Appointments by the ETH Board of 18/19 May 2011 New professors at the ETH Zurich and the EPFL Zurich, 20 May 2011 At its meeting of 18 and 19 May 2011, the ETH Board appointed various professors at the ETH Zurich and the EPFL upon application of the Presidents of both universities. ETH Zurich Upon application of the President of the ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Ralph Eichler, the ETH Board has appointed the following individuals as full professors at the ETH Zurich: Prof. Dr. Frédéric Allain (*1969), currently Associate Professor of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance at the ETH Zurich as Full Professor of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Frédéric Allain is regarded as one of the world s leading experts in the field of the structural biology of protein RNA. The previously unexpected diversity of RNA binding modes in mammals is regarded as a pioneering discovery by this internationally recognised researcher. He is the author of several specialist articles and has won several awards. Dr. Ingo Burgert (*1968), currently head of a working group in the Biomaterials Department of the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, as Full Professor of Wood-Based Materials. Together with Empa, the winner of several scientific awards, who is a member of the advisory board of the journal Holzforschung, is taking over the newly created chair in the field of the physics and reliability of wood. The intention is to find approaches to new materials and further developments of materials on the basis of questions about the structure-property relations of wood. With the appointment of Ingo Burgert, the ETH Zurich is promoting research in the field of renewable materials. Prof. Dr. Manfred Fiebig (*1965), currently Full Professor at the Max Born Institute in Berlin, Germany, as Full Professor of Multifunctional Ferroic Materials. Manfred Fiebig is regarded as an excellent researcher and pioneer in the field of multiferroic materials, which are considered to be the most exciting objects of research in modern solid-state and material physics. Manfred Fiebig has developed possibilities of applying optical frequency doubling to multiferroics, and he is the first scientist to succeed in imaging ferrotoroidic domains. Prof. Dr. Mustafa H. Khammash (*1964), currently Full Professor at the University of California in Santa Barbara, USA, as Full Professor of Control Theory and Systems Biology. Mustafa H. Khammash s research focuses on the role of stochastic processes in biology; these play an essential part in developmental biology and in the development of cancer. The globally outstanding scientist has developed algorithms for the efficient computer simulation of rare occurrences in complex biological systems and thus made quantitative predictions possible for the first time. Prof. Dr. Rahul Pandharipande (*1969), currently Full Professor of Mathematics in Princeton, USA, as Full Professor of Mathematics. Rahul Pandharipande is a globally leading scientist in the field of modern algebraic geometry. Moduli spaces of algebraic curves and enumerative geometry are considered to be the focal points of his work. He produces excellent results by factoring in an unlimited range of mathematical fields and constantly advances his field of research. Prof. Dr. Alexandre Refregier (*1969), currently Visiting Professor at the Max Planck Institute in Garching, Germany, as Full Professor of Physics. Alexandre Refregier plays a key part in the application of weak lensing as a tool in cosmology for the identification of the properties of dark matter and dark energy. His Dune for the ESA s Cosmic Visions is currently regarded as a promising proposal for a new space mission. It aims to produce a complete tomographic map of the weak lensing of half of the entire firmament with the help of a space telescope. Page 1 of 5 20 May 2011 New professors at the ETH Zurich and the EPFL
Prof. Dr. Markus Reiher (*1971), currently Associate Professor of Theoretical Chemistry at the ETH Zurich as Full Professor of Theoretical Chemistry. Markus Reiher has made fundamental contributions towards the recent development in relativistic quantum chemistry. His achievements in research and teaching are outstanding; he has a great number of publications to his name and has repeatedly won awards, the latest being the ETH s Golden Owl. Reiher s further fields of research are the density-functional theory of transition metal complexes and artificial photosynthesis. Prof. Dr. Bozidar Stojadinovic (*1962), currently Full Professor of Construction Engineering at the University of California in Berkeley, USA, as Full Professor of Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering. Bozidar Stojadinovic examines the seismic response of high-rise bridges and nuclear buildings. In his capacity as Director of the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES), he was responsible for the construction and operation of complex test facilities. Upon application of the President of the ETH Zurich, the ETH Board has further appointed the following individuals as tenure-track assistant professors of the ETH Zurich: Dirk E. Hebel (*1971), currently Scientific Director of the Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Architecture and Construction. Dirk E. Hebel is regarded as a high-powered and internationally renowned personality in the field of architecture with teaching and research activities that are highly regarded in professional circles. At present, he is working on a number of projects of the Urban Laboratory Ethiopia. Dr. Steven Lee Johnson (*1975), currently a researcher at the Swiss Light Source of the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI in Villigen, as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Physics. Steven Lee Johnson is an internationally recognised physicist in the field of ultrafast processes in materials whose properties derive from strongly correlated electrons. In particular, he was responsible for the planning and conduct of experiments for the further development of time-resolved measurements in the X-ray range. Dr. Maksym Kovalenko (*1982), currently a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Chicago, USA, as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Anorganic Functional Material. In his research, Maksym Kovalenko is concentrating on the production of nanocrystals and their integration into small electronic, optoelectronic and infrared optical components. This may result in proposals of solutions for the development of environment-friendly, energy-supplying and energy-storing materials. Prof. Dr. Alexander Lehnerer (*1974), currently Tenure-Track Assistant professor at the UIC College of Architecture and the Arts in Chicago, USA, as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Architecture and Urban Construction. Alexander Lehnerer played a key role in a project of the ETH Zurich which deals with rule-based methods of city planning at a conceptual level and with the development of agent-based software. He possesses a great deal of practical experience in American urban construction. Milica Topalovic (*1971), currently a senior assistant at the ETH Studio Basel, as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Architecture and Land-Use Planning. At present, Milica Topalovic is working on an empirical study that examines the nexus between global urbanisation and specific local conditions. Her work in the field of land-use planning is regarded as trail-blazing since she takes into account a level of scale that has previously been all but neglected by research. Upon application of the President of the ETH Zurich, the ETH Board has further appointed the following SNF professors as assistant professors of the ETH Zurich: Page 2 of 5 20 May 2011 New professors at the ETH Zurich and the EPFL
Dr. Lian Pin Koh (*1976), currently Senior Research Scholar at the Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems of the ETH Zurich as Assistant Professor of Applied Ecology and Nature Protection. Lian Pin Koh s fields of research include simulation models for the protection of the rainforest as a valuable CO 2 sink in the fight against climate change. In 2010, Lian Pin Koh won the Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research (SFIAR) Award for one of his projects. Dr. Benoît Kornmann (*1977), currently a researcher at the Institute of Biochemistry of the ETH Zurich as Assistant Professor of Cell Organelle Biology. The focus of Benoît Kornmann s research interests is intra-organelle communication, particularly the exploration of the molecular connection between the ER (endoplasmatic reticulum) and mitochondria. With his appointment, the ETH reinforces its research focus in the field of molecular cell biology and hopes for new insights into fundamental cell mechanisms. Dr. Mathieu Luisier (*1978), as Assistant Professor of the Computer-Based Modelling of Nanostructures. Mathieu Luisier s research interests concentrate on the simulation of transistor structures and the development of new physical models and parallel numerical algorithms. The scientist developed the OMEN software for nanotransistors, which is regarded as state of the art. The research results help develop new nanoelectronic devices such as molecular circuits, thermoelectric generators, photovoltaic cells and batteries. Dr. Paola Picotti (*1977), currently a post-doctoral researcher at the Institute of Systems Biology of the ETH Zurich as Assistant Professor of the Biology of Protein Networks. Paola Picotti developed new technologies in the field of targeted proteomics, which are capable of quickly identifying and quantifying specific proteins in complex mixtures. The decoding of cellular causes and physiological consequences of protein aggregates may provide new insights and therapy methods for the treatment of Parkinson s and Alzheimer s disease. Dr. Michael Strasser (*1977), currently a post-doctoral researcher and member of the scientific staff at the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences of the University of Bremen, Germany, as Assistant Professor of Sediment Dynamics. Michael Strasser is considered to be a recognised expert in the field of marine geology and geophysics. His profound knowledge of physically dynamic sedimentation processes and georisks in lacustrine and marine environments deserves special emphasis. He is involved in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). Dr. Lenny H.E. Winkel (*1975), currently a post-doctoral researcher at the European Marie Curie research network Aqua Train, as Assistant Professor of Anorganic Environmental Geochemistry. The object of much international press coverage, Lenny H.E. Winkel developed two- and three-dimensional models for the prediction of arsenic pollution in aquifers at a regional to global scale on the basis of georeferenced geological data and ground properties. The scientist is concentrating on the exploration of the environmental behaviour of trace elements such as arsenic and selenium. Upon application of the President of the ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Ralph Eichler, the ETH Board has reappointed the following individuals as assistant professors of the ETH Zurich (of whom two with tenure track): Prof. Dr. Niko Beerenwinkel as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Computional Biology. Prof. Dr. Ryan Gilmour as Assistant Professor of Synthetic Organic Chemistry. Prof. Dr. Sebastian Jessberger as Assistant Professor of the Biology of Neural Stem Cells. Prof. Dr. Marloes Maathuis as Assistant Professor of Applied Mathematics. Page 3 of 5 20 May 2011 New professors at the ETH Zurich and the EPFL
Prof. Dr. Renato Renner as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Theoretical Physics. Upon application of the President of the ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Ralph Eichler, the ETH Board has appointed the following individuals as adjunct professors of the ETH Zurich: Prof. Dr. Kazimierz Conder, Prof. Dr. Matthias Ernst, Prof. Dr. Donat Fäh, Prof. Dr. Philippe Henry Hünenberger, Prof. Dr. Peter Andreas Kast, Prof. Dr. Carlo Thilgen Moreover, the ETH Board has taken note of the resignation of the following professors: Prof. Dr. Boris J.P. Kaus (*1976), currently Assistant Professor of Computer-Based Geodynamics. Prof. Dr. Daniel Kressner (*1978), currently Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Prof Dr. Wolfgang Fichtner (*1951), currently Full Professor of Electronics. The ETH Board would like to thank these professors for their services. EPFL Upon application of the President of the EPFL, Prof. Dr. Patrick Aebischer, the ETH Board has appointed the following individuals as associate professors of the EPFL: Prof. Dr. Hilal Lashuel (*1973), currently Assistant Professor of Neurosciences at the EPFL, as Associate Professor of Life Sciences. Hilal Lashuel has been internationally recognised for his multidisciplinary research into the molecular foundations of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer s and Parkinson s. He has exerted a substantial influence on his field with his work. At the EPFL, he was a driving force behind the establishment of the Life Sciences Faculty and besides his research programmes is also greatly involved in teaching. Prof. Dr. Fabio Nobile (*1974), currently Assistant Professor at the Politecnico di Milano, Italy, as Associate Professor of Mathematics. Fabio Nobile is regarded as a first-class researcher in the field of uncertainty calculations in computer models such as models for the working order of the cardiovascular system or for the numerical simulation of fluid-structure couplings. At the EPFL, his interdisciplinary conception of research will enable him to make important contributions to research projects in disciplines other than his own, such as the engineering sciences, geophysics and life sciences. Prof. Dr. Mario Paolone (*1973), currently Associate Professor at the University of Bologna, Italy, as Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering. Mario Paolone is regarded as an internationally renowned expert on the theory and practice of energy generation and distribution. His research activities include trail-blazing questions such as the optimal integration of renewable energy sources in the distribution grid and the detection of weak points and defects in energy transmission systems. Mario Paolone is a member of several international specialist bodies in the field of energy. Upon application of the President of the EPFL, Prof. Dr. Patrick Aebischer, the ETH Board has appointed the following individual as tenure-track assistant professor: Dr. Elena Dubikovskaya (*1977), currently a post-doctoral researcher at the University of California in Berkeley, USA, as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Bioorganic Chemistry. Elena Dubikovskaya has focused her pioneering research on the borderline area of biochemistry, medicine and medical technology. In doing so, she has succeeded in discovering new ways of treating certain tumour cells. To arrive at a better understanding of biochemical processes in the body, Elena Dubikovskaya has also developed an Page 4 of 5 20 May 2011 New professors at the ETH Zurich and the EPFL
innovative imaging method. At the EPFL, the researcher will employ her interdisciplinary approaches to tackle fundamental problems in biology and the medical sciences. Upon application of the President of the EPFL, Prof. Dr. Patrick Aebischer, the ETH Board has reappointed the following individuals as tenure-track assistant professors: Prof. Dr. Anne-Clémence Corminboeuf as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Theoretical and Computer-Based Chemistry Prof. Xile Hu, Ph.D., as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Anorganic Chemistry Prof. Victor Panaretos, Ph.D., as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Statistics Prof. Jiri Vanicek, Ph.D., as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Theoretical and Computer-Based Chemistry Prof. Dr. Jérôme Waser as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry Upon application of the President of the EPFL, Prof. Dr. Patrick Aebischer, the ETH Board has renewed an agreement under private law with the following individual: Prof. Andrea Bassi, Associate Professor of Architecture Upon application of the President of the EPFL, Prof. Dr. Patrick Aebischer, the ETH Board has extended the following individuals employment: Prof. Giorgio Margaritondo, Full Professor of Experimental Physics and former Vice-President of the EPFL for Academic Affairs (Rector) Prof. Nava Setter, Ph.D., Full Professor of Material Sciences The ETH Board has taken note of the resignation of the following professors: Prof. Dr. Monika Henzinger (*1966), currently Full Professor of Internet Algorithms Prof. Dr. Thomas Henzinger (*1962), currently Full Professor of Computers and Communication Sciences Prof. Mathias Kläui, Ph.D., (*1976), currently Associate Professor of Experimental Physics The ETH Board and the EPFL would like to thank these professors for their services. Information Markus Bernhard, Head of Communication Telephone +41 (0)44 632 20 03; mobile +41 (0)79 253 11 35 markus.bernhard@ethrat.ch ETH Board, Häldeliweg 15, CH-8092 Zürich, www.ethrat.ch The Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne and the four application-oriented Federal Research Institutes the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), the Materials Science and Technology Research Institution (Empa) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) produce scientific achievements of the highest calibre with approximately 18,500 staff, over 24,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, and more than 690 professors. Together, these federal institutes constitute the ETH Domain under the strategic leadership of the ETH Board as the supervisory body. Appointed by the Swiss Federal Council, the ETH Board approves and monitors development plans, draws up management accounting measures and ensures coordination. It prepares budget proposals and accounts for the ETH Domain and coordinates the management of real estate and the preservation of its value and functionality. The ETH Board is responsible for appointments and represents the ETH Domain in relations with federal authorities. Page 5 of 5 20 May 2011 New professors at the ETH Zurich and the EPFL