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Christine AbbtView profile

Lecturer

• Political Philosophy
• Aesthetics
• Ethics
• +3 more

Christine Abbt is a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Zurich (since 2016) and previously held an SNSF Professorship in Philosophy at the University of Lucerne (2015–2019). Her research focuses on Political Philosophy, Aesthetics, Ethics, and Memory Theory. She holds a doctorate from the University of Zurich (2005) and has held research fellowships at institutions including the University of Chicago and Goethe University Frankfurt. Her work explores topics such as democratic equality, civil disobedience, and the intersection of art and politics. Recent publications include analyses of Diderot’s philosophy, critiques of border policies, and reflections on democratic resilience. She has contributed to interdisciplinary programs like 'Science and Wisdom' and engages in public discourse through interviews and media articles. Education: German, Philosophy, Religious Studies (University of Zurich, 1993–1999) Doctorate (2005): Thesis on 'the problem of speechlessness' Habilitation (2012): Thesis on 'thinking and forgetting' Abbt’s research interests emphasize democratic theory, moral philosophy, and the role of reflection in civic life. Her articles address contemporary issues like border walls, pandemic ethics, and utopian political ideals. She has edited volumes on topics such as 'Thoughtfulness' and 'Normative Orders', showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue. Her work often bridges academic and public spheres, with contributions to newspapers like the NZZ Feuilleton and radio broadcasts. She advocates for the importance of philosophical inquiry in addressing societal challenges, blending rigorous analysis with accessible communication.

Verena HäberleView profile

Lecturer

• Power System Dynamics
• Automatic Control
• Power Electronics
• +4 more

Verena Häberle is a PhD student at ETH Zurich's Automatic Control Laboratory (IfA) and a Lecturer at Ashesi University's ETH-Ashesi Master's Program in Mechatronic Engineering. She holds a Bachelor's (2018) and Master's (2020) in Electrical Engineering from ETH Zurich, specializing in power systems control and optimization. Her research focuses on power system dynamics, grid-forming control, dynamic virtual power plants (DVPPs), and renewable energy integration. She has conducted visiting research at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Her honors include the ETH Medal, SGA Award 2020, and Silver Medal of ETH Zurich for academic excellence. Teaching roles include co-lecturing Control Systems at ETH and lecturing mechatronics in Ghana. Research interests span power electronics, data-driven converter control, and grid-code design. Publications emphasize grid stability, converter control, and ancillary services. She actively contributes to experimental validation of control concepts via hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Tashi GumbatshangView profile

Lecturer

• Business Psychology
• Behavioral Finance
• Applied Psychology
• +7 more

Tashi Gumbatshang is a Lecturer in Business Psychology and Behavioral Finance affiliated with Raiffeisen Switzerland Cooperative. He holds a dual professional-academic role, serving as Head of Wealth Planning and Member of the Management organization while teaching in BSc and MSc Business Psychology programs. His academic credentials include a BSc in Banking & Finance, federal certification as a finance and investment expert (CIWM, AZEK), an MA in Work and Organizational Psychology, and an MA in Philosophy, Politics, Economics. Gumbatshang's research spans interdisciplinary domains at the intersection of psychology, economics, and business. Primary interests include behavioral finance, organizational psychology, and applied psychological principles in business contexts. Supplementary focus areas encompass industrial psychology, market research methodologies, behavioral economics, banking systems, business administration frameworks, and social media dynamics.

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Pain Management
• Occupational Health
• +4 more

Dr. Andrea Aegerter is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lucerne , affiliated with the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine . Her research focuses on musculoskeletal disorders, workplace health, and pain management, particularly in office workers. She leads projects like NEXpro, investigating interventions to reduce neck/back pain and improve work productivity. Dr. Aegerter also holds operational and strategic roles in initiatives addressing low back pain through personalized exercise medicine. Her academic background includes a PhD from the University of Zurich and advanced degrees in physiotherapy from Zurich University of Applied Sciences. She contributed to studies at the University of Bern and Zurich University of Applied Sciences, exploring online workplace interventions and pain reduction strategies. Dr. Aegerter actively participates in academic conferences (e.g., European Public Health Conference, Eurospine Congress) and maintains a teaching fellowship alongside her clinical practice as a physiotherapist. Her research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to improve physical and mental well-being in occupational settings. Key projects include the NEXpro intervention, which combines ergonomic adjustments and exercise programs to mitigate neck pain. She has also analyzed pandemic impacts on workplace health and utilizes virtual platforms (e.g., WeMoveVirtual) for musculoskeletal pain management. Dr. Aegerter's work bridges clinical practice, research, and education, with a focus on translating evidence into actionable workplace health policies and interventions.

• Political Science
• Political Communication
• European Union Politics
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Alexander Trechsel is a Full Professor of Political Science and Political Communication at the University of Lucerne's Department of Political Science within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Born in Bern (CH) in 1971, he holds a PhD in Political Science (with highest distinction) from the University of Geneva (1999). He served as the Swiss Chair in Federalism and Democracy at the European University Institute (2005–2016), including as Head of the Department for Political and Social Sciences (2013–2016). He has also been a Faculty Fellow at Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet and Society (2012–2015) and a Faculty Associate there since 2015. His research focuses on political communication, electoral behavior, European Union politics, democratic innovation, and the role of digital technologies in governance. Key themes include voting advice applications (VAAs), transnational party positioning, e-voting systems, and the democratic deficit in EU institutions. He has led major projects like euandi analyzing EU election dynamics and InDivEU exploring citizen-political system alignment. Trechsel's work bridges academia and public engagement, emphasizing tools like VAAs to enhance voter decision-making and democratic accountability. His contributions address contemporary challenges in representative democracy, including polarization, electoral participation, and institutional reform across Europe. He currently holds a permanent faculty position at the University of Lucerne, where he also contributes to programs in Political Sciences and interdisciplinary initiatives like the Lucerne Master in Computational Social Sciences (LUMACSS).

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Recommender Systems
• Deep Reinforcement Learning
• +4 more

Ingram Sandy is a Professor at the Haute école d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Fribourg (HES-SO), part of the iSIS Institute for Intelligent and Secure Systems. Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction, Recommender Systems, and Digital Wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on applying technology to education and workplace environments. She leads and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects addressing challenges in smart environments, user experience design, and AI integration in learning platforms. Key projects include developing serious games for mental health support (Sesame Project), workplace comfort systems (SpotOn), and chatbot-enhanced educational tools. She has also contributed to frameworks like eLogBook and Graasp, aiming to bridge formal and informal learning through social software innovations. Her work spans over 15 years, with publications in top venues like IEEE, ACM, and international conferences on human-computer interaction and learning technologies. Ingram Sandy’s research interests span from foundational AI methods (reinforcement learning, deep learning) to applied domains like digital wellbeing assessment, smart office comfort modeling, and chatbot-mediated education. She actively collaborates with industry partners (e.g., OrchardAI) and academic networks across Switzerland and Europe. Her contributions highlight the intersection of technology, human behavior, and educational design.

Johannes JudView profile

Researcher

• Self-Regulated Learning
• Teacher Professional Competencies
• Motivation
• +3 more

Johannes Jud is a Project Assistant at the Department of Upper Secondary Education with Special Focus on Research on Teaching and Learning, Institute of Education (IfE), University of Zurich. His work centers on self-regulated learning, teacher professional competencies, and motivation in educational contexts. PhD in Educational Sciences (2020), University of Basel Teaching Diploma (2018), School of Education Bern MSc in Geography (2018), University of Bern BSc in Geography with minor in Economics (2013), University of Fribourg Research focuses on self-regulated learning mechanisms, teacher competency assessment , and motivational frameworks like expectancy-value theory . He explores how teachers' professional development programs influence classroom practices and student outcomes, with a strong emphasis on metacognition , mindset studies , and diagnostic methodologies for lifelong learning in digitalized environments. Recent publications analyze video-based classroom insights, digital tools for measuring self-regulated learning strategies, and the interplay between teacher motivation and student achievement. Collaborative projects with Prof. Yves Karlen examine how teachers' success expectancies and costs affect their promotion of self-regulated learning.

Marla MetternichView profile

Researcher

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Biofluid Dynamics
• Environmental Fluid Mechanics
• +3 more

Marla Metternich is a doctoral student in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Professur f. Geophys. Fluiddynamik (Chair of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics). Her research focuses on computational modeling of fluid dynamics, particularly in geophysical and biomedical contexts such as cilia-driven particle transport in lungs. She actively collaborates with institutions like Imperial College London and Helmholtz Munich through interdisciplinary programs like the Imperial-TUM joint doctoral academy.

Florian DörflerView profile

Professor

• Distributed Control Systems
• Optimization
• Cyber-Physical Systems
• +7 more

Florian Dörfler is a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering and Deputy Head of the Automatic Control Laboratory. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2013), and a Diplom in Engineering Cybernetics from the University of Stuttgart (2008). Prior to ETH, he was an Assistant Professor at UCLA (2013–2014). His research focuses on distributed control and optimization in complex systems, including smart grids, robotic coordination, and social networks. Key areas include power grid stability, online feedback optimization, and data-driven control. He has advised students who received or were finalists for prestigious awards at major conferences such as the European Control Conference and American Control Conference. Notable awards include the IFAC Manfred Thoma Medal (2020), European Control Award (2020), and IEEE Circuits and Systems Best Paper Award (2016). His work spans theoretical advancements and practical applications, with contributions to stability analysis, decentralized control, and energy systems. Led the Automatic Control Laboratory and contributes to ETH Zurich’s broader efforts in cyber-physical systems. Active in academic service, including editorial roles and conference organization. His lab develops cutting-edge solutions for grid resilience, distributed optimization, and networked systems.

Robert W. SumnerView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Computer Graphics
• Mesh Processing
• Inverse Kinematics
• +3 more

Robert W. Sumner is an Adjunct Professor at ETH Zurich and Associate Director at Disney Research Zurich. He specializes in computer graphics, focusing on mesh deformation, inverse kinematics, and game programming. His work bridges academic research and industry applications, particularly in 3D modeling and animation. Affiliations: Disney Research Zurich, ETH Zurich Education: PhD in Computer Science from MIT (2005), MSc from MIT (2001) Research Interests: Developing algorithms for shape manipulation, deformation transfer, and game development. Notable contributions include the ETH Game Programming Laboratory course and foundational work on mesh-based inverse kinematics. Key Projects: Curvature-domain shape processing, embedded deformation techniques, and deformation transfer between 3D models.

Rico ZenklusenView profile

Professor

• Combinatorial Optimization
• Theoretical Computer Science
• Network Optimization
• +3 more

Prof. Rico Zenklusen is a Full Professor at the Department of Mathematics and Deputy Head of the Institute for Operations Research at ETH Zurich. He previously held positions at Johns Hopkins University and conducted postdoctoral research at MIT and EPFL. His research focuses on Combinatorial Optimization, including algorithm design for complex optimization problems using structures like matroids, submodular functions, and polyhedral methods, with applications in Theoretical Computer Science and Graph Theory. Education: PhD in Mathematics from ETH Zurich Master's degree in Mathematics from EPFL Research Interests: Combinatorial Optimization, Network Design, Submodular Maximization, Matroid Theory, and Applications in Operations Research. His work emphasizes efficient algorithms for optimization problems with real-world applications, such as train engine scheduling, operating room management, and rolling stock scheduling for railways. Grants & Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (ICOPT) Swiss National Science Foundation Support Students & Advising: Advises PhD and master’s students in optimization and related fields. Current and past students include Adam Kurpisz, Etienne Bamas, and Vera Traub. Visit the group page for project opportunities. Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Zenklusen Group, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects with industries like BLS Cargo (train engine optimization) and the SBB (rolling stock scheduling). Active in ETH Zurich's AI Center for complex system research.

Colin MadenView profile

Researcher

• Isotope Geochemistry
• Mass Spectrometry
• Analytical Instrumentation
• +3 more

Dr. Colin Maden is a senior scientist at ETH Zurich's Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology, working under Professors Maria Schönbächler and Derek Vance. He specializes in isotope geochemistry and cosmochemistry, focusing on advancing analytical instrumentation like mass spectrometers. His role includes overseeing 15 mass spectrometers, 190 m² of clean labs, and IT infrastructure for the isotope geochemistry groups. Key research involves developing a Thermal Ionisation Cavity (TIC) source to enhance TIMS efficiency, collaborating with CEA, France. His career spans physics studies at ETH Zurich (BS 1998, PhD 2003), postdoctoral work on SuperSIMS, and roles at SUERC and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre. Education: BSc and PhD in Physics from ETH Zurich (1998, 2003). Research Interests: Instrumentation optimization for Earth sciences, noble gas analysis, and application of advanced mass spectrometry techniques. Current projects include enhancing TIMS for picogram-scale analysis of extraterrestrial samples and simulating ionization processes via software like Sofie. Lab Infrastructure: Manages a state-of-the-art facility including MC-TIMS, MC-ICPMS, and custom noble gas systems. Collaborates internationally on projects like analyzing Hayabusa2 asteroid samples. Grants & Awards: No specific awards listed, but his work contributes to major space missions and instrument development programs. Labs/Teams: Plays a central role in the Isotope Geochemistry groups at ETH, coordinating instrument development and sample analysis for cosmic and terrestrial materials.

• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Policy
• Sustainability
• +5 more

Prof. Robert Finger is a Full Professor at the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics at ETH Zürich, and Head of the World Food System Center. He holds a PhD from ETH Zürich (2009) and has held academic positions at Wageningen University (2012–2014) and the University of Bonn (2014–2016). His research focuses on agricultural economics, policy evaluation, and sustainability, emphasizing farm-level decisions and their linkages with environment, markets, and policy. He has published over 250 peer-reviewed papers and received accolades such as the ETH Medal and GEWISOLA Prize. Teaching responsibilities include courses at ETH's Agricultural Sciences program, doctoral programs, and continuing education. He chairs the World Food System Center, promoting interdisciplinary research on sustainable food systems, and leads the steering committee for a major ETH Domain open research data initiative. He is an editor for journals like the European Review of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Systems , and co-founded the Agrarpolitik Blog to disseminate research insights to non-academic audiences. His research spans climate change adaptation, pesticide policy, risk management, and EU agricultural reforms. Notable awards include the 'Outstanding Journal Article Award' (2021) and the Societal Impact Award (2021). Under his leadership, eight team members have advanced to professorships at global universities.

Georgia PierrouView profile

Research Fellow

• Electric Power Systems
• Renewable Energy
• Optimization
• +4 more

Dr. Georgia Pierrou is a Research Fellow at ETH Zurich's Power Systems Laboratory, specializing in dynamic analysis, optimization, and control of electric power systems integrating renewable energy and electrified transportation. She holds a PhD from McGill University and a M.Eng. from National Technical University of Athens. Her research focuses on developing data-driven methods for power system stability, wide-area voltage control using PMUs, and optimal integration of electric vehicles in railway energy systems. She investigates renewable energy coordination, grid resilience against cyber threats, and stochastic modeling of power system dynamics. Her publications show consistent focus on renewable-integrated power systems, with recent work emphasizing EV charging optimization in transportation networks and physics-informed data methods for grid management. Awards & Honors: Future Digileaders (2023) Best Poster Award (2023) EECS Rising Stars (2022) D.W. Ambridge Prize (2022) Green Talents Award (2021) AQPER Student Contest Finalist (2020) McGill GREAT Award (2019) Constantina N. Frangouli Scholarship (2019) George Kontaxis Award (2018) Stiftung Mercator Scholarship (2016) She leads projects including RailPower for future railway energy systems and teaches power system dynamics, optimization, and sustainable energy courses at ETH Zurich. She mentors students in power systems research and sustainable mobility solutions.

Christophe RandinView profile

Researcher

• Climate Change Biology
• Ecological Modeling
• Plant Ecology
• +3 more

Christophe Randin is a Researcher at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne. His work focuses on understanding how species distributions respond to climate change, particularly in alpine and mountain ecosystems. He holds a PhD from the University of Lausanne and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado (INSTAAR) and the University of Basel as part of the ERC TREELIM project. His research integrates field experiments, ecological modeling, and historical data analysis, with key areas including plant phenology, biodiversity conservation, and socio-ecological systems. Notable projects include the 'Herbier vaudois 2.0' leveraging historical herbarium records and the 'Atlas Scientifique du Mont Blanc' under the EU-funded PIT program. Randin’s publications emphasize high-resolution land use forecasting, vegetation dynamics, and climate impacts on ecosystems. He has co-supervised PhD students like Daphné Asse and contributed to tools like the 'ecospat' R package for ecological modeling.