Appointment of EPFL professors
© 2017 EPFL
In its meeting of 13/14 December 2017, the Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH Board) has announced the appointment of three professors at EPFL.
Professor Gregor Rainer was named as Associate Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences (SV).Gregor Rainer is a globally renowned neuroscientist. His research focuses on the section of the cerebral cortex which forms part of the visual system and enables visual perception. Gregor Rainer will hold a joint professorship at EPFL and the University of Fribourg, where he also works as Coordinator of the Swiss Primate Competence Centre for Research. His research direction and experience will make a significant contribution to advancing translational neuroscience at EPFL through the use of new approaches.
Professor Herbert Shea was named as Full Professor of Microtechnology in the School of Engineering (STI)In the course of a successful scientific career, Herbert Shea has conducted research in a wide range of fields relating to applied physics and microtechnology. His highly interdisciplinary work has gained worldwide recognition. It includes significant and innovative contributions in the areas of touch screen technology and designing the human-machine interfaces of the future. Herbert Shea is an influential figure in the field of microsystems. His future research at EPFL will concentrate in particular on advanced technologies for the manufacture and application of polymer-based switching devices.
Professor Maryna Viazovska was named as Full Professor of Mathematics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)Maryna Viazovska is a highly gifted young academic in the field of pure mathematics. She is particularly interested in problems relating to number theory and discrete optimisation. In spring 2016 she caused an international sensation by solving the sphere-packing problem in dimensions 8 and 24. Since Maryna Viazovska’s appointment as an assistant professor in December 2016, her results have appeared in the top publications in her field. By promoting her to a full professorship, EPFL is ensuring that it retains the creativity and innovative energy of a scientist who aims to be one of the best in the world.