Eight professors appointed

Dr Christin Kosse (*1989), currently Postdoctoral Fellow at Rockefeller University in New York, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Metabolism, Behaviour and Disease in the Department of Biology. Christin Kosse has a particular interest in understanding how the brain converts sensory signals about the body's energy state into eating behaviour. In order to study this question, she uses the latest methods to identify new populations of nerve cells associated with food intake and to elucidate their function. By appointing Christin Kosse, the Department is strengthening the links between the research areas of metabolism, behavioural biology, food, nutrition and health, as well as the neurosciences. This appointment will also create important synergies with the Department of Health Sciences and Technology and the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition at University Hospital Zurich.

Professor Lars Lindemann (*1989), currently Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California in Santa Monica, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Algorithmic Systems Theory in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. Lars Lindemann¡¯s award-winning research focuses on the development of mathematical methods in control technology and formal verification as well as their algorithmic implementation in autonomous and cyber-physical systems. His results are applied in areas such as robotics and autonomous driving. With the appointment of Lars Lindemann, the Department is strengthening the research areas of systems theory, control technology and the computational sciences, as well as boosting intradepartmental links with regard to robotics and information technology.

Professor Seulgi Moon (*1983), currently Associate Professor at the University of California in Los Angeles, USA, as Associate Professor of Earth Surface Dynamics in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Seulgi Moon's research focuses on geomorphology, the study of surface processes and landscape development on Earth and other planets. She has carried out pioneering work on the question of how topographic stress affects a cascade of surface processes. Through the appointment of Seulgi Moon, the Department is strengthening its commitment to innovative ways of teaching quantitative skills across the curriculum, while continuing to develop interdepartmental links with the Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics and the Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Department of Environmental Systems Science.

Aisling O¡¯Carroll (*1986), currently Doctoral Student and Lecturer at University College London, United Kingdom, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture and Geohistorical Practice in the Department of Architecture. Aisling O¡¯Carroll takes a fundamental approach to her research, which concerns the theory and methods of landscape architecture with particular reference to the urgent climate and environmental changes of our time. She develops theories and methods which combine rigorous historical and theoretical research with the use of digital technologies, representation and the challenges of design practice. By appointing Aisling O¡¯Carroll, the Department is strengthening the area of landscape architecture and expanding the discipline¡¯s profile to include fundamental research in history, theory and design methodology.

Promotions

Professor Yiwen Chu (*1986), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Hybrid Quantum Systems in the Department of Physics. Yiwen Chu¡¯s research focuses on the development of hybrid quantum devices to control quantum states in mechanical solid-state systems coupled with optical and microwave fields. The awards she has won include an ERC Starting Grant and the Latsis Prize from ETH Zurich. Exploring physics at the interface of mechanical and optical systems will most probably lead to new phenomena and perspectives as well as a better understanding of the quantum world. Through the appointment of Yiwen Chu, the Department is retaining a brilliant researcher and international leader who is pushing the boundaries in her field. 

Professor Rachel Grange (*1976), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Photonics in the Department of Physics. Rachel Grange has gained international success as a leading researcher. Awards she has received for her achievements in nonlinear optics and integrated photonics ¨C especially the use of dielectric and electro-optical materials on the nanoscale ¨C include two ERC Grants and an SNSF Consolidator Grant. Her area of research lies at the intersection of physics, electrical engineering and materials science. Rachel Grange holds three patents and serves on several committees. From August 2025 she will be Head of the Department of Physics at ETH Zurich, where she is currently Deputy Head of Department.

Professor Ferdinand von Meyenn (*1981), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Epigenetics, Nutrition and Metabolism in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Ferdinand von Meyenn researches the complex relationship between nutrition, metabolism and the epigenome. He has positioned ETH Zurich as a leading centre for this rapidly developing field. His research has far-reaching implications for our understanding of human health, illness and ageing, and has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant and an SNSF Grant, among others. By appointing Ferdinand von Meyenn, the Department is retaining an outstanding researcher and valued colleague, whose work will contribute to the development of new applications in regenerative medicine.

Award of the title of ¡°Professor of Practice¡±

Dr Hermann Patrick Braess (*1979), currently Technical Director and Head of Research and Development at TrackNet Holding Group (Tensol Rail SA and EFSA SA), as Professor of Practice in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. Hermann Patrick Braess is a well-regarded expert on railway infrastructure whose career bridges the gap between rigorous scientific research and practical technical leadership. In view of current challenges such as urbanisation, climate change and infrastructure renewal, there is a growing demand for engineers with technical and practical skills. As a professor of practice, Hermann Patrick Braess will ensure the continuity and expansion of this important training area and strengthen links with industry.