Appointment of EPFL professors

Professor Haitham Al Hassanieh, currently Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA, as Associate Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC)
Haitham Al Hassanieh conducts research in the fields of cyberphysical systems, the “Internet of Things” (IoT) and wireless networks and systems. This internationally acclaimed researcher has demonstrated, among other things, that it is possible to construct the next generation of wireless networks (5G and beyond) by taking advantage of the intrinsic scarcity of wireless technology. The use of this approach led to the first millimetre-wave networks. Haitham Al Hassanieh’s award-winning achievements in research and teaching, together with his academic and industrial partnerships, will strengthen the department further.

Professor Michaela Hirschmann, currently Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Michaela Hirschmann’s research investigates the cosmic development of black holes and galaxies, making it possible to model the formation of galaxies with great precision. She is one of the world’s leading theoreticians in this field, and her findings are all the more important now that new terrestrial and space telescopes will be able to observe the first moments of the universe in the coming years. Through her appointment, the school is boosting synergies and partnerships at EPFL in the field of astrophysics and other areas.

Dr Zoë Holmes, currently a post-doctoral student at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Zoë Holmes’ research focuses on different areas of quantum computing. She has already made important contributions to quantum thermodynamics and fluctuation theory. Furthermore, she is the lead author of numerous academic articles, which not only demonstrate her originality but also show that she can turn her ideas into reality. This well-known researcher will solve pressing scientific problems and strenghten cooperation with other schools at EPFL, including the School of Computer Sciences, in order to develop quantum machine learning algorithms.

Dr Wouter Karthaus, currently Research Assistant at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences (SV)
Wouter Karthaus works in the field of prostate cancer biology, as well as cell and tissue culture modelling. His research has already made innovative contributions to the development of organoid cultures and the use of bioinformatic analysis to identify normal and malignant prostate cells. It has resulted in several academic highly cited publications. The appointment of Wouter Karthaus greatly enriches the school and enables EPFL to expand and strengthen the area of basic research in cancer.

Professor Vladimir Manucharyan, currently Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, USA, as Associate Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Quantum physics is the main focus of Vladimir Manucharyan's research. He is one of the chief architects of the development of a new type of qubit called the fluxonium qubit, as well as a pioneer in the application of superconductors in the field. The department is thus strengthened by the appointment of one of the leading researchers in the field of quantum science and technology. Among other activities, Vladimir Manucharyan will help solve major challenges in quantum physics and facilitate the development of quantum algorithms.

Dr Kenan Zhang, currently Research Assistant at Northwestern University, Illinois, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Kenan Zhang’s research looks at transport management, with particular reference to newly emerging mobility services, autonomous vehicles and machine learning in transport. In her work, she combines her specialist knowledge of engineering and transport with her statistical skills. Her research interests are a match with the school’s interdisciplinary approach and its emphasis on the digitalisation of urban infrastructures. This up-and-coming researcher also contributes to quantifying the potential of innovations for improving urban mobility, efficiency and sustainability.

Promotions at EPFL

Professor Zsolt Patakfalvi, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Mathematics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Zsolt Patakfalvi’s research focuses on algebraic geometry, complex numbers and the properties of geometric bodies, and he is a specialist in the minimal model program (MMP). He has already published numerous academic articles in renowned publications and has won several awards, including an ERC Starting Grant in 2020. This polyvalent researcher is regarded as one of the most promising mathematicians of his generation, in a highly competitive and flourishing field. At EPFL he is the head of the Chair of Algebraic Geometry.

Professor Nikolas Geroliminis, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Transport Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Nikolas Geroliminis is working on challenging problems with strong theoretical underpinnings, advancing the field through methodological contributions and developments in technology and the social context of transport systems. He offers an all-in-one approach to large-scale mobility monitoring and modeling with advanced traffic management solutions. He has created a large-scale open science dataset of natural urban trajectories through a unique drone experiment (https://open-traffic.epfl.ch). He has received numerous awards, including an ERC Starting Grant. He is an editor of Transportation Research part C: Emerging Technologies, one of the leading journals in the field of transportation