Nominations of EPFL professors

Claudia Binder, currently Full Professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, as Full Professor of Urban Ecology and Sustainable Living in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Claudia Binder is an internationally acclaimed researcher who has developed an independent global approach to urban ecosystems. She integrates sociological topics, thus expanding urban spaces into socio-ecological systems. Her work is practice-based and involves political and other players in order to tackle current topics such as energy transition and urban consolidation. Claudia Binder's main research focus superbly complements the existing activities of EPFL. With her appointment, the Federal Institute is strengthening research into a topic which is of central importance to society.

Edoardo Charbon, currently Full Professor at Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, as Full Professor of Microtechnology in the School of Engineering (STI)
Edoardo Charbon is an internationally recognised leader in the field of photosensors, especially single-photon avalanche diodes. By combining applied physics with electrical engineering he has achieved groundbreaking successes in the production of photon counters for large-format sensors. His findings have resulted in important advances in areas such as medical imaging, particularly positron emission tomography. In addition to his academic excellence, Edoardo Charbon will contribute his experience in teaching and technology transfer to EPFL.

Nicolai Cramer as Full Professor of Organic Chemistry in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Nicolai Cramer is a highly creative researcher. His outstanding scientific work in the field of asymmetric catalysis and organic synthesis has allowed him to gain a leading global position in his area of research in only a few years. He focuses on the development of catalytic processes to activate inert bonds and on their application in the synthesis of molecules. The appointment of Nicolai Cramer allows EPFL to reinforce both its international reach and the teaching of chemistry and chemical engineering to students.

Corentin Fivet, currently a post-doctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Architecture and Design of Structures in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Corentin Fivet has wide-ranging experience in the development and application of graphically supported planning software. This allows construction aspects to be incorporated into planning right from the start, while at the same time greatly reducing the material intensity of the constructions. Corentin Fivet will work closely with the professorship held by Paolo Tombesi (see below). These two appointments strengthen EPFL's activities in the fields of technology, construction and sustainable architecture at the Fribourg site.

Romain Fleury, currently research assistant at the University of Texas, Austin, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering in the School of Engineering (STI)
Romain Fleury is a promising young scientist, who has already proved his ability to conduct research at the highest level. He is particularly interested in the field of linear non-reciprocal acoustics, in which he is establishing himself as an international leader. He also researches electromagnetic metamaterials that are artificially produced structures whose porosity to electrical and magnetic fields deviates from the usual values found in nature.

Christian Heinis as Associate Professor of Bioorganic Chemistry in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
In recent years Christian Heinis has attracted considerable attention from international experts for his findings and he is regarded as being at the top of his field. He has in particular made a name for himself in the identification of bicyclic peptides and their application in biomedicine. Macrocyclic peptides are another of his areas of research. His results are of great value for the development of new drugs. EPFL's research and teaching are set to benefit from Christian Heinis and his innovative approaches. He will further enhance its international reputation and positioning.

Wenzel Jakob, currently a post-doctoral student at ETH Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC)
Wenzel Jakob is a highly talented and versatile specialist in computer graphics. His main focus is on the accurate reproduction of images on screens, in relation to which he models the interaction between the physical material and light. His research findings have already led to significant technological advances and won him considerable recognition within the academic community. Wenzel Jakob's appointment will make it possible to capture far-reaching synergies with the work of the professors who are already doing research on visual computing at EPFL.

Mikhail Kapralov, currently a post-doctoral student at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, New York, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC)
Mikhail Kapralov is a brilliant theoretician in the field of algorithms. His research on sublinear algorithms has led to significant breakthroughs in the area of big data, where even the most efficient linear algorithms can no longer cope with and analyse the data volumes at reasonable cost. By appointing Mikhail Kapralov, EPFL is further strengthening the area of theoretical information technology, following recent appointments in the same general field.

Dimitrios Lignos, currently Associate Professor at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, as Associate Professor of Structures and Materials in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Dimitrios Lignos has made a name for himself internationally through large-scale experiments in the field of structural engineering. His results make it possible to calculate the fracture behaviour and breaking points of metallic structures under high-stress conditions. These discoveries have practical applications in the construction of high-rise tower blocks, for example. Dimitrios Lignos closely combines science and practice in a way which benefits EPFL. His conceptual orientation will permit wide-ranging synergies with other researchers at the Federal Institute.

Semyon Malamud as Associate Professor of Finance in the College of Management of Technology (CDM)
Semyon Malamud is an internationally acclaimed academic with high potential. Originally a mathematician, he moved to the field of financial economics and now conducts research on a wide range of topics, including macroeconomic equilibrium, game theory, asymmetric information, and dynamic models of corporate financing. Semyon Malamud's findings have been received with great interest by scholars and practitioners. His interdisciplinary approach will enrich research and teaching at EPFL.

Aleksandra Radenovic as Associate Professor of Bioengineering in the School of Engineering (STI)
In recent years Aleksandra Radenovic has gained international recognition both for her research and her laboratory at EPFL in a highly competitive environment. Her area of research is the development of experimental techniques to observe biological molecules and cells using biosensors and optical imaging. She has achieved a number of highly regarded scientific breakthroughs in this field, including in DNA sequencing. The promotion of Aleksandra Radenovic enables EPFL to enhance its strong international position in bioengineering.

Mahmut Selman Sakar, currently Senior Scientist at ETH Zurich, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering (STI)
Mahmut Selman Sakar has multidisciplinary skills in robotics, mechanical engineering and biology. He conducts research in the fields of materials science and microelectromechanics, using his findings to develop smart microrobots that can be used, for example, for medical diagnosis and in minimally invasive medicine. In Mahmut Selman Sakar, EPFL is appointing an ambitious scientist who will make a significant contribution to EPFL's positioning in the forward-looking fields of biomechanics and biomedicine.

Vasiliki Tileli, currently a Research Associate at University College, London, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Materials Science in the School of Engineering (STI)
Vasiliki Tileli is an internationally recognised specialist in microstructures. Her research activities will enable further advances to be made in a variety of very topical fields, including nanotechnology, energy conversion and storage, and the development of semiconductors using nanotechnology. With her combination of skills in electron microscopy and the materials sciences, Vasiliki Tileli is an ideal fit with the Interdisciplinary Centre for Electron Microscopy (CIME) at EPFL and her presence will enrich its activities.

Paolo Tombesi, currently Professor at the University of Melbourne, Australia, as Full Professor of Construction and Architecture in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Paolo Tombesi is an internationally renowned academic who focuses on the relationship between the intellectual dimension of architecture and socio-technical aspects of physical construction. He adopts a comprehensive approach which considers the relevant planning and implementation processes as well as all the construction elements. Paolo Tombesi will work closely with the professorship held by Corentin Fivet (see above). These two appointments strengthen EPFL's activities in the fields of technology, construction and sustainable architecture at the Fribourg site.

Bruno Oberle, the present Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, has been appointed Adjunct Professor of Green Economy at the College of Management of Technology (CDM)
Over the past years, Bruno Oberle’s vast knowledge and his unwavering commitment have left a mark on Swiss environmental politics, which he also represents abroad. Bruno Oberle studied biology and environmental sciences at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich. He then went on to complete his doctorate and work as a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the ETH Zurich.

Bruno Oberle has an impressive track record in technical and strategic questions related to the protection of the environment. In his capacity as Adjunct Professor, he will use this wealth of experience for the benefit of EPFL. He will join the Institute of Technology & Public Policy in January, 2016.