Adrian Schwaninger

Adrian Schwaninger is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), School of Applied Psychology, where he serves as Head of the Institute for Humans in Complex Systems since May 2009. He has held academic teaching positions at the University of Zurich (1999-2015), ETH Zurich (1999-2008), and Zurich University of the Arts (2009-2012). His research focuses on human-machine systems, particularly in aviation security contexts.

Professor Schwaninger's research interests span Ergonomics and Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, Aviation Security, Human-Technology Interaction, and Quantitative Methods. His work primarily investigates how humans interact with complex technological systems, with a particular emphasis on airport security screening procedures. He has conducted extensive field studies with airport security screeners examining cognitive performance, visual inspection techniques, and the impact of various work conditions on security screening effectiveness.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on aviation security systems, particularly examining 3D vs 2D imaging for baggage screening, virtual reality training applications, the effects of night work and circadian rhythms on performance, and decision support systems in security contexts. These studies consistently apply rigorous quantitative methods to real-world security screening environments, producing findings with immediate practical applications for improving aviation security procedures worldwide.

Professor Schwaninger is an active member of several professional organizations including the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), Society for Industrial Engineering (GfA), Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, and multiple IEEE societies focused on aerospace, robotics, and systems engineering. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in security technology and human performance optimization.