Volker Gass

Volker Gass serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at EPFL and Adjunct Professor across multiple departments including School of Engineering and College of Management of Technology. His academic background includes a PhD in Applied Micro-Systems Technologies from University of Neuchâtel and executive leadership training.

Gass's research focuses on space technology innovation, including satellite systems, space materials, and educational applications of space science. His work bridges engineering development and space policy frameworks.

Recent publications demonstrate three research priorities: (1) advanced space propulsion and thermal systems, (2) space qualification of terrestrial technologies, and (3) educational applications of space exploration concepts. These works balance technical innovation with practical implementation challenges.

As former Director of the Swiss Space Center (Space Innovation), Gass led initiatives linking academic research with industry applications, including CubeSat development and space debris mitigation. He currently oversees strategic technology initiatives at EPFL while maintaining visiting professor status at MIT AeroAstro.