Twelve professors appointed

Professor Aline B¨¹tikofer (*1981), currently Full Professor at the Norwegian School of Economics, Norway, as Full Professor of Empirical Health Economics in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics (dual professorship with the Universit¨¤ della Svizzera italiana). Aline B¨¹tikofer is one of the world¡¯s leading scientists in the field of empirical health economics. Her interdisciplinary research is devoted to the long-term impacts of environmental factors and policy measures on health, cognitive development, social mobility and inequality. By appointing Aline B¨¹tikofer, ETH Zurich and the Universit¨¤ della Svizzera italiana are gaining an exceptional researcher who will make a significant contribution to the global visibility and excellence of both institutions in the area of empirical health economics.

Dr Claire Donnelly (*1991), currently Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Germany, as Full Professor of Multidimensional Nanomaterials in the Department of Materials, combined with leading the Multidimensional Nanomaterials group at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). Claire Donnelly¡¯s research interests include magnetism, topological structures, structured quantum materials, X-ray synchrotron radiation and nanofabrication of 3D structures. She has already made an outstanding contribution to the further development of X-ray technology, the characterisation of spin textures, and advanced nanofabrication, and has won several awards for her work, including an ERC Starting Grant. In appointing Claire Donnelly, the Department is strengthening the area of X-ray imaging and tomography, as well as its strategically important collaboration with PSI.

Professor Annette Idler (*1985), currently Associate Professor at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, as Full Professor of Global Security in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences. Annette Idler¡¯s research focuses on global security, especially in relation to armed conflicts, the global illicit economy, transitions from war to peace, and the interconnections between local conflict dynamics and global shifts in order and power. She advises governments and international organisations and is a sought-after expert on issues relating to global security policy. Her appointment strengthens the Department¡¯s expertise in the research area of conflict and security. From 2029 onwards, Annette Idler will further reinforce the links between science and practice as Director of the Center for Security Studies (CSS), a centre of competence for Swiss and international security policy.

Dr Philipp Rehner (*1993), currently Senior Scientist and Lecturer at ETH Zurich, as Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering Thermodynamics in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. The principal focus of Philipp Rehner¡¯s research, for which he has received multiple awards including an SNSF Starting Grant, is on the molecular description of phase boundaries as a key to transporting mass and heat, and on process efficiency. His use of innovative mathematical methods enables rigorous thermodynamic models to be applied for the optimisation of processes and materials, thus making a significant contribution to sustainability and resource efficiency in the chemical industry. With the appointment of Philipp Rehner, the Department is strengthening its expertise in molecular modelling and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation within ETH Zurich.

Dr Serina Robinson (*1993), currently Research Group Leader at Eawag, as Assistant Professor of Environmental Biochemistry in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Serina Robinson¡¯s award-winning research combines experiments and computer-assisted modelling in order to predict how enzymes transform industrial compounds, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. She investigates the interaction between biological systems and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known as ¡°forever chemicals¡± because of their stable carbon-fluorine bonds. The appointment of Serina Robinson, who has been the recipient of an ERC Starting Grant, allows the Department to strengthen its interdepartmental links with the Department of Biology and the Department of Health Sciences and Technology, as well as its cooperation with Eawag and international partners.

Dr Konrad Viebahn (*1991), currently Senior Scientist at ETH Zurich, as Assistant Professor of Quantum Physics in the Department of Physics. Konrad Viebahn¡¯s research has a focus on quantum information processing using neutral atoms. Since conventional quantum computers are still limited in their performance, he is devoting himself to developing larger, more precise systems. Scalability is a decisive advantage of his approach, compared with current platforms. Konrad Viebahn was awarded an ERC Starting Grant for his work. Through this appointment, the Department is strengthening the fields of quantum science and modern atomic physics, and boosting synergies with the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Materials in this forward-looking area of technology.

Promotions

Professor Petra S. Dittrich (*1974), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Bioanalytics in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering. Petra Dittrich is a leading researcher at the intersection of microsystems technology and biosciences and has already made considerable contributions to both fields. Her expertise lies in the development and manufacture of miniaturised devices, assay development and the monitoring/imaging of biological processes. In her work, she seeks to translate basic research into practical applications. Petra Dittrich has won many awards for her research, including an ERC Starting Grant and an ERC Consolidator Grant. She has been Director of Studies for two Master¡¯s programmes since 2021.

Professor David Kaufmann (*1985), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Spatial Development and Urban Policy in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. David Kaufmann has won many awards for his research, which covers topics of fundamental importance to society in Switzerland and throughout the world, including urban policy, spatial planning, public policy and migration studies. His work has a particular emphasis on density and residential construction, sustainable urban development, humanitarian aid and development planning. It has substantially improved the current state of research in many of these areas. By promoting David Kaufmann, the Department and ETH Zurich are retaining an outstanding lecturer and recognised expert whose future research will continue to make a decisive contribution to a subject area that is of urgent importance both nationally and internationally.

Professor Rasmus Kyng (*1988), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Theoretical Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science. Rasmus Kyng is internationally acclaimed as an eminent expert in the development of fast algorithms for optimisation problems. He has won several awards, including an SNSF Starting Grant, for his research on combinatorial optimisation, computer-aided linear algebra and dynamic graph algorithms, and his work has produced a number of revolutionary results. Rasmus Kyng is a dedicated lecturer and a highly regarded member of the Department, which he also serves as a member of the Strategy Commission, the Teaching Commission and the management board of the Institute of Theoretical Computer Science. Through his promotion, the Department and ETH Zurich are retaining an outstanding scientist who will continue to play a leading role in theoretical computer science.

Professor Sai Reddy (*1980), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Systems and Synthetic Immunology in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering. Sai Reddy is a visionary global leader in the field of immunotechnology. His work revolves around the invention and application of novel technologies for manipulating the immune system. He holds 13 patents, many of which have been licensed, and is very successful at attracting third-party funding. His funding portfolio includes an ERC Starting Grant and several project grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation. Sai Reddy is an outstanding and committed representative of ETH Zurich and his department, and has built up a strong alumni network. His promotion will boost ETH Zurich¡¯s reputation and facilitate further partnerships with industry.

Professor Shinichi Sunagawa (*1978), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Microbiome Research in the Department of Biology. Shinichi Sunagawa is an international leader in the field of marine microbial ecology, particularly the metagenomic analysis of marine microbiomes. The aim of his research is to reveal the mechanisms behind microbial interactions, and thus to support applications in the fields of ecosystem monitoring, nature conservation and public outreach. He is involved in a wide range of commitments at ETH Zurich, including the management of the Institute of Microbiology.. Shinichi Sunagawa¡¯s promotion will help reinforce the synergies built up in recent years with the University of Zurich and Zurich University Hospital, as well as strengthening the NCCR Microbiomes national research programme and facilitating international networking in the field of microbiome research.