Nominations of EPFL professors

Andrea Ablasser was appointed tenure-track Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences (SV).As a researcher, she has already contributed significantly to the understanding of the innate immune system, revealing, for example, new molecular mechanisms that explain how immune cells are able to detect the DNA of pathogenic bacteria. Andrea Ablasser identified a novel protein, AIM2, which the cells use to detect this DNA. She also demonstrated that host cells can produce and secrete nucleic acid the moment that pathogenic molecules are detected. These remarkable results have had an immediate impact on the current understanding of these fundamental processes, with great potential for therapeutic implementation. With a profile that combines medical science and scientific research, Andrea Ablasser complements the team of the Global Health Institute in the School of Life Sciences.

Professor David Atienza Alonso was appointed Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering in the School of Engineering (STI).David Atienza Alonso has earned international recognition through his recent research, particularly for his pioneering work in the field of high-performance embedded systems. He participated in the development of a tool for monitoring human biological signals that can detect the onset of cardiac arrhythmias at a very early stage and immediately inform the patient and doctor. David Atienza was also recognized for his work in the consideration of thermal effects in the architecture of MPSoC (Multiprocessor System-on-Chip). On both the technological and methodological levels, David Atienza Alonso’s work introduces new perspectives into the design of computer systems.

Professor Aude Billard was appointed Full Professor of Microtechnology in the School of Engineering (STI).Aude Billard conducts her work in the field of human-robot interaction and robot learning. With her team, she particularly seeks to develop machines capable of learning, which not only run pre-programmed tasks, but also acquire skills while working. Aude Billard acquired an international reputation for her work on the early detection and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in children and for the development of WearCam, a tool that provides a quantitative assessment of certain atypical behaviors that had not been measured before. In collaboration with the CHUV, she works to bring these useful findings into clinical settings, so that the WearCam can be used to support the regular screening process.

George Coukos, Full Professor at the University of Lausanne and Head of the Department of Oncology at the University Hospital of Lausanne, was appointed EPFL Adjunct Professor to the School of Life Sciences (SV). As Head of Oncology at the University Hospital, George Coukos has greatly contributed to our current knowledge about ovarian cancer and emerging therapeutic prospects. The results have revealed the mechanisms of the interactions of the tumor in the cellular environment of the tissue. He elucidated how certain classes of immune cells can attack the cancer, while other classes of immune cells are instructed, rather, to support the cancer. This spectacular work forms the basis for innovative clinical approaches in immunotherapy. As one of the first researches to propose them, George Coukos plays an important role in their achievements. Collaboration with George Coukos opens the School of Life Sciences to promising opportunities both in research and teaching in the field of oncology.

Professor Nicola Harris was named Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences (SV). The objective of Nicola Harris’ research is to discern how the immune system recognizes different classes of pathogens and how these pathogens modify the cellular immunological machinery of the host. Her particular focus is on intestinal pathogens called helminths. Among many important results, her major contributions concern the role of different forms of antibodies produced by the host in the immunity against gastrointestinal worms. Nicola Harris is a pioneer in research on interactions between helminths and the microbial flora of the intestines. Through her research and teaching, she provides valuable support to EPFL’s Global Health Institute.

Professor Lyesse Laloui was named Full Professor of Geoengineering and CO2 Storage in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC).Lyesse Laloui is an internationally recognized expert in soil mechanics and in modeling the behavior of soils in different thermal, hydrological and mechanical conditions. In recent years, he has decisively advanced knowledge in areas such as geothermal energy and the performance of geological structures to be used for final storage of nuclear waste. His work on the storage of CO2 in specifically adapted geological structures has attracted interest from around the world and is at the forefront of research in this crucial area in the context of global warming. Since 2012, Lyesse Laloui has been the Director of the Department of Civil Engineering. Through his commitment to the department, he has contributed to strengthening training strategies with a strong vision for future development.

Professor Matthias Lütolf was appointed Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences (SV). Matthias Lütolf is an internationally recognized expert in the engineering of artificial environments to study and influence the behavior of stem cells. His main contributions are described in publications on the conjugation between bioactive molecules and hydrogels, a material that enables three-dimensional cell culture. This technology makes it possible to create true artificial stem cell niches. In his recent work, Matthias Lütolf has shown the feasibility of usinscreening to establish, molecule by molecule, the conditions necessary to differentiate stem cells of different origins in corresponding tissues. His work has enormous potential in the field of tissue regeneration.

Joachim Stubbe was named Adjunct Professor in the School of Basic Sciences (SB). Joachim Stubbe is a world-renowned scientist who specializes in mathematical physics. He has made significant contributions to the study of the Schrödinger equation. The physicist has also contributed to several other areas, including the many-body problem in theoretical physics. What’s more, Joachim Stubbe is strongly committed to EPFL’s teachitng mission. He has led pedagogical innovations that are based on profound expertise and broad experience in university education. He plays a key role in the teaching of analysis at EPFL.