Nominations of EPFL professors

New appointments at EPFL

Dr Ianina Altshuler, currently Postdoctoral Fellow at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering (Environmental Adaptation) in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Ianina Altshuler’s research is concerned with the environmental adaptation strategies of microorganisms in the cryosphere in alpine and polar regions, with particular reference to global warming and ever-increasing temperature fluctuations. At EPFL she will develop her research further in order to make an important contribution to our understanding of ecological adaptation strategies in hostile environments. Her appointment will enhance the School’s scientific influence and educational provision.

Dr Aleksandar Antanasijevic, currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Scripps Research, La Jolla, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences (SV)
Aleksandar Antanasijevic’s principal research area is structural biology, with a particular focus on vaccines and immunisation. He has already made an important contribution to the preparation of immunogens for the production of polyclonal antisera. His interest and skills in cryo-electron microscopy are a perfect fit with the orientation of EPFL and the Dubochet Center for Imaging (DCI), which intend to develop this field further. This appointment will enable EPFL to continue its expansion in the key area of virology and infectious diseases.

Professor Pier Vittorio Aureli, currently Professor in Practice at Yale University, USA, Visiting Professor at EPFL and Co-Director of an architecture practice in Brussels, Belgium, as Associate Professor of Architectural and Environmental Theory in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Pier Vittorio Aureli’s research explores the principles of architectural theory in the light of the latest social and political conditions, and examines the role of theory and its influence on architectural and environment-related design methods. Pier Vittorio Aureli is currently regarded as one of the world’s most influential practitioners in the area of architectural and environmental theory. In making this appointment, the School and EPFL are seizing a unique opportunity to become indisputable leaders in this vital research field.

Dr Sara Bonetti, currently Assistant Professor at the University of Wageningen, Netherlands, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering (Watershed Areas) in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Sara Bonetti investigates processes in soil surfaces, ecology and water on a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Her work combines hydrological and geomorphological processes in particular, enabling her to gain a quantitative understanding of soil erosion and the development of land surfaces. The appointment of this innovative researcher will promote cooperation with various institutions, including WSL, thus boosting the department’s influence in this important field of research.

Dr Gabriele Manoli, currently Lecturer at University College London, United Kingdom, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Architecture (Sustainable Urban Systems and Climate Protection Strategies) in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Gabriele Manoli studies water supplies, energy exchange and the carbon cycle in urban and suburban systems. His interdisciplinary approach unites environmental technology, infrastructure and urban planning. At EPFL he will principally investigate the current worldwide trend towards urban densification and the effects of altering the urban climate (e.g. through greening measures). His appointment will strengthen the role of the School and EPFL in a research field of vital importance to society.

Dr Clément Pit-Claudel, currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Amazon in Seattle, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC)
The main emphasis of Clément Pit-Claudel’s research is on programming languages, compilers, formal verification and systems engineering, to build trustworthy software and hardware systems and permanently root out large classes of malfunctions and vulnerabilities. Although still in the early stages of his career, he has collaborated with research institutions and industry and has already won numerous awards for his innovative research. His appointment will create important synergies in this future-oriented research field.

Professor Guillermina Ramirez-San Juan, currently Assistant Professor at Brandeis University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Guillermina Ramirez-San Juan considers questions relating to the fundamental mechanisms affecting how cilia function – an area in which little research has been conducted so far. In her unique skill set, she is able to combine aspects of cell biomechanics and the use of model organisms with expertise in chemical biology and whole tissue imaging. Her research interests thus go beyond traditional biophysics to include the fields of materials science, mechanics and robotics. Guillermina Ramirez-San Juan will forge close links between the EPFL Center for Imaging and the Dubochet Center for Imaging (DCI).

Dr David Ruggiero, currently Design Engineer at Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. in Toronto, Canada, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Structural Design and Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
David Ruggiero’s research aims to achieve a better understanding of the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures and structural elements made from cementitious materials. His achievements include developing a new theoretical model, known as the General Crack Component Model, which can be applied to a broad range of cementitious materials. He now intends to concentrate his efforts on sustainable materials and extending the life of infrastructures, while also contributing to multidisciplinary projects at EPFL.

Dr Alfredo Thiermann, currently Lecturer at Harvard University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Architectural History and Theory in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Alfredo Thiermann’s research takes place at the intersection between architecture and different media, from sound installations and film scenography to private houses, public buildings and large-scale infrastructures. Another of his particular research interests is the transition from the industrial to the digital age. Thanks to his cross-sectoral vision of architecture, this innovative researcher will make a key contribution to the School’s strategic clusters in the areas of digital infrastructures and cities as well as sustainable territories.

Promotions at EPFL

Professor Rizlan Bernier-Latmani, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Environmental Microbiology in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Rizlan Bernier-Latmani’s research explores the biological degradation of toxic metals and radionuclides by microorganisms. In her field experiments she uses concepts and techniques drawn from a wide variety of disciplines, such as microbiology, molecular biology, analytical chemistry (including X-ray spectroscopy) and geochemistry. In 2017 she was awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant for her research. Rizlan Bernier-Latmani is a role model for women in science, and encouraging the advancement of women is one of the causes to which she is committed at EPFL.

Professor Raffaella Buonsanti, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Raffaella Buonsanti conducts research in the field of colloid chemistry. At EPFL she founded the Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy and heads a research programme aimed at finding innovative approaches to the controlled synthesis of nanomaterials with novel properties. Her research takes place at the intersection of materials chemistry and catalysis, and pursues a sustainability approach. Raffaella Buonsanti is regarded as an ambitious and forward-thinking researcher. She has already received several awards, including an ERC Starting Grant in 2017.

Professor Gaétan de Rassenfosse, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the College of Management of Technology (CDM)
Gaétan de Rassenfosse's research is in the field of innovation economics, which he combines with legal and policy perspectives. His areas of interest include intellectual property rights, the measurement of intangible capital and economic tools to foster the knowledge economy. His results have set new standards in the measurement of innovation and have contributed to bringing economic insights to patent policy. Gaétan de Rassenfosse is also a highly-valued university lecturer and supervisor, involved in research outreach activities and takes on numerous commitments to the benefit of EPFL.

Professor Wendy Queen, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Wendy Queen’s research focuses on the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental applications. She adopts a collaborative approach aimed at helping to solve some of the important problems faced by society. Wendy Queen has shown herself to be an up-and-coming researcher in this fiercely competitive research area, and her research has made a key contribution to a fast-growing field of study. Her work at EPFL has already resulted in six patents. In addition, she is a popular university lecturer who actively strives to communicate her research findings to a wider audience.