Ingo Burgert

Prof. Ingo Burgert is a Full Professor for Wood Materials Science at ETH Zurich's Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, and Head of the Institute for Building Materials (IfB). He co-leads the WoodTec research group at Empa, focusing on biomimetic materials and optimizing wood properties through polymer chemistry and nanotechnology. His work bridges natural principles (e.g., wood structure) with engineering applications, such as conductive wood and smart materials for building automation.

Research emphasizes nanostructural analysis of wood and fiber composites, bio-inspired material design, and enhancing wood’s reliability as a construction material. His lab explores responsive materials for smart home integration and sustainable building solutions.

Teaching includes courses on advanced building materials, timber structures, and biological/bio-inspired materials (e.g., Autumn Semester 2025 offerings: 101-0617-01L, 101-0637-01L, etc.). No specific awards or grants are listed in the texts, though his leadership roles highlight institutional recognition.

Labs/Teams: Leads the WoodTec group at Empa with Prof. Mark Schubert, and directs the Cellulose and Wood Materials Laboratory. Collaborates widely on biomimetic material innovation.