Thiemo Fildhuth is a Lecturer at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (HSLU T&A), affiliated with the Institute of Civil Engineering IBI. He specializes in civil engineering, structural engineering, and advanced materials, particularly focusing on glass structures and building envelopes. His research addresses structural specifications, material behavior (e.g., PVB interlayers), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications in building facades. Key projects include the Horizon Europe-funded Exploit4InnoMat and a CFD study on wind forces in vegetated facades. His recent publications explore Swiss technical standards (SIA 2057), frameless glass systems, and innovative structural connections using stainless steel fittings. Fildhuth collaborates with institutions like Springer and the Challenging Glass Conference, contributing to peer-reviewed journals and industry standards. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed, though his work aligns with cutting-edge construction technologies. He is based at the HSLU campus in Horw, Room B21.
Dr. Anastasiia Grynko is a Lecturer at the Lucerne School of Business (HSLU) within the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. She leads the Intercultural Competence module in the Bachelor’s programs of Business Psychology and Business Administration , focusing on workplace diversity and intercultural marketing strategies. Her academic role integrates teaching, research, and professional expertise in corporate communication and media studies. Dr. Grynko holds a PhD in Digital Communication (summa cum laude) from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, an MA in Journalism, and a BA in Sociology. Her research explores crisis communication, digital disinformation, and media ethics in Eastern Europe. Notable collaborations include roles at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, the University of Göttingen, and the Mohyla School of Journalism in Ukraine. Her recent work analyzes disinformation campaigns linked to the Ukraine war, with a focus on Swiss media landscapes. She has published widely on media transparency, fake news education, and the historical evolution of public relations in Ukraine. Professional memberships include the Swiss Association for Crisis Communication (VKK), the Swiss Association for Communication and Media Research (SGKM), and SIETAR Switzerland. Anastasiia supervises Master’s theses in intercultural communication and has designed training programs for corporate and journalistic audiences. Her career spans global marketing research (Synovate) and PR agency roles (Weber Shandwick Group), emphasizing reputation management and brand localization in Eastern Europe.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Luible is a Lecturer and Head of the Institute of Civil Engineering (IBI) at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. He leads the Competence Center for Building Envelopes and Civil Engineering (CC GH+IB), focusing on advanced structural engineering, façade technologies, and sustainable materials. His expertise spans glass construction, adaptive façades, wind engineering, and energy-efficient building systems. He has held leadership roles in international research networks, including the COST Action TU1403 (Adaptive Facades Network), and chairs key industry standards committees such as the SIA Normenkommission 268 for glass construction. Education: Trained as a carpenter, he earned a civil engineering degree from TU Munich and a PhD from EPFL on glass element stability. His career includes academic roles and industry experience with global façade projects in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Research Interests: Structural glass and building envelopes Adaptive façade systems Wind engineering and climatic loads 3D-printed construction materials Energy-efficient and green façade designs Grants & Projects: Led over 50 research projects, including EU-funded initiatives. Active in standardization through SIA and CEN committees. Labs & Teams: Directs the IBI’s research programs and collaborates internationally on façade innovation and sustainable construction technologies.
Dirk Lehmkuhl is a Professor at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, specializing in political science with a focus on European governance, public policy, and transnational regulation. He has published extensively in leading journals, contributing to debates on new modes of governance, Swiss-EU relations, and the role of private actors in regulatory systems. University: University of St. Gallen Position: Professor Research Domain: Political Science, European Integration, Governance His research interests center on the transformation of governance in Europe, particularly how traditional hierarchical state control is being complemented or replaced by networked, transnational, and private regulatory mechanisms. He explores how democratic accountability is maintained in such settings and how institutions like the European Union manage coordination across member and non-member states. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on governance beyond the state, including topics such as judicial review in EU competition policy, external governance models, and the binding nature of private regulatory arrangements. His work often employs comparative and institutional analysis, drawing on empirical cases across Europe and beyond. While no scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his publications in high-impact journals such as Journal of Public Policy and Government and Opposition reflect significant scholarly recognition and influence in the field of political science and public policy. Dirk Lehmkuhl has collaborated with prominent scholars including Adrienne Héritier, Sandra Lavenex, and Christoph Knill. He has not listed any formal advisees or students in the provided data, nor are there mentions of specific grants or funded projects. His work appears to be primarily theoretical and empirical in the domain of comparative public policy and European studies. There is no mention of specific research labs or teams led by him in the provided text, though his involvement in collaborative research projects like the NEWGOV project on new modes of governance indicates active participation in international research networks.
Prof. Dr. Sarah Summers is a tenured Professor of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Criminology at the Faculty of Law, University of Zurich . She holds a Dr. iur. from Zurich (2006) and an LL.B (Hons) from Glasgow (2000). Director of the Digital Society Initiative (DSI) Co-editor of Quaestio Facti: International Journal on Evidential Reasoning and International Journal of Evidence and Proof Member of the Criminal Institute of Zurich , Public Prosecutor's Office Supervisory Commission of Basel-Stadt , and Board of Trustees of kihz (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich) Research Interests focus on criminal justice systems , human rights in criminal law , and normative principles of rule of law . Her work bridges empirical analysis with comparative legal studies , particularly between Common Law and Civil Law traditions . Recent Publications emphasize fair trial standards , sentencing ethics , and digital regulation in criminal law . She has co-authored leading commentaries on Swiss Criminal Procedure Law and comparative EU criminal law frameworks. Scientific Awards : SNSF Professor (Swiss National Science Foundation, 2012-2017) Advising & Collaborations : Supervised scholars such as Elena Biaggini , David Studer , and Kristof Reber , with ongoing projects on human rights in criminal defense and procedural fairness .
Prof. Dr. Harald Schuler is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), where he serves as Head of the Institute of Civil Engineering, Head of the Concrete Construction Department, and Head of the Bachelor's Program in Civil Engineering. He teaches courses in Concrete Construction, Prestressed Concrete Construction, and Masonry Construction at the undergraduate level. His academic background includes: 1992-1997: Studies in Civil Engineering at FH-Konstanz 1997-1999: Studies in Civil Engineering at University of Kassel 2004: Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) from University of the Federal Armed Forces with thesis on "Experimental and numerical investigations on damage to concrete under impact loading" Prof. Schuler's primary research interests focus on the load-bearing and deformation behavior of steel and prestressed concrete structures , with particular emphasis on punching shear, crack width limitation, and nonlinear material laws. His work in structural dynamics and earthquake engineering includes force and deformation-based earthquake analysis and direct time integration methods. He also investigates short-term dynamic effects, particularly explosion protection, and conducts material and component testing for concrete structures. His research bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation to develop practical engineering solutions. His recent publication record shows a clear progression from fundamental material behavior under high strain rates to application-focused structural analysis. The most recent works demonstrate a strong focus on seismic behavior of reinforced concrete shear walls, particularly sliding deformation mechanisms. Earlier works focused on concrete behavior under impact loading, explosion scenarios, and high strain rate material properties. This evolution reflects a career trajectory from fundamental material research to structural system analysis with practical applications in earthquake and explosion engineering. No specific scientific awards or fellowships were mentioned in the provided information. Prof. Schuler actively supervises Bachelor's and Master's students and has led numerous research and service projects including: Experimental investigations for the Kunstmuseum Basel extension (2014) Study on sliding mechanisms in cyclically loaded concrete walls (2014) Structural expert roles for multiple University of Basel projects Consulting on short-term dynamic effects for the Roche Building 1 in Basel (2008-2010) As an active member of the Swiss engineering community, Prof. Schuler serves on the board of SIA Basel and SGEB (Swiss Society for Earthquake Engineering), contributing to professional standards and practices in structural engineering.
Walter Kaufmann is a Full Professor at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Chair of Structural Engineering (Concrete Structures and Bridge Design) at ETH Zurich since 2014. He studied and earned his doctorate in Civil Engineering at ETH Zurich, focusing on structural concrete behavior. Current affiliations: ETH Zurich, NCCR Digital Fabrication (Lead Principal Investigator since 2018) Former roles: Research assistant and associate at ETH Zurich, project manager/technical director with Prof. Juan José Arenas (1999-2002), partner/CEO of dsp Ingenieure & Planer (until 2014) Research Focus: Structural concrete mechanics, safety evaluation of existing infrastructure, and digital fabrication innovations. His work bridges academic research with practical engineering solutions. Teaching: Offers courses in Advanced Structural Concrete (101-0127-00L) Bridge Design: Project Competition (101-0138-11L) Colloquium in Structural Engineering Professional Leadership: Chairman of SIA Code Commission 262, member of fib Commission 2, and delegate for Swiss fib and Federal Roads Administration working groups.
Josep Sole i Feliu is a Professor of Civil Law at the University of Girona , affiliated with the Department of Private Law and the Institute of European and Comparative Private Law . He leads research projects funded by Spain's Ministry of Science and Innovation, including "Dificultades y retos de la reforma de la responsabilidad extracontractual". Research Focus: Civil Liability, Contract Law, Family Law Key Expertise: Product liability, medical liability, causal proof, EU directives Management Roles: Former Department Director, Academic Secretary of the Faculty of Law His recent publications analyze pharmaceutical liability, vaccine compensation frameworks, and contractual consent defects under Spanish and European law. Notable scientific recognition includes being a Fellow of the European Centre of Tort and Insurance Law (ECTIL) . Sole i Feliu has conducted research at the Max Planck Institute for International and Comparative Private Law and the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the European Centre of Tort and Insurance Law (ECTIL)
Dr. Ryan Hoult is a Senior Lecturer in Structural and Earthquake Engineering at the University of Newcastle , with a research focus on enhancing seismic resilience of reinforced concrete (RC) structures through experimental testing, advanced modeling, and design innovation. His work addresses critical areas such as RC wall behavior under in-plane/out-of-plane demands, low-damage systems, torsion in asymmetric sections, and sustainable GFRP-compatible concrete. He holds a PhD and MEngStruct from the University of Melbourne. His career spans multiple institutions including UCLouvain (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow), EPFL (Swiss Government Excellence Fellow), and the University of Melbourne (Lecturer/Senior Tutor). Key research areas: Earthquake Engineering, Structural Resilience, GFRP Reinforcement, Performance-Based Design Major contributions: Understanding non-ductile concrete vulnerabilities in Australia, developing SMA/GFRP reinforcement systems, and creating simplified seismic demand estimation tools Recent publications focus on plastic hinge lengths, torsion analysis, and climate-resilient concrete systems Scientific Awards Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022) Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (2018) Learning and Teaching Initiatives Grant (2020) As academic leader, he has supervised one PhD completion (Xiangzhe Weng, 2024) while developing sustainable construction solutions and improving seismic design standards through experimental programs.
Professor Dr. Rolf Sethe is a full Professor of Civil, Commercial and Business Law at the University of Zurich , Faculty of Law, holding the Chair of Civil Law. Since 2013, he has been leading the University Priority Research Program (URPP) Financial Market Regulation , a strategic initiative focused on advancing research in financial market law and policy. He studied law and history at the University of Tübingen and earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the London School of Economics and Political Science . His academic career is marked by a deep commitment to both legal scholarship and institutional leadership in the fields of corporate and financial market law. Research Interests: Corporate Law and Governance Banking and Capital Market Law Financial Market Regulation Investor Protection and Asset Management Law Swiss and Comparative Company Law Securities Trading and Compliance Professor Sethe has authored and co-edited numerous foundational texts, including the Handbook of Asset Management , Swiss Corporate Law , and commentaries on the German Stock Corporation Act and Securities Trading Act . His work spans theoretical analysis, regulatory reform, and practical legal guidance, making him a central figure in shaping Swiss and European financial law. Doctoral Supervision: He has supervised over 25 doctoral theses, covering topics such as insider trading, corporate governance, financial market regulation, and investor protection. The supervised dissertations often result in published monographs contributing to the Studies on Banking and Capital Markets Law series, which he co-edits. Scientific Contributions: Co-editor of the Journal of Banking Law and Banking Economics (ZBB) since 2006 Co-editor of the Swiss Journal of Business and Financial Market Law (SZW) (2012–2020) Member of editorial boards and contributor to major legal commentaries and handbooks Frequent speaker at international conferences and contributor to policy debates Contact: Email: rolf.sethe@rwi.uzh.ch Phone: +41 44 634 30 80 Office: RAI-G-081, University of Zurich
Dr. Michael Klippel is a Lecturer and Senior Scientist at the Institute of Structural Engineering, Timber Structures (IBK) at ETH Zurich. He specializes in Timber Engineering, Fire Safety, and Sustainable Materials, leading the 'Fire in Timber Group' since 2014. Klippel coordinates the MAS ETH Fire Safety Engineering program and focuses on advancing timber construction standards. His academic background includes a Dipl.-Ing. in Civil Engineering (2009) from RWTH Aachen University and a Dipl.-Wirt.Ing. in Business Management (2013). Research Interests: Klippel's work bridges structural engineering and fire safety, emphasizing innovative timber applications, carbon-neutral construction, and interdisciplinary projects. His research addresses challenges like fire-resistant CLT design, adhesive performance under fire, and sustainable material utilization. Publications: Key contributions include studies on tall timber structures, carbon credits in real estate, and fire behavior of CLT. His work appears in journals like Sustainability and Journal of Renewable Materials , alongside industry guides and reports. Awards: Honors include the L.J. Markwardt Award (2019), Leo Schörghuber-Preis (2015), and F.C. Trapp-Preis (2010). He also won a VDI student competition for a UHPC bridge design in 2008. Grants & Labs: Klippel leads the 'Fire in Timber Group' and collaborates with industry on standardization projects. His work integrates academic research with practical applications in construction safety and sustainability.
Prof. Daniel Rosch is a Professor at the Lucerne School of Social Work, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), specializing in Child and Adult Protection Law, Legal Social Work, and Systemic Therapy. He leads the Competence Center for Child and Adult Protection and holds roles such as Co-Editor of the Schritfen zum Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutz , Member of the ANQ Expert Group, and Editor for jusletter.ch . Education includes a Dr. iur. (summa cum laude) from the University of Basel, a Master of Advanced Studies in Nonprofit Management, and a Diploma in Social Work. His research focuses on legal frameworks for protection, systemic approaches to therapy, and supported decision-making under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Recent articles emphasize self-determination in adult protection, abolition of comprehensive guardianship, and legal analysis of the Swiss Civil Code. Key projects include the U-DECIDE initiative on patient self-determination and development of assessment tools for child and adult protection. He also chairs conferences such as the Lucerne Conference on Child and Adult Protection and collaborates internationally on guardianship law reforms.
Viktor Sigrist is a Swiss academic and structural engineer currently serving as the Dean of the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture and Professor of Structural Engineering. Having earned his PhD from ETH Zurich, he has held significant roles at Hamburg University of Technology (Vice President from 2012) and actively contributed to concrete structure analysis research. Born: 1960, Lucerne, Switzerland Education: Bachelor in Civil Engineering (Lucerne), Diploma in Structural Engineering (ETH Zurich), PhD in Concrete Structures (ETH Zurich) Academic Roles: Professor (2002), Vice President (2012), and Dean (2015) at Hamburg University of Technology and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts Research Focus: Structural concrete, shear behavior, punching shear mechanics, and practical norms for construction. His work bridges engineering theory and real-world applications, emphasizing standardized design and material performance. Collaborative Projects: Led research initiatives like Strukturen im Gebäude als System , advised on Hamburg's Großmarkthalle renovation, and organized innovation transfer events with over 150 participants. His publications address critical topics in concrete analysis and structural standards. Leadership Roles: Member of University Management, Head of the Standing Committee on Research and Development at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Thomas Stöckli is a Lecturer at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (HSLU T&A) within the Institute of Civil Engineering IBI CC, specializing in Building Envelopes and Civil Engineering. His work focuses on Swiss construction standards (SIA guidelines) and materials science, particularly in glass and metal applications. He contributes to technical documentation and educational programs in construction technology. Research interests include building envelope design, structural engineering, and compliance with national standards like SIA 2057/207. His recent publications analyze glass construction guidelines, material integration, and facade engineering practices in Switzerland. Collaborations involve institutions like the HSLU T&A and industry partnerships. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned, though his role in educational and technical training at the Institute highlights his contribution to applied engineering education.
Prof. Dr. Andrea Büchler served as Chair of Private Law and Comparative Law at the University of Zurich's Faculty of Law until her resignation on February 29, 2024, due to health reasons. She holds a Dr. iur. and an honorary doctorate (Dr. hc). Her research focuses on family law, medical law, legal pluralism, and gender studies, particularly addressing issues like Islamic family law in Europe and reproductive medicine ethics. She co-founded the Family Law Online portal and authored seminal works such as Medizin–Mensch–Recht (2020) and Reproductive Medicine Act Handbook (2020). Her resignation notice specifies continued contact via email for inquiries. Her academic contributions span over two decades, with publications addressing legal aspects of gender identity, child custody, and comparative law. Notable works include studies on legal pluralism in European family laws and interventions against domestic violence. She has co-edited key texts on Swiss family and medical law, reflecting her dual expertise in doctrinal and applied legal scholarship. Scientific Awards: Honorary Doctorate (Dr. hc) Labs/Teams: Co-creator of the Family Law Online portal, a resource for Swiss family law education and practice. Her research bridges theoretical legal frameworks with practical societal challenges, emphasizing human rights and cultural diversity within legal systems.
