Eight professors appointed

Dr Thomas Giroux (*1994), currently Researcher at the ?cole Nationale de la Statistique et de l¡¯Administration ?conomique (ENSAE Paris) and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, France, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Sustainable Finance in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics. Thomas Giroux conducts research into sustainable finance with an emphasis on biodiversity and climate. He examines the role of mixed financing in the co-funding of projects aimed at environmental protection, the financial consequences of climate and biodiversity risks, and the dynamic development of general financial risk factors. In appointing Thomas Giroux, the Department is strengthening its teaching thanks to his expertise in finance and accounting, as well as boosting research into sustainability in finance and management.

Dr Megan McDonald (*1985), currently UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leader Fellow at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, as Associate Professor of Plant Disease Dynamics in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Megan McDonald¡¯s research explores the emergence of new fungal diseases in plants. She also investigates genes that determine the host specificity of fungi in crops such as wheat and barley. Her work provides key insights into the evolution of plant diseases as well as helping develop new control strategies and breed resistant varieties. By appointing Megan McDonald, the Department is boosting research into plant disease dynamics and population genomics while strengthening its links with WSL, Agroscope, the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, and the Department of Biology at the University of Zurich.

Professor Melika Payvand (*1987), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Autonomous Intelligent Agents in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (dual professorship with the University of Zurich). Melika Payvand¡¯s groundbreaking research looks at the development of a new generation of computing systems that mimic the functioning of the brain and thus differ radically from conventional computer architectures. These novel computer systems could solve some of the serious deficiencies of artificial intelligence and perform tasks in areas where conventional computers fall short. In appointing Melika Payvand, the Department is gaining an internationally acclaimed, well-connected, award-winning leader in her field, as well as a committed and inspiring teacher.

Professor Anthony Straub (*1990), currently Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Membrane and Interfacial Science in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. Anthony Straub¡¯s research focuses on the development of new, sustainable separation processes, based on innovative materials and the targeted use of interfacial phenomena. His work is of fundamental importance for a multitude of industrial applications such as water desalination, the production of fine chemicals and medicines, and separating CO₂ from exhaust gases and the air. Anthony Straub is actively driving forward the implementation of his research through his spin-off company. His appointment enables the Department to strengthen the field of separation science and interfacial science, while encouraging valuable internal and external collaborations.

Dr Malik Wagih (*1989), currently Lawrence Fellow at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Materials Modelling in the Department of Materials. The focus of Malik Wagih¡¯s research is on the discovery and development of new materials by means of defect engineering. Using the latest computer-aided simulations, theoretical methods and artificial intelligence, he investigates how the targeted manipulation of defects can achieve unique mechanical, electrical and chemical properties for applications in extreme environments, such as fusion energy and aerospace. His expertise can be applied to soft materials and biological structures as well as metallic systems. Through the appointment of Malik Wagih, the Department is enhancing the high level of innovation in this subject area and enabling important collaborations.

Promotions

Professor David Kammer (*1985), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Solid Mechanics in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. David Kammer¡¯s research focuses on understanding the processes that lead to materials failing. This topic is of decisive importance for civil engineering structures as well as geological and biological materials. David Kammer¡¯s significant achievements are based on an extremely effective combination of theory and high-performance computing. He has already received numerous grants for his research, including an SNSF Starting Grant. With his appointment, the Department is retaining a distinguished expert in the field of theoretical and computer-assisted mechanics, and a world leader in the study of fracture mechanics in materials.

Professor Julia Vogt (*1982), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science. Julia Vogt¡¯s interdisciplinary research combines computer science and medicine, with an emphasis on machine learning methods. The aim is to develop computer-assisted and statistical tools for improving image-based medical diagnostics in order to enhance personalised patient care. Julia Vogt has received many awards for her research, particularly in the field of child health, including an ERC Starting Grant in 2022. She has an extensive network among the international research community and is also a dedicated lecturer. Thanks to this appointment, the Department is retaining a brilliant researcher and international leader while strengthening the area of artificial intelligence and health.

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

Beat Weibel (*1966), currently Head of ETH transfer at ETH Zurich, as Professor of Practice in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences. During more than two decades in senior roles in the field of industrial property rights, Beat Weibel played a decisive role in shaping the global IP strategy of companies such as ABB, Siemens and Georg Fischer, as well as successfully managing international IP organisations. He has many years¡¯ experience of both practice and training in the field of industrial property rights. At ETH Zurich, Beat Weibel is to co-develop and implement a training and awareness initiative in the area of intellectual property. The aim is to familiarise students and researchers with the principles, opportunities and challenges connected with protecting and exploiting intellectual property, and to impart practical skills.