Synthetic and physical chemistry have two new professors

Dr Nikita Kavokine, currently Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
The chemist Nikita Kavokine has won several awards in the young research field of nanofluidics, which investigates the behaviour and control of fluids on the nanoscale. Findings from nanofluidics help drive forward industrial innovations such as the desalination of water and the development of renewable energies. Nikita Kavokine has already produced an impressive number of groundbreaking research results. His approach to the quantum technology of hydrodynamic fluids will help EPFL assume a leading position in modern techniques of molecular separation.

Dr Suong Nguyen, currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Chemistry Systems in the School of Basic Sciences at EPFL (SB)
Suong Nguyen works in the field of synthetic chemistry, for which she has won numerous awards. She uses an interdisciplinary approach in order to develop photo-controlled catalytic methods that are applied to the organic synthesis and functionalisation of materials, especially polymer structures. Her groundbreaking achievements in the field of photo-induced activation of C-H bonds open up promising prospects for duroplast elastomers such as rubber or silicone, and are of great interest to industry. Suong Nguyen’s research methods and expertise complement and enhance the research already taking place at EPFL.

Professor Thomas Vidick, currently Full Professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, and at Caltech in Pasadena, USA, as Full Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC)
Thomas Vidick is an exceptional researcher in the field of quantum and theoretical computer science. He works at the interface of theoretical computer science, quantum information and cryptography. He uses complexity theory as a tool to study problems in quantum computing, and quantum mechanical phenomena as a way to gain a new perspective on classical concepts from theoretical computer science. Thomas Vidick thus plays a leading role in the forward-looking and industry-sponsored research area of quantum computer science. He will greatly enrich the recently opened Interfaculty Centre for Quantum Science and Engineering.

Promotions at EPFL

Professor Alexandre Alahi, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Transportation Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Alexandre Alahi works on the question of how the future of transport and mobility can be optimised through the use of innovative artificial intelligence (AI) methods. He has developed algorithms which enable the automatic perception of human mobility, such as the movements of millions of people in railway stations. His work involves a combination of computer vision, artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as findings derived from distributed systems and the social sciences. Alexandre Alahi’s topical approach, which is supported by significant third-party funding and explores the social dimension of AI as it applies to autonomous mobility, is an excellent match with the strategy of the School and of EPFL.

Professor Alcherio Martinoli, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Distributed Intelligent Systems in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Alcherio Martinoli’s research concerns developing methods of designing, controlling and optimising intelligent systems that are physically distributed, such as multi-robot systems, sensor networks and intelligent vehicles. His work has a particular focus on swarm robotics and swarm intelligence, including their applications in environmental and civil engineering. This internationally acclaimed researcher has successfully attracted third-party funding both nationally and internationally, as well as from industry. By appointing Alcherio Martinoli, EPFL is strengthening the future-oriented field of robotics and distributed intelligent systems in a targeted way.

Award of the title of “Professor”

Dr Christel Genoud, CEO of the Dubochet Center for Imaging (DCI) and Head of the Electron Microscopy Facility at the University of Lausanne, as external Adjunct Professor in the School of Life Sciences at EPFL (SV)
Christel Genoud is a neuroscientist and an internationally acclaimed expert in electron microscopy. She has built and managed three high-performance electron microscope facilities at various institutions. At EPFL, Christel Genoud will supervise the DCI, and pass on her outstanding knowledge to scientists in the field of electron microscopy.