Adrian Ionescu Appointed Dean of EPFL's School of Engineering

EPFL has announced the appointment of Professor Adrian Ionescu as the new Dean of the School of Engineering (STI), effective November 1, 2025. A globally recognized expert in nanoelectronics, Ionescu leads the Nanoelectronic Devices Laboratory (NANOLAB), focusing on energy-efficient devices for edge AI and semiconductor qubits for quantum computing.

Ionescu has authored or co-authored over 500 scientific publications and has led numerous European research projects in the areas of low power (nano)electronic technologies, Tunnel FETs, phase-change devices, integrated biosensors and data-driven Digital Twins for proactive healthcare. In 2024, he received the IEEE Cledo Brunetti Award for hisleadership and contributions to the field of energy-efficient steep slope devices and technologies, building on the breakthroughs developed through his Advanced ERC Grant.

He was also named ERC Ambassador in April 2025 and elected to the Academia Europaea in May 2025.

He will succeed Professor Ali H. Sayed, who has led the School since 2017 with vision, energy and a strong commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, the School of Engineering climbed into the global top 10 of the QS World University Rankings (2025), restructured key institutes to foster collaboration, education and innovation, launched new institutes and centers, strengthened the School’s research profile through strategic faculty hires and promoted interdisciplinary interactions with other EPFL schools and programs. He leaves behind a dynamic and forward-looking school ready to meet future challenges. Professor Ionescu is expected to build on this strong foundation and continue advancing the School’s position as a global leader in research and innovation.