Mohammad Peydayesh is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology , ETH Zürich. He works in the Food and Soft Material Laboratory , focusing on sustainable materials derived from food waste and agri-food byproducts. PhD in Chemical Engineering (2018, Iran University of Science and Technology) Postdoctoral Fellow at ETH Zürich under Prof. Dr. Mezzenga Senior Assistant at ETH Zürich since 2021 His research spans soft matter , self-assembly phenomena , and amyloid fibril applications in: Environmental engineering (water purification, heavy metal removal) CO2 conversion and storage Smart packaging and bioplastics development Biorefinery concepts and circular economy Nanomaterials for waste valorization Recent publications highlight trends in amyloid-based hybrid materials for: Metal recovery from e-waste and contaminated water CO2 capture and conversion Bioplastic production from agricultural waste Antiviral and detoxification applications Water desalination and purification Photonic and catalytic materials He contributes to the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials , advancing sustainable solutions through interdisciplinary material science.
Dr. Joseph Dumpler is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, specializing in Sustainable Food Processing. He holds a PhD in Dairy Science and Technology from the Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan, with a focus on UHT treatment of concentrated milk. His work emphasizes advancing food processing technologies, particularly in protein refinement, non-thermal methods, and membrane filtration. Educations: PhD in Dairy Science and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan (2017) MSc Food Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan His research interests include Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) for plant protein extraction, microwave vacuum drying of dairy products, and membrane filtration optimization for microalgae and dairy systems. He has pioneered methods to refine rapeseed and pea proteins while minimizing antinutrients, and his work on microfiltration of milk products addresses emerging microbial risks. Key contributions span kinetic modeling of heat-induced protein aggregation, sustainable food processing , and non-thermal concentration techniques . His articles reflect a focus on bridging lab-scale innovations with industrial applications. Awards: J.T.M. Wouters Young Scientist Award Julius Maggi Research Award (2018) Best PhD Thesis Award from the Association of Dairy, Food and Biotechnologists (Weihenstephan) Dr. Dumpler collaborates with industry partners to translate research into scalable processes, such as NADES-based protein extraction and microwave drying systems. His current role at ETH Zürich’s Sustainable Food Processing Lab (Prof. Mathys) focuses on plant-based meat analogs and novel protein refining concepts .
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Yves Leterrier is a Senior Scientist and lecturer at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he has been a faculty member since 1993. He works in the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) within the Institute of Materials at the School of Engineering. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to sustainable materials science and polymer composite technologies. Senior Scientist, Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) Teaching roles in SMX and EDMX programs PhD program committee member for Materials Science and Engineering Author of over 300 technical articles including 145 peer-reviewed journal papers Leterrier's research focuses on sustainable materials and processes, particularly in polymer composites, multilayer and hybrid materials, photopolymerization and sol-gel processes, mechanics of thin films on polymers, and roll-to-roll process methods. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in flexible electronics, renewable energy, and sustainable packaging. He has pioneered techniques for creating bioinspired surfaces, diffusion-barrier coatings, and cost-effective manufacturing processes for advanced materials. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on water permeation monitoring in bioelectronic implants, fluorine-free superhydrophobic surfaces, and biobased composites using nanocellulose. His research shows a clear trajectory toward sustainable materials solutions with applications in medical devices, flexible electronics, and environmentally friendly packaging. The consistent theme across his work is the development of reliable, high-performance materials through innovative processing techniques and composite design. Leterrier actively contributes to the academic community through editorial roles, including serving on the editorial board of Applied Surface Science since 2012 and as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Materials since 2014. He coordinates EPFL's Minor on 'Engineering for Sustainability' and has been President of the EPFL Materials Science Library commission since 2000. His leadership extends to industry collaboration through multiple funded research projects. His current research portfolio includes significant projects such as BioPack (biobased packaging materials), FLEXCAN (flexible encapsulation of active implants), 3DP4PEACE (sustainable 3D printing), and DuPrintProtect (advanced manufacturing). Previously, he led projects including XinoCaps, UltraCeal, SUNLITE, and REFLEX, demonstrating consistent funding success across diverse materials science applications. He also serves on the board of the French Adhesion Society and has organized international symposia on materials and micro-technologies. Leterrier leads the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites, where his team develops cutting-edge materials processing techniques. His work on photo-hyphenated methods, UV nanoimprint lithography, and electro-fragmentation analysis represents the laboratory's focus on innovative characterization and manufacturing approaches for advanced materials.
Prof. Dr. Laura Nyström is a Full Professor of Food Biochemistry at ETH Zurich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), part of the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH). She leads a research group focused on sustainable food systems, dietary fiber mechanisms, and plant-based material utilization. Her career includes tenure as Assistant Professor (2009–2016) and Associate Professor (2016–2021) before her promotion to Full Professor in 2022. She also chairs the D-HEST department since 2022. Education: MSc (2002) and DSc (2008) in Food Sciences from the University of Helsinki, Finland. Postdoctoral research (2008–2009) in Cereal Technology at the same institution. Research Interests: Healthy and sustainable foods via plant-based materials Health-promoting dietary fiber interactions Genetic diversity of grains and crop utilization Antioxidant extraction from olive mill waste (co-founding Gaia Technologies GmbH) Development of analytical methods for food chemistry Scientific Contributions: Over 70 publications, 3 book chapters, and 2 patents ERC Starting Grant (2015), AOCS Young Scientist Award (2017), and ETH Zurich Leadership Award (2018) Advising & Innovation: Guided interdisciplinary research teams on food chemistry and sustainability Co-developed industrial partnerships for food waste valorization Labs & Initiatives: EPNOE (European Polysaccharide Network) collaborations HealthFerm citizen science project on sourdough fermentation
Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and TechnologySwitzerland
Thijs Defraeye is a Senior Scientist at Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) and Adjunct Professor at Dalhousie University. He holds a PhD in Building Physics from KU Leuven (2011) and a Master's in Civil Engineering (2006). His work focuses on optimizing food supply chains through multiphysics simulations and digital twins, addressing challenges in refrigerated transport, postharvest quality preservation, and energy-efficient food processing. He leads the SimBioSys group, developing solutions for perishable goods logistics and electrohydrodynamic technologies. Research interests include: Biophysics of food systems Digital twin applications in agriculture Electrohydrodynamic drying Thermal management in cold chains Sustainable food technologies Recent work emphasizes reducing food loss through physics-based modeling of refrigerated containers, ventilated packaging optimization, and scalable evaporative cooling systems. His studies bridge engineering principles with biological processes, aiming to enhance global food security and environmental sustainability.
Stephan Pfister is a Professor at ETH Zurich in the Department of of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, where he leads research in the Ecological Systems Design group. His office is located at HIF D 85.2, Laura-Hezner-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland. Professor Pfister teaches multiple courses including Introduction into Environmental Engineering, Advanced Environmental Assessments, and Computer Laboratory courses for the Autumn Semester 2025. Dr. Pfister received his PhD from ETH Zurich in 2011 with a dissertation on 'Environmental evaluation of freshwater consumption within the framework of life cycle assessment.' Following his doctoral studies, he completed a one-year post-doctoral position at UC Santa Barbara in 2011. His academic journey has resulted in over 100 original research publications spanning more than a decade of scholarly contributions. Professor Pfister's research is highly interdisciplinary, focusing on methodological advancements in the impact assessment of water consumption, land use, and biodiversity loss within Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Multi-Regional Input-Output Analysis (MRIO). His work spans multiple sectors including agriculture and forestry, material extraction and processing, and power production. He has notably advanced water footprint concepts, including future scenario analyses and assessment of international trade implications. His research integrates environmental science with practical applications for sustainable resource management, addressing critical global challenges related to freshwater scarcity and ecosystem preservation. Analysis of Professor Pfister's recent publication record (2024-2025) reveals a strong trend toward integrated environmental assessment methodologies, particularly at the intersection of water resources, climate change, and sustainable systems design. His work increasingly addresses complex supply chain analyses, with growing emphasis on policy-relevant applications in sustainable food systems, urban mobility, and resource extraction. The methodological focus remains firmly rooted in Life Cycle Assessment while expanding into complementary frameworks like Water Footprint Assessment, demonstrating his leadership in advancing environmental assessment science. Professor Pfister's research has been supported by various funding mechanisms including the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) project 'Minimizing Energy Input, Exergy Loss and Environmental Impacts of Greenhouse Systems in Iran and Switzerland Exploiting Industrial Symbiosis Opportunities' (Grant No. 192875). His interdisciplinary approach has fostered collaborations across multiple institutions and research groups, contributing to the advancement of environmental assessment methodologies globally. The Ecological Systems Design group at ETH Zurich, led by Professor Pfister, serves as a hub for innovative research at the intersection of environmental science, engineering, and policy. The group maintains strong connections with international research networks focused on sustainability assessment, contributing to methodological standardization efforts and practical applications of environmental assessment tools in industry and policy contexts.
Western Switzerland University of Applied SciencesSwitzerland
Cécile Münch-Alligné is a Professor in Hydraulic Energy at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO) in Sion, where she serves as the Head of the Hydroelectricity Research Group and the Renewable Energy Program. She leads the Hydro Alps Lab, which conducts applied research in hydropower combining experimental and numerical approaches. Her work focuses on enhancing the flexibility of both small and large hydropower plants, with particular emphasis on adapting these systems to the evolving energy landscape and integration of renewable energy sources. Her educational background includes a BSc in Energy and Environmental Techniques, an MSc in Engineering, and a BSc in Industrial Systems, all from HES-SO Valais-Wallis. Her research spans multiple domains within hydraulic engineering and renewable energy systems, with particular expertise in CFD simulation, numerical methods, and hydraulic machine design. Münch-Alligné's research interests primarily center around improving hydropower flexibility through innovative approaches such as hydraulic short-circuit operating modes, variable speed operation, and energy recovery systems in water networks. She investigates both large-scale pumped storage power plants and micro-hydropower systems for urban water networks, with a strong focus on practical implementation and commercialization of research findings. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation to address real-world challenges in the energy transition. Her research has been published extensively in leading journals, covering topics from Pelton turbine dynamics and Francis turbine vortex analysis to micro-turbine implementations in drinking water networks. The publications reveal a clear trend toward enhancing operational flexibility of hydropower systems to better integrate with intermittent renewable energy sources, with increasing emphasis on practical demonstration projects and commercial applications. As Principal Investigator, she has led multiple significant research projects including the SCCER 4 WP 3.2.0 2017-2020 (Supply of Electricity), Hydrolienne pour canaux artificiels Centrale de Lavey, and SOLUTION DE TRANSFERT D'ENERGIE PAR POMPAGE-TURBINAGE A PETITE ECHELLE. These projects, totaling over 2 million CHF in funding from sources including CTI, OFEN, and industrial partners, demonstrate her ability to secure substantial research funding and collaborate effectively with both academic and industry partners. Münch-Alligné leads the Hydro Alps Lab research team, which includes numerous researchers such as Steiner Amandus, Walpen Olivier, Vaccari Aldo, and others. Her collaborative approach extends to partnerships with institutions like Stahleinbau GmbH and The Ark Energy, facilitating the transfer of knowledge from research to industry application. The lab's work spans from fundamental fluid dynamics research to full-scale demonstration projects, creating a comprehensive pipeline from theory to practical implementation.
Prof. Alexander Mathys is an Associate Professor at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, and Deputy Head of the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health. His research focuses on sustainable food processing, with a systems-oriented approach to optimize food value chains and address environmental, economic, and social impacts. Key areas include microalgae and insect-based protein sources, bioconversion of food waste, and novel preservation technologies. Education: PhD in Food Processing (2008), Tenured Professor (2022). Affiliations: Singapore-ETH Centre, Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein (NUS). Research Interests: Sustainable food systems, bioeconomy principles, multi-indicator sustainability assessments. Innovations include urban farming concepts, microalgae cultivation for nutrition, and mechanical/biotechnological food processing techniques. Awards: IAFoST Fellow (2024), ETH Zurich Dandelion Award (2022), IFT International Food Security Award (2020), Young Researcher (Nobel Laureates Meeting, 2010). Grants & Advising: Over 200 publications (140 peer-reviewed articles), 13 patents, and extensive international collaborations. Leads the Sustainable Food Processing group at ETH Zurich. Labs/Teams: Directs interdisciplinary research teams exploring novel protein sources, food waste valorization, and scalable bioprocessing technologies.
Simona Boscani Leoni is an Associate Professor in the History Section of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lausanne, where she teaches modern history. She began her position on August 1, 2022, after serving as a substitute MER and professor at UNIL (2018–2021) and as a senior scientist at EPFL (2021–2022). She has been a Swiss National Science Foundation Fellow in Modern History at the University of Bern since 2013. Her research focuses on the social and cultural history of the Alpine region in the early modern period, with particular emphasis on the history of science, knowledge networks, and environmental history. Her work explores how scientific inquiry, religious beliefs, and societal transformations intersected in the Alpine context, especially through the study of figures such as Johann Jakob Scheuchzer and Conrad Gessner. She has co-edited significant volumes on natural history and mountain studies, including Natural History and Mountains: Crossed Views from the Andes to the Himalaya (2021) and Mapping the Territory: Exploring People and Nature, 1700–1830 (2022). Her recent publications, including numerous review articles and edited contributions, reflect a strong engagement with themes such as scientific correspondence, questionnaire-based knowledge collection, and the cultural perception of nature. These works span interdisciplinary domains including history of science, environmental history, and visual culture, often analyzing how natural phenomena were documented, interpreted, and disseminated across Europe. She is an active member of several scholarly associations: Swiss Society for the Study of the 18th Century International Association for Alpine History Swiss Society for Rural History Scientific Council of the Repertorium Academicum Germanicum Editorial board of Atlas zur Geschichte Graubündens, 1525–2024 She has held visiting professorships at the EHESS (Paris) and the University of Padua and has collaborated with institutions such as hallerNet.org on digital editions of scientific correspondence. A book on the scientific discovery of the Alps is forthcoming from Viella (Rome) in spring 2023, with an English translation planned for 2024/25.
Dr. Andrea Balbo is a Scientific Collaborator in Geoarchaeology and Paleogeography at the University of Geneva, affiliated with the Department of Earth Sciences within the Faculty of Sciences. His research is supported by major grants, including the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project 'Specialized Craftsmen on the Move,' and he collaborates with institutions across Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, India, and beyond. PhD in Archaeology (Geoarchaeology), University of Cambridge (2007) Associate Professor Accreditation, Italian Ministry of University and Research (2013) Accreditation for Advanced Research, Catalan University Quality Agency (2015) Senior Research Fellow, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, University of Hamburg (2015–2018) His research focuses on human-environment interactions during the Holocene, particularly in mountainous, arid, and coastal zones. He integrates archaeological fieldwork with paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic data, using techniques such as soil micromorphology, remote sensing, and agent-based modeling. His work spans diverse regions including the Alps, Mediterranean wetlands, North Gujarat (India), the Sahara, Tierra del Fuego, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in interdisciplinary environmental archaeology, with emphasis on climate change impacts, land use sustainability, terrace agriculture, and the use of advanced technologies like SAR remote sensing and simulation modeling. His articles appear in leading journals such as Quaternary Science Reviews , The Holocene , PLOS ONE , and WIREs Water . Senior Research Fellow, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2015–2018) Associate Professor Accreditation, MIUR, Italy (2013) Accreditation for Advanced Research, AQU Catalunya (2015) Dr. Balbo has served as a lecturer and teaching director at multiple universities, including the University of Geneva, Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna, and University of the Philippines. He has supervised laboratory and field training at the University of Cambridge and coordinated international summer schools. He is also an active peer reviewer for the European Commission, National Geographic Society, IUCN, and over 20 scientific journals. His work at ALIPH Foundation on heritage conservation in conflict zones further demonstrates his engagement with real-world applications of archaeological science. He has contributed to projects involving heritage conservation, climate-conflict interactions, and illicit trafficking of cultural goods, and helped design e-learning platforms for heritage diplomacy. His affiliations include the Humboldt Foundation, Darwin College (Cambridge), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Association, and the SDG Academy Alumni Network.
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)Switzerland
Dr. Beatrice Kulli Honauer is a researcher at the Institute of Natural Resource Sciences , part of the ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management . Her work focuses on soil science and environmental engineering, particularly in circular economy practices, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), and sustainable agriculture. Key Affiliations: Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Soil Science Society of Switzerland. Research Interests: Dr. Honauer investigates soil compaction, waste valorization through HTC, and the impact of pollutants like PFAS on soil health. She specializes in sustainable solutions for organic residue treatment, phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge, and soil fertility enhancement. Recent Publications: Her recent work includes advancements in HTC technology for fertilizer production (2023), analysis of alpine grassland restoration (2022-2023), and challenges in road drainage systems (2022). Earlier studies focus on soil compaction (2004) and flow pattern analysis (2003). Projects: She leads projects on circular economy in agriculture, soil fertility, and water treatment filters. Notable completed projects include the LCA of substrates and faecal waste treatment via HTC.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Sebastian Maerkl is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the Laboratory of Biological Network Characterization , part of the School of Engineering (STI) and the Institute of Bioengineering (IBI-STI). He holds a joint appointment in the EDBB-GE PhD Program Committee and leads the SEL-ENS teaching initiative. His academic journey began with dual B.Sc. degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Fairleigh-Dickinson University (2001) before earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from Caltech (2008). Prof. Maerkl's research lies at the intersection of microfluidics , cell-free synthetic biology , transcription factor biophysics , and molecular diagnostics . His lab has pioneered microfluidic platforms for high-throughput characterization of gene regulatory networks, protein-DNA interactions, and cellular processes. Recent work focuses on artificial cell systems using the PURE cell-free translation system, self-regenerating protein networks, and sustainable biomolecular material design via circular economy principles. His 15 most recent articles (2022-2025) reveal consistent innovation in microfluidic reactor design for cell-free systems, with 2025 studies on tRNA synthesis and protein-ligand deep learning tools. He has secured major funding including an ERC Consolidator Grant (2016) and multiple Swiss National Science Foundation grants, supporting work that has yielded over 50 peer-reviewed publications and 6 patents. Honors : 2005: Innovator’s Challenge – 1st Place (Caltech/Stanford/Berkeley) 2008: Demetriades-Tsafka-Kokalis Prize – Best Caltech PhD Thesis in Biotechnology 2012: Prix SSV – Ambition – EPFL Teaching Excellence Award 2016: ERC Consolidator Grant (€2M+) 2019: iGEM Grand Prize Winner (Overgrad Category) – First Swiss Team Victory As founder and advisor of the EPFL iGEM team (2008-2020), he mentored teams that won 8 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze medals. His lab hosted international fellows including one Fulbright Scholar and two Whitaker Fellows, while developing microfluidic devices for applications ranging from cancer diagnostics to SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection.
Dr. Paride Azzari is a researcher in the Sustainable Food Processing group at ETH Zurich , focusing on interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of food science, biophysics, and soft matter physics. His work emphasizes scalable and sustainable bioprocessing techniques, particularly for microalgae and plant-based proteins. Key Research Areas : Pulsed electric field processing, liquid-liquid crystalline phase separation, and viscoelastic material behavior. Methodologies : Multiphysics simulations, experimental rheology, and open-source software development (e.g., Extrudion for tensile testing analysis). Recent publications highlight his contributions to optimizing biocompound extraction, understanding amyloid fibril organization, and advancing environmental bioremediation using agricultural waste. Notably, his work bridges fundamental soft matter research with industrial food processing applications.
Dr. Christina Hartmann is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the Department of Environmental Systems Science (D-USYS), ETH Zurich, Switzerland. She leads research on consumer behavior and nutrition psychology, focusing on novel food technologies, sustainability, and health. Her work addresses acceptance of plant-based proteins, cultured meat, and 3D-printed foods. She holds a PhD from ETH Zurich (2014) and a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Zurich (2020). Her teaching includes Multivariate Statistics and Food and Consumer Behavior at the master's level. Research projects include consumer perception of processed foods, virtual reality applications in food studies, and protein substitution strategies. Education: PhD in Consumer Behavior (ETH Zurich, 2014), MSc in Nutritional Science (Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany) Awards: Food Quality and Preference Award (2021), Recognized as advisory editor for Appetite journal Grants: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) funding for 'Digital Lives' VR research Her lab employs interdisciplinary methods, including virtual reality simulations and behavioral experiments, to study food choices and sustainability. Current projects explore compensatory behaviors in dieting and cross-cultural disgust sensitivity.
Dr. Daniel Sutter is a Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zürich. His research focuses on sustainable energy technologies, including CO2 capture processes, hydrogen economy pathways, and waste-to-value innovations. He leads projects such as optimizing the Chilled Ammonia Process for post-combustion CO2 capture and exploring bioplastic production from soy waste. His work bridges chemical engineering, environmental science, and industrial applications. Research interests span CO2 capture systems (e.g., ammonia-based solvents), renewable energy integration (hydrogen infrastructure), and sustainable materials (bioplastics from food waste). His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to decarbonization, with notable contributions in Biomacromolecules , Energy & Environmental Science , and Separation and Purification Technology . Publications emphasize advancing low-carbon technologies, such as net-negative CO2 systems combining geothermal energy and direct air capture. His work also evaluates synthetic fuels and cement production decarbonization, demonstrating a focus on real-world industrial applications. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned. Advising and grants remain unspecified in provided texts. Projects involve collaborations with institutions like the Department of Health Sciences and Technology for bioplastic research, reflecting interdisciplinary team engagement.
