Rolf Erni

Rolf Erni is a Professor and Lecturer at the Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, and the head of the Electron Microscopy Center at Empa, Dübendorf. He has held academic and research roles since 2013, including adjunct positions at institutions such as the University of Antwerp's EMAT institute and FEI Company. His career includes postdoctoral research at UC Davis and NCEM (Lawrence Berkeley Lab), followed by industry roles before returning to academia.

• Education: PhD in Materials Science from ETH Zurich (formerly Institute of Applied Physics), followed by postdoctoral training in the U.S. and Europe.

His research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques, including atomic resolution, low-voltage, in-situ methods, and valence electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Applications span nanomaterials, semiconductor structures, functional oxides, and interplanetary dust particles. He collaborates widely, contributing to interdisciplinary studies at the atomic scale.

• Awards & Grants: ERC Consolidator Grant (2015), ETH Medal (2003), and recognition as a Distinguished Senior Researcher (2021).

Teaching includes specialized courses on electron and ion microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy at ETH Zurich. He leads Empa's microscopy center, fostering cutting-edge imaging and analytical capabilities.