“People are proactive and step up when things need doing”
Laura Nystr?m has been president of the University Assembly for four months. In this interview, she explains why she took up this office and what has surprised her most.
Ms Nystr?m, you joined the University Assembly (UA) for the first time in the role of president. What attracted you to this office?
I was asked if I would join the UA, and I’ve always made myself available for offices and roles that serve the university, so I accepted. Then the question came up of who would take over the presidency. As the other Lecturers’ Conference representatives were unavailable due to either professional or personal commitments, I decided to take up this office.
How did you find your feet in your new role?
I’m still getting to grips with it [laughs]. I’m fortunate that I was Head of Department before. Dagmar Iber, who preceded me as president, reported in each of the Head of Department Conferences, so I had at least a bit of an idea about the topics. After my election, I met with Dagmar a few times. She set out the most important points for me in writing. And then it was a case of learning by doing. It’s been an intense period.
Did your predecessor give you any special advice on how to proceed?
Not really any concrete tips, but she did share her experiences with me, which was extremely valuable. For example, I learnt how important listening is in my new role. The UA is a participation body open to all groups at the university. They listen to one another and develop common positions, for example for consultations. The UA may not have the same importance for lecturers as for other groups, because they have other bodies where they can express their views. But for students, scientific employees and the Staff Commission, the UA is an important participation body.
Laura Nystr?m
Laura Nystr?m was born in Toijala, Finland, in 1977. She studied food science at the University of Helsinki, where she also obtained her doctorate and began her scientific career as a postdoc. She was appointed Professor of Food Biochemistry at ETH Zurich in 2009. Over the course of her career, she has produced more than 100 publications and filed two patent applications. She has received various awards for her scientific work, including an ERC Starting Grant in 2015. In 2018, she was presented with the ALEA (Art of Leadership Award) at ETH. From 2022 to 2024, she was Head of the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST). Laura Nystr?m is married with a 15-year-old daughter.
You have held this office for a good four months now. What has surprised you most so far?
How motivated everyone is. When we’re looking for someone for a role or for general tasks in the institute or our department, it’s always the same familiar faces volunteering. It’s completely different in the UA. A working group will immediately be set up to draft a proposal for a consultation response, for example. Sometimes, people even approach me and offer to take on a task. People are proactive and step up when things need doing. That really impresses me.
Do you already have an idea of the main priorities you want to set as president?
Much of the UA’s business is predetermined. In order to get a real insight into the topics, I first need to work through a whole year in the UA. It’s also important to me to get to know the needs of the individual university groups better. I am already familiar with my colleagues’ perspectives. For students and the younger generation, issues such as ethics, sustainability and inclusion are particularly important. We will all work together to determine the priorities.
What do you see as the most important task of the UA?
We are the body that represents the views of the entire ETH community. However, the UA also plays an important part in elections to certain committees and roles. We are currently advertising one of the most important offices in terms of participation: we are looking for a representative of the University Assemblies of ETH Zurich and EPFL for the ETH Board. I would like to encourage all potential candidates to submit an application. We are also in the process of re-advertising the Ombuds Office.
University Assemblies represented on the ETH Board
The University Assemblies of ETH Zurich and EPFL may delegate one person to the ETH Board, the strategic management body of the ETH Domain. In addition to the two universities, this comprises the four research institutes PSI, Empa, Eawag and WSL. The delegate position will be re-filled as of 1 January 2027. If you’re interested, you can find all the information on the job platform (in German).
You used to be Head of Department, you’re a member of the Teaching Commission, and now you’re UA President. What is it that interests you about university politics?
I’m not a fan of the word ‘politics,’ because for me that implies an element of opposition. Politics involves positions held by various parties who are negotiating with one another. The outcome of this is usually compromises that everyone can more or less tolerate, but no one is entirely happy with. I prefer it when we manage to work together to develop solutions that everyone is happy with.
Despite your new commitment, you are first and foremost a scientist and you’ve won various awards for your work. Which was most important to you?
I was most touched to be presented with the ALEA Award, which is an award for excellence in leadership. I was pleased to receive recognition from my group for my managerial style – or rather, the way I manage relationships at work – but I was also surprised by how much feedback I received on the award. For example, I was repeatedly asked to attend leadership events. I hope that by taking part, I was able to help shape the culture at ETH. Making a difference by working with others has always been my focus as a manager. And that’s also why I’m involved in the UA.
You can find more information about the University Assembly on the website.
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