Christian M. Franck

Christian M. Franck is a Full Professor of High Voltage Engineering at ETH Zurich's Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, where he leads the Power Systems and High Voltage Laboratory. Appointed Assistant Professor in January 2010, promoted to Associate Professor in June 2015, and elevated to Full Professor in March 2020, he has established himself as a leading researcher in electrical power transmission technologies.

Dr. Franck's academic foundation includes physics studies at the Universities of Bonn, Edinburgh, and Kiel (diploma 1999), followed by a Ph.D. in experimental physics from the Max-Planck-Institute for Plasma Physics in 2003. His industry experience at ABB Research Center (2003-2010), where he headed the high voltage systems and gas circuit breakers group, provided crucial practical insights that inform his research approach.

Research Focus: His laboratory investigates 'technologies for future electric power transmission systems' with four primary thrusts: High Voltage Gaseous Insulation Systems, Future Overhead Power Transmission Lines, High Voltage Solid Insulation, and Current Interruption. This includes developing SF6 alternatives, HVDC insulation systems, hybrid AC-DC overhead lines, corona mitigation techniques, and advanced circuit breaker technologies. His methodology combines cutting-edge experimental techniques with multiphysics simulations to achieve both practical solutions and fundamental physical understanding.

Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on eco-friendly alternatives to traditional insulating gases, advanced monitoring systems for circuit breakers, and the physics of current interruption in novel gas mixtures. His work bridges fundamental gas discharge phenomena with practical engineering applications in power transmission infrastructure.

• Full Professor of High Voltage Engineering, ETH Zurich (March 2020 - present)
• Associate Professor, ETH Zurich (May 2015 - March 2020)
• Assistant Professor, ETH Zurich (January 2010 - May 2015)
• Group Leader, High Voltage Systems and Gas Circuit Breakers, ABB Research Center (2005-2010)

Dr. Franck teaches foundational and advanced courses including Networks and Circuits I, High Voltage Engineering, and Introduction to Electric Power Transmission. His research group maintains strong industry connections, ensuring practical relevance while advancing the fundamental science of high voltage engineering. The laboratory's work directly addresses critical challenges in the energy transition, particularly in developing sustainable alternatives to SF6 and enabling more efficient electrical energy transmission systems.