Nominations of EPFL professors

Melanie Blokesch was named as Associate Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences (SV).

Melanie Blokesch conducts research into Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for cholera. In particular, she investigates how non-pathogenic bacteria can absorb genetic material from the pathogen. Melanie Blokesch, who received an ERC Starting Grant in 2013, has already demonstrated the significance of chitin in this transfer and has identified the relevant molecular processes. Her work has the potential to help improve public health by curbing this disease, which has a devastating effect in many parts of the world.

Annalisa Buffa was named as Full Professor of Mathematics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)

Annalisa Buffa is a leading international expert in the discretisation of partial differential equations. Her achievements in the simulation of electromagnetism and in isogeometric analysis were recognised by the award of an ERC Advanced Grant this year; they are of great practical importance and enable the development of efficient calculational models for designing electromagnetic equipment.

Professor Xile Hu was named as Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry and Coordination Chemistry in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)

In only a few years, Xile Hu has carved out a leading global position in the fields of bioinorganic chemistry and organometallic catalysis. He heads the Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis which he set up. He and his team have gained important knowledge of synthetic chemistry and the chemical processes that allow energy to be stored and converted.

Stéphanie Lacour was named as Associate Professor of Microtechnology and Bioengineering in the School of Engineering (STI).

Stéphanie Lacour works on the development of electronic devices at the interface with human tissue. The aim of her research is to overcome the incompatibility between electronic systems and biological tissue. She has gained international recognition for several of her studies, which include developing a new group of flexible multimodal neuroprostheses and the development of artificial electronic skin that registers movements and pressure.

Ulrich Lorenz was named as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)

Ulrich Lorenz, who completed his postgraduate studies at EPFL, investigates fluid dynamics and the mechanical properties of nanomaterials. This promising young scientist has demonstrated how high temporal and spatial resolutions can be combined using 4D electron microscopy in order to observe and investigate the mechanical properties of biological nanostructures. The appointment of Ulrich Lorenz enables EPFL to press ahead with developing new applications for 4D electron microscopy.

Giancarlo Ferrari Trecate was named as Adjunct Professor at EPFL in the School of Engineering (STI).

Giancarlo Ferrari Trecate is a recognised expert in automatic control and hybrid systems. His knowledge and experience of modelling, analysing and controlling dynamic systems will strengthen EPFL's research and application-oriented development in this field. In addition, his reputation as an excellent lecturer will be appreciated by students and inspire their future engineering careers.