Appointment of EPFL professors
© 2022 EPFL
The Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology has announced the appointment of professors at EPFL.
New appointment at ETH Zurich and EPFL
Dr Tanja Zimmermann, currently Head of Department and Member of the Directorate at Empa, as Full Professor of Materials Science and Technology in the School of Engineering at EPFL (STI) and the Department of Materials at ETH Zurich (D MATL.)
Tanja Zimmermann’s research focuses on the development and manufacture of functionalised wood and cellulose-based materials with tailored properties, for use in areas such as adhesives, packaging and 3D-printed biodegradable structures for sensor and energy applications. As well as being an acclaimed researcher, Tanja Zimmermann is currently Head of the Department of Functional Materials and Co-Head of the Research Focus Area “Sustainable Built Environment” at Empa. She will become Director of Empa on 1 June 2022.
New appointments at EPFL
Dr Wenyu Gu, currently Post-Doctoral Scholar at Stanford University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering (Biorecovery of Environmental Resources) in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Wenyu Gu’s research is in the field of microbiology, at the interface between biosciences, biotechnology, bioinformatics and mathematical modelling. She has a particular interest in the use of microbes for energy production, environmental remediation and improving human health. At EPFL she plans to apply her extensive specialist knowledge to technical installations such as water supply and wastewater treatment systems. Wenyu Gu has won a number of awards and will help strengthen the school in an area of research that is important to society.
Promotion at EPFL
Professor Marie Violay, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Rock Mechanics in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Marie Violay studies the mechanical and physical properties of underground rock materials, in connection with topics such as geothermal energy production, carbon sequestration and the disposal of nuclear waste. She has received several accolades, including an ERC Starting Grant in 2017. Her appointment has particular relevance to the strategic area of energy and sustainability at EPFL and to the school’s efforts in connection with climate change, and will no doubt help Switzerland retain its leading position in the field of rock mechanics and rock physics.
Award of the title of Professor
Dr Daniele Mari, currently Senior Scientist at EPFL's School of Basic Sciences and Deputy Director of the Physics Section, as Adjunct Professor at EPFL (SB)
Daniele Mari is an expert in mechanical spectroscopy – a very specific branch of materials science with a long tradition at EPFL, which has gained international acclaim in this field. His research has also had a significant impact on Swiss industry, as numerous collaborations demonstrate.
Dr Johann Michler, currently Lecturer in the School of Engineering at EPFL and Head of Department at Empa, as Adjunct Professor at EPFL (STI)
Johann Michler is one of the world’s leading experts in the mechanics of materials and in developing unique instruments for experiments in the micrometer and nanometer range using electron microscopy. He has key relationships with industry and has co-founded several Empa spin-offs.
Dr Andreas Osterwalder, currently Senior Scientist at EPFL’s School of Basic Sciences, as Adjunct Professor at EPFL (SB)
Andreas Osterwalder has established himself as one of the world’s leading scientists in the field of cold-molecule chemistry. His research activities focus on the development of cutting-edge technologies and experimental setups at close to absolute zero. He is a very committed teacher who makes a substantial contribution to the education of young researchers.