhance EPFL's international reputation.
Professor Holger Frauenrath (*1972), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Materials Science. Holger Frauenrath is an expert in the formation of structures at supramolecular, microscopic and nanoscopic levels. Making use of the controlled implementation of disorder in materials. He has received widespread recognition for his research into the development of special amphiphilic substances that are both hydrophilic and lipophilic and act as reactive precursors. Holger Frauenrath has achieved international success with his approach. His appointment will strengthen EPFL's global reputation.
Professor Auke Ijspeert (*1971), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Bioengineering. Auke Ijspeert conducts research at the interface of robotics, computer-aided neurosciences and machine learning. He pursues two linked goals: developing animal robots and observing living animals with these robots. He has attracted much attention for Salamandra Robotica, the first amphibious robot, which is able to use three types of locomotion – swimming, wriggling and walking. Auke Ijspeert is recognised by EPFL and worldwide as an innovator in the field of biorobotics, and he makes a significant contribution to the international reputation of the Federal Institute in scientific circles and in the public sphere.
Professor Jean-Paul Kneib (*1967), currently visiting professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Astrophysics. Jean-Paul Kneib is an internationally recognised and much-cited scientist. He has many years of wide-ranging experience in different areas of experimental astrophysics. These include accurately determining the distribution of dark matter in space, working on detailed cartographic representations of outer space using gravitational lensing, and studies on the propagation velocity of the universe. Jean-Paul Kneib's reputation is demonstrated by the Advanced Grant he was awarded in 2012 by the European Research Council (ERC). His appointment thus greatly enriches EPFL.
Professor Suliana Manley (*1975), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Physics. Suliana Manley is a very active and creative researcher in the field of high-resolution optical instruments. She makes use of them to investigate complex biological systems. This has enabled her to obtain findings on the spatial distribution of DNA in living cells, for example. She works in an emerging area in which further key developments are expected. By appointing Suliana Manley, EPFL is securing the scientific expertise and top-class network of contacts of an outstanding researcher, thus contributing to the Federal Institute's international reputation.
Professor Véronique Michaud (*1965), currently Adjunct Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. Véronique Michaud has many years' experience of teaching and research. Her work focuses on the development of new, intelligent composite materials and their production processes. She has successfully developed a material that has shape memory and can repair itself if it cracks. Véronique Michaud combines a deep understanding of physical phenomena with wide-ranging knowledge of the fabrication of composite materials and top-class technological expertise. Her findings have attracted much international interest.
Professor Zsolt Patakfalvi (*1980), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at Princeton University, New Jersey, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Zsolt Patakfalvi is a gifted mathematician with an ability to solve the most challenging problems in the field of algebraic geometry. His specialist area is the classification of algebraic varieties, where he has recently made notable contributions to the field known as positive characteristic. The appointment of Zsolt Patakfalvi strengthens teaching and research at EPFL in a key area of mathematics which has an impact on other subjects.
Dr Alexandre Persat (*1982), currently postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Life Sciences. Alexandre Persat is an expert in developing and applying microfluid approaches for the investigation of biological questions. His research programme shows great potential, especially in the field of mechanotransduction in bacteria – a process in which mechanical signals are transformed into cellular, biochemical signals. Through the appointment of Alexandre Persat, EPFL is bringing to Lausanne an up-and-coming scientist with an interdisciplinary knowledge of physics, mathematics and biology, and the ideal profile for exploring various subjects in the field of bioengineering.
Dr Li Tang (*1986), currently postdoctoral fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Materials Science. Li Tang has multidisciplinary expertise in the areas of biomaterials and immunology. During his doctoral research he developed a new system for delivering cancer medication using nanotechnology. He investigated the interaction between nanomedications and biological systems, which enabled him to determine optimal ratios for fighting cancer. His current research is on the immune system, with the aim of increasing the efficacy of therapies. Li Tang will play a significant role at EPFL in the use of biomaterials and their medical application.
Departures from ETH Zurich
Professor Göran Andersson (*1951), currently Full Professor of Electric Power Systems, will retire with effect from 1 August 2016. Göran Andersson has worked at ETH Zurich since April 2000. His research focuses on the application of systems theory methods of control technology. He has developed various models and tools for companies in the electricity and energy sectors. The liberalisation of the energy markets opened up new research areas, requiring different approaches, to him and his research group. Göran Andersson is a member of several international scientific bodies. At ETH Zurich he was head of the Energy Transmission and High Voltage Laboratory for many years.
Professor Chiara Daraio (*1978), currently Full Professor of Mechanics and Materials, will leave ETH Zurich at the end of August 2016. Chiara Daraio has worked at ETH Zurich since the beginning of 2013. Her laboratory's research focus is on the propagation of stress waves in nonlinear, ordered and disordered solid media. The findings are being used to develop new materials and methods for engineering applications.
Professor Andreas Diekmann (*1951), currently Full Professor of Sociology, will retire at the beginning of August 2016. Andreas Diekmann joined ETH Zurich in spring 2003. He is a researcher with an international network who is active primarily in the fields of environmental, labour market and population sociology. His research projects use game theory models to explore the formation of social norms and the development of systems of social cooperation. In other projects, he is investigating social change in relation to environmental behaviour, labour markets and family formation. In the area of methodology, Andreas Diekmann tests out statistical techniques for the detection of data falsification.
Professor Josef Jiricny (*1951), currently Full Professor of Functional Genomics, will retire at the beginning of August 2016. Josef Jiricny joined the University of Zurich in 1996 as a full professor and since autumn 2003 he has also been a full professor and holder of the Bonizzi-Theler Chair of Functional Genomics at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on the mechanisms of mismatch repair in human cells. His goal is to identify all the proteins involved in this process in order to set the repair process in motion again with purified recombinant proteins. In parallel, Josef Jiricny, who has gained worldwide recognition and developed an international network of contacts, researches the connection between the malfunctioning of mismatch repair and colorectal cancer.
Professor Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani (*1951), currently Full Professor of History of Urban Design, will retire at the beginning of August 2016. Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani joined ETH Zurich in 1994 after holding various posts in the USA and Europe. He is in demand throughout the world as an expert, and in addition to his academic achievements he has made a great contribution as a member of advisory boards and on the juries of architecture competitions. Furthermore, he has won a number of prizes in architecture. As well as his unusually strong commitment to teaching and to the Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture, Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani has served as a Delegate of the President for Faculty Appointment Proceduressince 2000. From 1998 to 2001 he was also head of the Department of Architecture.
Professor Vikram Govind Panse (*1972), currently Assistant Professor of Ribosome Biogenesis and Quality Control, will be stepping down at the end of July. Vikram Panse has been working at ETH Zurich since 2007 and was appointed Assistant Professor in 2010. He is concerned with the regulation and quality control of ribosome biosynthesis. His research contributes to the understanding of growth control, and is therefore relevant to a number of human diseases. Vikram Panse is to take up a position as a professor ad personam at the Institute of Medical Microbiology at the University of Zurich.
Professor Felicitas Pauss (*1951), currently Full Professor of Experimental Particle Physics, will retire at the beginning of August 2016. Felicitas Pauss has worked at the Institute for Particle Physics (IPP), ETH Zurich, since 1991 and was appointed to the post of full professor in 2000. Her research activity has included pioneering work on high-energy accelerators in the field of the basic building blocks of matter and their interactions. From 2009 to 2013 Felicitas Pauss was also responsible for international relations at CERN. She supported the President as a Delegate for Faculty Appointment Procedures for many years, and was Head of the Institute for Particle Physics. Since 2013 she has been Chairperson of the Advisory Board of ETH Global, the staff unit for international relations at ETH Zurich.
Professor Tapio Schneider (*1972), currently Full Professor of Climate Dynamics, is stepping down at the end of August 2016. Tapio Schneider joined ETH Zurich at the beginning of 2013. He is an expert in the climate dynamics of the Earth and other planets, and he and his research group investigate questions such as surface temperature, winds and precipitation patterns.
Professor Gábor Székely (*1951), currently Full Professor of Medical Image Analysis and Visualisation, will retire at the beginning of August 2016. Gábor Székely has been working at ETH Zurich since 1997, and as a full professor since 2008. His research focuses on medical image analysis, a field in which he has conducted pioneering work on the automatic recognition of organs in CT and MRI data. This has resulted in substantial contributions to the computer-assisted planning and implementation of surgical interventions. With other driving forces, he has developed his Computer Vision Laboratory into one of the leading global centres for training surgeons using virtual reality simulation methods.
Professor Eugene Trubowitz (*1951), currently Full Professor of Mathematics, will retire at the beginning of August 2016. Eugene Trubowitz was appointed to ETH Zurich in 1983. His research interests cover a vast range of topics. He has published ground-breaking articles in diverse areas of mathematics. These include Fermi liquids and the development of mathematical tools and methods for the precise description of large changing systems which have no inherent energy or length scales (e.g. electron gas). The tools and methods he developed can also be used in other fields such as economics and finance.
Departures from EPFL
Professor Eva Bayer Fluckiger (*1951), currently Full Professor of Algebraic and Geometric Structures, will retire at the beginning of October 2016. Eva Bayer Fluckiger has been working at EPFL since 2001. During her scientific career she has made key contributions in subject areas such as algebraic number theory, linear algebraic groups and cohomology. She has also been a strong advocate for the advancement of women in mathematics and in the technical sciences generally. Eva Bayer Fluckiger has held a number of very responsible posts at EPFL, including that of institute director for many years. Since 2012, she has been a member of the Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Professor Roger Hersch (*1951), currently Full Professor of Computer Science, will retire at the beginning of August 2016. Roger Hersch has held his current post since 1988. His research has focused on new image processing technologies in particular. These include colour reproduction and parallel programming. He and his team also constructed the Visible Human Server, which offers various ways of representing the human body. Today, Roger Hersch's research results are used for purposes that include the creation of forgery-proof documents, such as passports, certificates and entrance tickets. He has held several management posts at EPFL in the course of his career.
Professor Jeffrey Hubbell (*1959), currently Full Professor of Biological and Chemical Engineering, will leave EPFL at the end of 2016. At the start of July 2014, Jeffrey Hubbell reduced his working hours at EPFL in order to take up a full professorship at the University of Chicago, Illinois, USA. This transitional arrangement comes to an end in December 2016. Jeffrey Hubbell's research focuses on the use of biomaterials in areas such as tissue engineering, pharmaceutical dosage technologies and cell-based therapies.
Professor Petr Leiman (*1976), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Biophysics, will leave EPFL at the end of June 2016. Petr Leiman has been working at EPFL since 2008. He and his team have been particularly dedicated to the study of the structure and function of large dynamic macromolecular complexes consisting of hundreds of protein molecules. Petr Leiman is to continue his scientific career at another university.
Professor Giorgio Margaritondo (*1946), currently Full Professor of Experimental Physics, will retire at the beginning of September 2016. Giorgio Margaritondo joined EPFL as a full professor in 1990. His research, which has won several prizes, focuses on spectromicroscopy and biomedical imaging processes. Between 2004 and 2010 he spent six years as a member of the Executive Board of EPFL and Vice-President for Academic Affairs. He has also demonstrated particular commitment to forward-looking major infrastructures and cross-institutional initiatives for cutting-edge research in Switzerland. For example, he represented Switzerland as president of the European network for synchrotron light sources and played a decisive role in formulating the National Strategic Plan for High-Performance Computing and Networking. With his scientific achievements, his didactic skills and his commitment to EPFL, Giorgio Margaritondo has made and continues to make an essential contribution to the development and reputation of the Federal Institute.
Professor Minh Quang Tran (*1951), currently Full Professor of Plasma Physics, is to retire at the beginning of 2017. After holding several international research posts, Minh Quang Tran returned to his alma mater in Lausanne in 1979 and was appointed to a full professorship in 1997. During his successful career he dedicated himself to a variety of research topics, with a particular interest in different heating methods in nuclear fusion reactors. Among other achievements, he supervised the installation of the heating systems in EPFL's experimental tokamak reactor (a variable configuration tokamak), which is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced in the world. He has also held key management positions in a number of scientific institutions and at EPFL.
Professor Melody Swartz (*1969), currently Full Professor of Cell Biology, will leave EPFL at the end of 2016. At the start of June 2014, Melody Swartz reduced her working hours at EPFL in order to take up a full professorship at the University of Chicago, Illinois, USA. This transitional arrangement comes to an end in December 2016. In her research, Melody Swartz focuses on understanding physiological and biological processes in interstitial and lymphatic transport systems.
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
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