Twelve professors appointed

Professor Karl Bringmann (*1986), currently Professor at Saarland University, Germany, as Full Professor of Theoretical Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science. Karl Bringmann specialises in the design of combinatorial algorithms and fine-grained complexity. The field of research he launched was able to provide the first rigorous evidence that certain computational problems cannot be solved in linear time and that classical algorithms with quadratic time complexity are best suited to these problems. His groundbreaking research has attracted several prestigious awards, including an ERC Starting Grant in 2019. In addition, Karl Bringmann is an excellent teacher and supervisor. Through his appointment, the Department is strengthening the research area of algorithms and complexity, and expanding its teaching capacity.

Dr Yannis Chronis (*1991), currently Systems Research Engineer in the Systems Research Group at Google, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Database Management Systems in the Department of Computer Science. The research conducted by Yannis Chronis is firmly anchored in data management. He has performed pioneering work in the areas of planning, query optimisation, indexing and a broad spectrum of algorithms and data structures used in databases. At ETH Zurich, Yannis Chronis wishes to continue researching the development of associative processors to accelerate analytic query workloads. With this appointment, the Department is strengthening its coverage of key topics in computer science, such as databases, data management and computer systems, and fostering synergies with research institutes and other departments.

Professor Tristan März (*1987), currently Associate Professor at the University of Michigan and Associate Professor with Tenure at the University of Michigan Medical School, USA, as Associate Professor of Musculoskeletal Bioengineering in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. The main research focus of Tristan März is on diseases of the musculoskeletal system and its regeneration, with particular emphasis on the immunological mechanisms of arthritis and the development of new intra-articular therapeutics. Tristan März is a grant reviewer for NIH and other US institutions and has also been awarded a number of prestigious research grants himself. Through his appointment, the Department is strengthening the research area of musculoskeletal health and expanding its links with other departments, PSI, Empa and local hospitals.

Dr Sarah Meissner (*1988), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich, as Assistant Professor of Brain-Body Regulation in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Sarah Meissner’s research focuses on brain functions and their modulation, as well as their effects on other bodily functions and (mental) health. She has developed a new method based on the connection between changes in the pupil and the excitation state of the brain. Sarah Meissner was awarded an SNSF Starting Grant. In making this appointment, the Department is strengthening the intradepartmental links between the human neurosciences, neurobiology and mental health.

Professor Paola Passalacqua (*1977), currently Full Professor at the University of Texas, Austin, USA, as Full Professor of Hydrology and River System Science in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. Paola Passalacqua’s research lies at the intersection of water management, geomorphology and hydrology. Her work covers four main areas: the structure and dynamics of river deltas, hydrological connectivity, flood risks and their increasing repercussions. She is committed to modern, research-oriented teaching. With the appointment of Paola Passalacqua, the Department and Eawag are starting a new chapter in the highly topical area of hydrology and river system science.

Dr Diana Prado Lopes Aude Craik (*1988), currently Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich, as Assistant Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics. Diana Prado Lopes Aude Craik’s research focuses on reviewing physical principles with the help of well-controlled quantum systems, especially atomic ions trapped in electromagnetic fields. In future she would like to continue her search for parity violations in barium ions. She is an active teacher and science communicator. The appointment of Diana Prado Lopes Aude Craik, who has been awarded an SNSF Starting Grant, builds on the Department's expertise in the field of quantum control and promotes synergies with other research fields.

Professor Joel Zindel (*1986), currently SNSF Assistant Professor and Staff Surgeon at Inselspital (University Hospital of Bern and University of Bern), as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Tissue Repair in the Department of Biology. Joel Zindel's research is concerned with the mechanisms of tissue damage and repair processes. It has a particular focus on peritoneal injuries and the adhesions that often form after operations. These are caused by an abnormal repair process for which there is as yet no treatment available, and which Joel Zindel is investigating using molecular and cell biology and with the help of imaging methods. Joel Zindel’s appointment strengthens the Department in the field of biomedicine with a focus on tissue repair, and enhances its collaboration with Zurich University Hospital and other hospitals.

Professor Athina Anastasaki (*1988), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Sustainable Polymers in the Department of Materials. Athina Anastasaki's research focuses on synthetic polymers, especially for controlling polymer synthesis. A particularly notable achievement was the development and investigation of depolymerisation processes for methacrylate polymers, which are of major importance in recycling plastics. Her research results have industrial applications. Athina Anastasaki has received various awards for her work, including an ERC Starting Grant. Through this appointment, the Department is retaining an extremely intelligent and talented scientist and securing its leading global position in polymer science.

Professor Sebastian Dötterl (*1982), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Soil Resources in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Sebastian Dötterl is a globally acknowledged expert in soil erosion and its effects on the carbon cycle. Furthermore, he is one of the world’s leading specialists in carbon dynamics in tropical soils. He investigates the integrated interactions and feedback effects between soil, plants and micro-organisms. His findings are of eminent significance for the environmental sciences and for society in general. Sebastian Dötterl is a member of numerous research networks and professional associations. In making this appointment, the Department is retaining an esteemed colleague and an internationally renowned and innovative researcher.

Professor Taekwang Jang (*1983), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, as Associate Professor of Analog and Mixed Signal Circuits in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. Taekwang Jang’s research focuses on the design of mixed analogue-digital circuits for miniaturised computer systems. He is especially interested in designing ultra low power circuit components used in miniaturised computer systems with a very limited energy budget, such as for wireless sensor nodes or in biomedical electronics. Taekwang Jang’s work has already had an impact on various branches of science and industry, ranging from the Internet of Things and human-machine interfaces through to artificial intelligence, and has won several awards. This appointment enables the Department to boost its international visibility in the field of analogue and mixed signal circuits over the longer term.

Professor Sereina Riniker (*1985), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Computational Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences. Sereina Riniker’s research, for which she has won multiple awards, is in the area of computational and theoretical chemistry, with a focus on developing new methods and software for molecular dynamics computer simulations and cheminformatics. She devotes herself to highly complex molecular interconnections, which are of growing importance to the development of new drugs, for example. Sereina Riniker nurtures extensive scientific collaborations worldwide with universities, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and institutes. This esteemed and dedicated colleague, teacher and mentor is an exemplary member of the Department, which she enriches.

Professor Christoph Studer (*1979), currently Associate Professor at ETH Zurich, as Full Professor of Integrated Information Processing in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. Christoph Studer’s research lies at the intersection of wireless communication, machine learning, digital signal processing, numerical optimisation and the design of integrated circuits. Over the past ten years this multiple award-winning researcher has developed into an internationally recognised expert in the fields of information processing, design of integrated circuits, and wireless communication. Christoph Studer is a committed and successful teacher who makes an outstanding contribution to the Department as a head of institute.

Dr Catharina Bening (*1980), currently Senior Scientist and Lecturer at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics. Catharina Bening’s economic research spans the entire value chain, from production and product use through to end-of-life considerations. She has a particular focus on the impacts of different circular strategies and policies on nature conservation. Her research at the interface of technology, management and policy is of strategic importance to the Department and to ETH Zurich.

Dr Daniella Laureiro Martinez (*1980), currently Senior Scientist and Lecturer at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics. Daniella Laureiro Martinez conducts research on the cognitive foundations of strategic decision-making and adaptive behaviour in organisations. Her interdisciplinary work deals with two of the Department's key focus areas – “Responsible Digital Transformation” and “Sustainability” – and greatly enriches the research strategy of the Department, which aspires to achieve a leading position in the field of management.

Dr Michael Siegenthaler (*1985), currently Senior Scientist and Lecturer at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics. Michael Siegenthaler’s research interests lie in the fields of labour economics and migration. He investigates the impacts of minimum wages, immigration restrictions, short-time working and exchange rates on corporate demand for workers. Michael Siegenthaler has developed the Research Division Swiss Labour Market – which he leads – into a central pillar of the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich. He is a great asset to the Department.

Dr Maksym Yarema (*1985), currently Senior Scientist and Lecturer at ETH Zurich, as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. Maksym Yarema’s research takes place at the intersection of natural and engineering science, investigating the relationships between materials and performance. His mission is to combine chemistry and materials with electronics. As the recipient of an ERC Starting Grant, he has already served as an assistant professor of nanoscale storage devices at ETH Zurich and now wishes to develop the field of phase change memory, among others, and extend his studies to tellurides containing rare earths and chalcogenide-based selector components with an oval threshold value.

Dr Lukas Imbach (*1977), currently Medical Director and Head of Research of the Swiss Epilepsy Centre at Klinik Lengg in Zurich, as Professor of Practice in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich. Lukas Imbach is an outstanding clinician, lecturer and researcher who has contributed significantly to the treatment of epilepsy and to neurophysiology. He has wide-ranging clinical and scientific experience in neurophysiological diagnostics and neuromodulation with invasive approaches; these provide a unique opportunity to measure and modulate human brain activity – something that ETH Zurich lacks at present. Lukas Imbach is ideally suited to continue building the long-term partnership between ETH Zurich and the Swiss Epilepsy Centre at Klinik Lengg.