19 new professors appointed at ETH Zurich and EPFL

Press releasePublished on 5 March 2026

19 new professors appointed at ETH Zurich and EPFL

Bern, 05.03.2026 - At its meeting of 4/5 March 2026 and upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Joël Mesot, and the President of EPFL, Professor Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, the ETH Board appointed a total of seven women and twelve men as professors. It also took note of the resignations of four professors and thanked them for their services. In the last 12 months, the ETH Board has made a total of 26 new appointments for women and 25 for men; the proportion of women among these new appointments thus amounts to 51%.

New appointments at ETH Zurich

Dr Thea Klaeboe Aarrestad (*1987), currently SNSF Ambizione Fellow and Project Manager at ETH Zurich, as Assistant Professor of Particle Physics in the Department of Physics. Thea Klaeboe Aarrestad's research profile lies at the interface between experimental particle physics, machine learning and specialised hardware. Her focus is on developing and implementing machine learning processes for real-time data processing at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), particularly field-programmable gate arrays in the hardware trigger of the CMS experiment at CERN. She was awarded an ERC Starting Grant for her work. The appointment of Thea Klaeboe Aarrestad enables ETH Zurich to strengthen research and teaching in the area of machine learning for real-time data processing in particle physics, and to foster collaborations with CERN, international universities and industry partners.

Professor Aline Bütikofer (*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 Università della Svizzera italiana). Aline Bütikofer 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 Bütikofer, ETH Zurich and the Università 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 at ETH Zurich

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.

New appointments at EPFL

Dr Tomas Aidukas (*1992), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), as Assistant Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences. Tomas Aidukas is a specialist in computational imaging, particularly in the development and application of ptychographic techniques. His research aims to push the physical and computational limits of microscopy, with applications in high-resolution optical and X-ray imaging. Among his major achievements is the attainment of world-record 3D resolution in X-ray microscopy, through ptychographic tomography. Tomas Aidukas joins EPFL with an SNSF Starting Grant for the NEXUS-3D (Nanoscale Examination of Ultra-Small Structures in 3D Using X-rays) project, dedicated to the development of advanced methods of X-ray microscopy methods and their application to semiconductor metrology. The project will be carried out in partnership with PSI.

Professor Kenneth Holstein (*1991), currently Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. Kenneth Holstein studies human-AI complementarity and explores how artificial intelligence can augment human abilities in a meaningful way, rather than replace them. His research is strongly applied in learning sciences. It therefore covers topics of great societal and economic relevance. It aims at closing the gaps between human and artificial intelligence, creating fundamental new forms of AI-assisted decision-making, and developing systems that respect human work, professional expertise and local knowledge. With his interdisciplinary approach, Kenneth Holstein will greatly enrich the fields of AI, cognitive and educational science, statistics and machine learning at EPFL.

Promotions at EPFL

Professor Volkan Cevher (*1978), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Electrical Engineering in the School of Engineering (STI). Volkan Cevher's research has made major contributions to the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of machine learning and artificial intelligence, particularly in optimisation and large-scale learning and inference, with a strong focus on training and understanding modern foundation models. He has established an internationally leading research program since joining EPFL. Actively engaged in technology transfer, Volkan Cevher has established long-term industrial collaborations and is the recipient of prestigious awards, including an ERC Starting Grant and an ERC Consolidator Grant.

Professor Bruno Correia (*1980), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Bioengineering in the School of Engineering (STI). Bruno Correia's leading research lies at the interface of structural biology, protein engineering and artificial intelligence. He has made major contributions to the de novo design of molecular interactions and functional proteins, with applications in synthetic biology, immunoengineering and drug discovery. His widely cited work has led to patents and significant industrial collaborations. He is the recipient of prestigious distinctions, including an ERC Consolidator Grant and the University Latsis Prize, and plays an important role in education, notably as Director of the Doctoral Programme in Bioengineering.

Professor Jacques Fellay (*1974), currently Associate Professor at EPFL and at the University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, as Full Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences. Jacques Fellay is an internationally acclaimed scientist working at the intersection between genomics, infectious diseases, personalised medicine and machine learning. He conceived the genome-to-genome approach in order to analyse genetic variations in host and pathogen simultaneously. The bioinformatic tools he has designed have made it easier for the scientific community as a whole to analyse infections and have opened up new avenues of research. Jacques Fellay nurtures close contacts with hospitals. His expertise in the fields of infectious diseases, genomics and computer-assisted approaches, together with his clinical experience, make him an outstanding member of the School and of EPFL.

Professor Elisa Oricchio (*1979), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences. Elisa Oricchio's research focuses on cancer epigenetics and chromatin biology. She investigates the connection between the three-dimensional organisation of the genome and the pathogenesis and treatment of cancer. Based on these findings, she pursues a new research approach in order to develop new biological agents for therapeutic purposes. Elisa Oricchio fosters valuable contacts with the oncology departments of several hospitals in Switzerland and heads the TumorShare initiative, which forwards the experimental results of patient biopsies to hospital tumour boards to assist with treatment decisions. By promoting Elisa Oricchio, the School is retaining an outstanding and dedicated scientist and lecturer.

Professor Mathias Payer (*1981), currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. Mathias Payer is one of the most influential researchers of his generation in the area of information systems security. The aim of his work is to identify, analyse and prevent large-scale software vulnerabilities. His contributions have a major impact on cybersecurity and help to define new methodological standards for research in this strategic area. Mathias Payer has received an ERC Starting Grant and an ERC Advanced Grant, among other awards. The promotion of an expert of his calibre enables IC and EPFL to remain at the forefront of a discipline that is strategic and fundamental to society.

Departure from ETH Zurich

Professor Núria Casacuberta Arola (*1982), currently Assistant Professor of Physical Oceanography in the Department of Environmental Systems Science, is leaving ETH Zurich at the end of April 2026. Núria Casacuberta Arola's work has attracted an ERC Consolidator Grant and an SNSF PRIMA grant; its focus is on using trace substances to gain a better understanding of ocean circulation. As part of an international research project, she was able to use her expert knowledge of environmental radioactivity to significantly improve our understanding of the spread of radioactive contaminants in the Pacific Ocean following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Núria Casacuberta Arola is leaving ETH Zurich to continue her scientific career in Barcelona at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC).

Departures from EPFL

Professor Thomas Mountford (*1961), currently Full Professor of Stochastic Processes in the School of Basic Sciences, is to retire at the end of July 2026. Thomas Mountford joined EPFL as a full professor in 2001. He is a recognised specialist in probability theory and stochastic processes, and has made a significant contribution to our understanding of complex random systems and basic probability models. Thomas Mountford has received numerous research grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation, as well as several prestigious awards. At EPFL he has played a major role in educating several generations of mathematicians specialising in stochastics. His dedication to research and teaching, and his services to the scientific community, have greatly enriched EPFL.

Professor Olivier Schneider (*1961), currently Full Professor of Elementary Particle Physics in the School of Basic Sciences, will retire at the end of August 2026. Olivier Schneider joined EPFL as an associate professor in 2003 and was promoted to full professor in 2010. He has made a significant contribution to particle physics. In particular, he was a leading player in the international collaborations on the Belle experiment in Japan and the LHCb experiment at CERN. Since 2016, Olivier Schneider has been Deputy Director of the Institute of Physics at EPFL. His previous roles include that of Director of the Doctoral Programme in Physics. His outstanding commitment to teaching and his notable contribution to EPFL have greatly contributed to the institution's prestige and reputation.

Professor Didier Trono (*1956), currently Full Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences, is to retire at the end of October 2026. Didier Trono is a virologist who joined EPFL as a full professor in 2004. He is a renowned expert in the field of life sciences, specialising in the interactions between viruses and their hosts. His early achievements include the development of lentiviral vectors, which are used to treat various inherited diseases and in cancer immunotherapy. More recently, Didier Trono has made remarkable contributions in the field of epigenetics. He holds numerous patents and has won many awards for his work, including two ERC Advanced Grants. Didier Trono has made a valuable contribution to EPFL through his wide-ranging engagement, in particular through serving as the Dean of the School of Life Sciences from 2004 to 2012.

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

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