10 new professors appointed at ETH Zurich and EPFL

New appointments at ETH Zurich

Dr Carolina Bello (*1985), currently Senior Scientist at ETH Zurich, as Assistant Professor of Species Interactions and Ecosystem Health in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. In her research, Carolina Bello investigates the role of animals in ecosystem processes in intact tropical forests. Her findings are relevant to international policy areas such as reforestation, CO₂ compensation and biodiversity management. In addition, Carolina Bello has extensive experience of teaching a wide range of courses. With this appointment, the Department is strengthening research on the role of plant-animal interactions and their potential for successful forest restoration, while expanding the expertise available at the Institute of Integrative Biology (IBZ).

Dr Elzbieta Gradauskaite (*1993), currently Researcher at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Laboratoire Albert Fert, in Palaiseau, France, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Solid-State Materials Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences. Elzbieta Gradauskaite’s research lies at the intersection of inorganic chemistry and solid-state physics. She focuses on the synthesis of complex transition metal oxides. By appointing Elzbieta Gradauskaite, the Department is strengthening its activities in the fields of solid-state chemistry and functional thin-film materials, while nurturing important synergies within ETH Zurich as well as interactions with the Swiss materials research landscape, not least through the use of the large research facilities at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI.

Dr Raphael Mario Steiner (*2000), currently SNSF Ambizione Fellow at ETH Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Didactics of Higher Education in the Department of Mathematics. Raphael Mario Steiner is one of the world’s most promising and brilliant young scientists in the field of discrete mathematics. His outstanding breakthroughs include fully resolving the Kohayakawa-Kreuter conjecture, which was first posed in 1997. At this early stage of his career, Raphael Mario Steiner already has nearly 100 academic articles to his name. He is regularly invited to prestigious conferences and has an excellent track record in teaching and supervision. Through this appointment, ETH Zurich is gaining a top-class researcher who is gifted at building bridges between world-class mathematical excellence and forward-looking university didactics.

Promotions at ETH Zurich

Professor Dagmar Iber (*1978), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Computational Biology in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering. Dagmar Iber is a leading expert in computer-assisted biology in the field of development (ontogenesis) and disease research. She develops data-driven models and simulations which she utilises in a globally unique research programme. Her trailblazing results are having significant impacts in various fields, from fundamental biology through to (potential) medical applications. Dagmar Iber has long made an outstanding contribution to the Department and to ETH Zurich. This promotion enables ETH Zurich to strengthen its long-term position in the fields of bioinformatics and biomedicine and acknowledges Dagmar Iber’s exceptional commitment.

Professor Ana Klimovic (*1991), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science. Ana Klimovic’s research in the field of computer infrastructure focuses on developing better systems and architectures – both for the cloud and for artificial intelligence – that are more user-friendly and efficient than the available systems. The impact of her work, such as her “Dandelion” research project, has a key role to play in fostering new trends in this field. Ana Klimovic has excellent connections with global technology companies and has received an SNSF Starting Grant for her work. Her contributions to the Swiss AI Center and to developing teaching in the area of systems science are of great value to the Department and to ETH Zurich as a whole.

Professor Siyu Tang (*1983), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science. Siyu Tang has attracted global recognition for her groundbreaking research on human motion estimation, avatar creation and motion synthesis in people. Her work opens up new opportunities for applications such as augmented reality, robotics and digital humans. Her research group is regarded as one of the world’s leading centres for the visual understanding of human beings. Siyu Tang has obtained impressive amounts of funding, as well as an ERC Starting Grant. Her appointment enables the Department to retain a top international scientist who covers a broad range of topics at the intersection of computer vision, computer graphics and machine learning.

Professor Laurent Vanbever (*1985), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Networked Systems in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. Laurent Vanbever is one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of computer networks. His work revolves around the use of procedures for the early detection and prevention of errors in the programming and configuration of networks. Among other distinctions, Laurent Vanbever has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant for his research. He is also a committed teacher, carries out important tasks within the Department, and sits on various committees and panels. Through this promotion, ETH Zurich is making a targeted investment in the strategically important subject areas of network verification, network security and sustainability.

Promotions at EPFL

Professor Olga Fink (*1983), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Civil Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is an expert on deep learning and hybrid algorithms for intelligent maintenance systems. Her interdisciplinary research takes place at the intersection between machine learning and engineering and has already found applications in a variety of systems, including in rail transport, tunnel boring machinery, smart grids, manufacturing, power plants and aviation. Her goal is to solve practical problems in areas such as ageing infrastructure – motorways and railway systems, for example. By promoting Olga Fink, EPFL is retaining a scientist who is highly dedicated to research and teaching and has exceeded expectations.

Professor Charlotte Grossiord (*1986), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Terrestrial Ecology in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering. Charlotte Grossiord conducts research at the interface of forest ecology, ecophysiology and climate change biology. Her work delivers fundamental insights into how plants and ecosystems function during climate change and supports strategies for strengthening the resilience and adaptability of forests – areas of high relevance for public policy. Charlotte Grossiord simultaneously leads the Functional Plant Ecology group at the Lausanne antenna of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL. In this capacity, she strengthens the cooperation between WSL and EPFL. In Charlotte Grossiord, EPFL is retaining a committed researcher, lecturer and mentor.

Professor Ola Svensson (*1981), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Computer Science in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. Ola Svensson’s research area is the theory of computing and algorithms. He investigates the possibilities and limits of algorithms and has developed basic techniques for solving long-standing, fundamental problems in the field of combinatorial optimisation. His overarching objective is to map the limits of efficient computations and expand the tools for tackling complex algorithmic challenges. Ola Svensson is an exemplary lecturer and supervisor. His leadership contributions to the School and to EPFL are outstanding in a variety of roles. By promoting him, the School is recognising and developing its collaboration with a distinguished scientist and leader.

Award of the title of “Professor” at EPFL

Dr Christophe Galland (*1983), currently Lecturer at EPFL, as Adjunct Professor in the School of Basic Sciences. Christophe Galland is an internationally recognized expert in quantum optics, nanophotonics and ultrafast molecular spectroscopy. His pioneering work on the quantum control of mechanical and molecular vibrations has contributed to the emergence of a new subfield of molecular optomechanics. Christophe Galland will continue to help shape the next generation of physicists through his teaching, while pursuing his ambitious research program in quantum technologies and advanced spectroscopy. His appointment as Adjunct Professor will further strengthen EPFL’s reputation for excellence in a strategic field undergoing rapid growth.

Award of the title of “Professor of Practice” at ETH Zurich

Dr Markus Kalousek (*1966), currently Lecturer at ETH Zurich as well as freelance consultant and independent venture partner of BioGeneration Ventures (BGV) and founder of several biotechnology companies, as Professor of Practice in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Markus Kalousek holds a PhD and specialises in biomedical research; he is regarded as a recognised authority at the interface between pharmaceutical development and entrepreneurial innovation. He has many years' experience in the identification, development and strategic advancement of innovative pharmaceutical programmes in senior international industrial roles, as well as in setting up and promoting biotechnology companies. With his unique combination of scientific excellence, long industrial experience and entrepreneurial expertise, Markus Kalousek will decisively enrich practice-oriented education as well as knowledge and technology transfer at ETH Zurich.

Departure from ETH Zurich

Professor Christian Freudlsperger (*1989), currently Assistant Professor of Multilevel Politics in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, is to leave ETH Zurich at the end of September 2026. His research interests lie at the intersection of European integration, comparative federalism and the analysis of political development. In his current SNSF project, he develops and examines a novel understanding of the EU as a “public reinsurer” for the member states in transboundary crises. Christian Freudlsperger is leaving ETH Zurich to take up a permanent W3 professorship in International Relations at Leibniz University Hannover.

The ETH Board would like to thank the departing professor for his services to science, teaching and academic administration.