Nominations of EPFL professors

Professor Nicolas Boumal was named as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Mathematics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Nicolas Boumal is a talented and highly regarded young scientist. His research focuses on non-convex optimisation, which has particular applications in statistical estimates, inverse problems and automatic learning. Nicolas Boumal’s work is both theoretical and application-based. His goal is to understand the mathematical structures behind the performance of non-convex optimisation algorithms. At EPFL, Nicolas Boumal will set up his own research group and collaborate with other researchers in a multidisciplinary manner.

Professor Bart Deplancke was named as Full Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences (SV)
Over the past few years, Bart Deplancke has established himself as an international leader in his specialist area. His work has made a significant contribution to understanding the way in which gene regulation enables fatty tissue to develop and controls its function. He has, for example, identified a previously unknown cell type that regulates adipogenesis. His highly regarded results also include new technologies for gene analysis at the single-cell level. Bart Deplancke makes a valuable contribution to teaching and research at EPFL. In addition, he strengthens its innovative capacity and expands the Federal Institute’s national and international networks.

Dr Tanja Käser Appointed Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems at the Faculty of Computer Science and Communications (IC)
A brilliant international researcher, her interdisciplinary research combines computer science with educational science. With the help of artificial intelligence, machine learning, the creation of new algorithms or data mining, Tanja Käser analyzes, models, and predicts the learning behavior of human beings to allow, for example, the customization of learning tools. The creation of her laboratory within the IC Faculty will create synergy with existing units to produce a strong pole of educational science at EPFL. It will feed a growing field of research in which EPFL is becoming the key scientific player.

Eric Lapierrewas namedas Associate Professor of Architecturein the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Eric Lapierre has achieved considerable international renown as an architect and critic. He is also well-known as a curator, having served as Chief Curator of the Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2019, for example. The residential and public buildings that Eric Lapierre designs at his own architecture firm attract widespread attention. His appointment will strengthen the training of architects at EPFL and boost the university’s international reputation.

Dr Mike Seidel was named as Full Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Mike Seidel is a recognised expert in the physics of particle accelerators and related technologies. He has gained international attention for various scientific projects and results, including some of the most recent ones at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the modernisation of the proton accelerator and the conceptual development of new applications at the Center for Proton Therapy. With the appointment of Mike Seidel, also Head of the Division Large Research Facilities at PSI, EPFL will strengthen its global position in the physics of particle accelerators and enhance its fruitful collaboration with PSI in this area.

Professor Henning Stahlbergwas namedas Full Professor of Physicsin the School of Basic Sciences (SB). He will hold a dual professorship with the University of Lausanne.
Henning Stahlberg is an internationally recognized leader in the field of cryogenic electron microscopy. He contributed significantly to the development of this technology thanks to his expertise in all types of imaging, and he has also worked successfully on detectors and software for data processing and analysis. Henning Stahlberg is an outstanding scientist who knows how to run a scientific institution and forge links with practitioners in different fields of application. At EPFL, he will continue to develop cryo-electron microscopy and will manage the center dedicated to this discipline, which will be set up in collaboration with the University of Lausanne.

Professor Jo Taillieu was named as Associate Professor of Architecture in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Jo Taillieu is one of the best-known representatives of the new wave of Belgian architecture, which has made its mark on the European stage in recent years. As an advocate of critical architectural awareness and a proponent of social responsibility in architecture, and in his role as an architect and partner in a well-known firm, Jo Taillieu has attracted considerable attention in the world of architecture. His appointment enables EPFL to incorporate new approaches to original spatial design into its teaching.