ETH News
All stories that have been tagged with Teaching & Learning
Towards a restless retirement
News
Marco Mazzotti will be conferred emeritus status at the end of January 2025. A good reason for a portrait of this dedicated process engineer, who came to his field of research quite unexpectedly.
University funding: a national debate is needed
- News
- Zukunftsblog
EPFL and ETH Zurich Presidents Martin Vetterli and Jo?l Mesot consider high tuition fees as in the English-speaking world to be the wrong approach to improving the financial situation of the two universities. Students should be seen as success factors for our country and not as cash cows.
“You can ask a chatbot things you might not dare to ask in a lecture”
News
Where is generative AI already proving its worth in teaching and what are its limits? Will avatars soon replace lecturers? In this interview, Jan Vermant, Vice Rector for Curriculum Development, talks about trends at ETH and his own experiences.
ETH continuing education course addresses ethics in AI
News
The first edition of the CAS ETH Machine Learning in Finance and Insurance course is coming to an end. Participants particularly value the programme’s combination of technology, ethics and practice with a view to making responsible use of artificial intelligence at their companies.
"Don’t become complacent about the things you already know."
News
When Kiril Vasilev started his Master's in Data Science at ETH Zurich, he was taken aback by the intensity of the workload. In the latest episode of the "Student Stories" series, he shares how he adapted to this demanding new routine.
What are the key requirements of an education system that ensures that everybody has the same opportunities?
- News
- Globe magazine
ETH doctoral student Rolf Imseng comes from a working class family. Together with ETH Vice-President Julia Dannath and ETH Professor Ursula Renold, he talks about the hurdles that his background brings with it. A conversation about social mobility in Switzerland.
“Discipline is an important factor”
News
Michelle Halbheer started her studies at ETH feeling uncertain. In a video from the "Student Stories" series, she shares how she overcame her initial doubts and reflects on what she would change if she could start over.
Embracing failure
- News
- Homehero
- Globe magazine
Challenges and setbacks can strengthen students’ resilience and are an important aspect of learning. This is why the Student Project House adopts the “fail-forward” approach. An essay by Moritz Mussgnug about mistakes and failure.
Fifteen professors appointed
News
At its meeting of 18 and 19 September 2024 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed fifteen professors. The Board also awarded the title of "Professor of Practice" once.
"I’m glad I didn’t give up."
News
Fatima Ali Ebrahim struggled during her first year at ETH Zurich, finding lectures difficult and knowing hardly anyone. She even considered dropping out. In the video series "Student Stories," she shares what helped her turn things around and why she now loves studying at ETH.
ETH Zurich is growing faster than in previous years
Press release
On 16 September, ETH Zurich will welcome about 27,000 students for the Autumn Semester, according to provisional figures. The growth in student numbers continues apace.
Preparing Leaders for the Digital Future and AI
News
Machine learning, AI and new technologies are rapidly changing industry. The CAS ETH in AI and Software Development is aimed at managers who want to make better informed decisions for their companies. It is part of the new MAS in AI and Digital Technology.
From Earth to distant worlds: ETH department is now called Earth and Planetary Sciences
News
The Department of Earth Sciences at ETH Zurich has been renamed the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, abbreviated to D-EAPS, effective 1 August. Head of Department Johan Robertsson explains why the renaming was both logical and necessary.
Six professors appointed
News
At its meeting of 11 and 12 July 2024 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed six professors. The Board also awarded the title of "Professor" two times and the title of "Professor of Practice" once.
From student project to personalised sandals from a 3D printer
- Globe magazine
- Homehero
Start-up URBNC 3 produces sustainable and personalised sandals with the aid of digital technology. The start-up took its first steps at the Student Project House of ETH Zurich.
ETH Zurich again in seventh place
News
ETH Zurich maintains its excellent ranking from the previous year in the QS rankings just published. Alongside top scores for its academic reputation and international outlook, the university’s efforts in the area of sustainability have also helped it to retain seventh place. The faculty-student ratio remains the indicator in which the university scores lowest.
"AI helps us to grasp more and more complex facts"
News
Since 2003, when Joachim Buhmann became an ETH professor, he has helped shape the explosive development of machine learning. It is not technical progress that worries him, but how society deals with it. Shortly before his retirement, he looks back on his academic career.
ETH Zurich sets course for Net Zero
News
ETH Zurich announces its expedition towards climate neutrality today with pop-up events by students and the first Net Zero Day. The "ETH Net Zero" programme supports the reduction of emissions by 2030 and offers people plenty of ways to get involved.
Innovative materials and remarkable people
News
Paolo Ermanni researched novel composite materials at ETH for over a quarter of a century. His enthusiasm for materials was rivalled only by his passion for teaching. He will also go down in ETH history as the first Vice Rector for Continuing Education. To mark his retirement, we take a look back at his storied career.
Twelve professors appointed
News
At its meeting of 22 and 23 May 2024 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed twelve professors. The Board also awarded the title of "Professor" four times and the title of "Professor of Practice" three times.
Former Swiss Federal Chancellor Thurnherr appointed ETH Professor
News
Walter Thurnherr was Chancellor and Chief of Staff of the Swiss Federal Council for eight years. With effect from October 2024, he will be a professor at ETH Zurich, where he will support the establishment of a School of Public Policy and contribute to a better understanding between academia and politics.
ETH students develop drones, robots and vehicles
- News
- Homehero
Racing cars, robots, aircraft: Bachelor’s students in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering spend two semesters working on a project in teams. They will be presenting their results on 28 May 2024.
Medical Engineering block course wins prize for innovative teaching
News
Medical students at ETH Zurich build a gripper hand for elbow exoskeletons in a crash course lasting just one week. This course has now been honoured with the 2024 Kite Award, the ETH prize for particularly innovative teaching.
Computer science made accessible to over 10,000 children
News
Juraj Hromkovic has been Professor of Information Technology at ETH Zurich for the past 20 years. During this time, he has been a leading advocate of teaching computer science in schools. He’s now giving his farewell lecture.
Triathlon medallist and ETH student: “A non-productive day is not the end of the world.”
- News
- Homehero
Studying at ETH Zurich is demanding, and all students have their own personal hurdles to overcome. This video series portrays ETH students.
New appointments at ETH Zurich
News
At its meeting of 6 and 7 March 2024 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed nine professors. The Board also awarded the title of "Professor" three times and the title of "Professor of Practice" once.
The man for freak events
News
Christoph Sch?r is one of the Swiss climate scientists who have shaped high-resolution climate modelling. He is now retiring after more than 35 years at ETH Zurich. In this portrait, he explains why he himself never tires of researching climate change.
“Challenges offer opportunities for personal development”
News
Studying at ETH Zurich is demanding, and all students have their own personal hurdles to overcome. This video series portrays ETH students.
“It’s okay to take your time”
News
Studying at ETH Zurich is demanding, and all students have their own personal hurdles to overcome. This video series portrays ETH students.
Crash course for new parliamentarians
News
Newly elected members of the Swiss National Council are often confronted with a bewildering array of complex issues. ETH Zurich organised a special two-day seminar to equip them with scientific expertise in key policy areas.
A medical degree programme for those who ask why
News
What began as a venture quickly proved its worth: The ETH Bachelor in Human Medicine is well received by graduates and has helped to establish ETH Zurich in the Swiss medical education landscape. In a video, five graduates talk about what makes studying medicine at ETH so special.
New Master’s in Space Systems to be launched in September
News
A new Master’s degree programme in Space Systems will be launched at ETH Zurich in autumn 2024. Interested parties can start applying in April.
Twelve professors appointed
News
At its meeting of 6 and 7 December 2023 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed twelve professors and awarded the title "Professor of Practice" once. ?
Vision: To be a doctor without borders
- Globe magazine
- Homehero
Mohammed Said is in his third semester of the Bachelor of Human Medicine at ETH Zurich. He plans to work abroad as a doctor and researcher one day and put his knowledge into practice in countries where people are not as fortunate as in Switzerland.
Applying what you have studied in hospital
- Globe magazine
- Homehero
Clara Ehrenzeller studied human medicine at ETH Zurich. Aspects of her course that she will never forget were her six-week research internship at a children’s hospital in Canada and her deployment at the Kantonsspital Baden. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Ticino.
New handlebars for the world champion
ETH student Luca Hasler has developed a new set of handlebars for parathlete Flurina Rigling. After clinching two world championship titles, she now aims to qualify for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
A CAS in the repairability of buildings and products
News
ETH is offering a new continuing education programme in the serviceability and repairability of buildings and products. The CAS is backed by an architect, a product developer and a production technologist.
An advocate of public space
News
Günther Vogt is one of the most sought-after landscape architects of our time. He has opened the eyes of an entire generation of architects to public space. After 18 years as an ETH professor, he is now retiring.
Masterful knowledge generator and visionary innovator
News
Dimos Poulikakos is retiring in January 2024. The ETH Professor of Thermodynamics has developed many practical applications. His lectures on the fundamentals of thermodynamics have delighted more than 8,000 students; now he passes on a piece of advice for aspiring researchers.
Through the Australian outback in a self-built solar car
News
For the first time, a team of students from ETH Zurich is taking part in the renowned World Solar Challenge. Will they be able to keep up with the world’s best?
“I learned to appreciate teamwork.”
- News
- Homehero
Studying at ETH Zurich is challenging, and all students have their personal hurdles to overcome. This video series shows personal portraits of ETH students.
“I try not to sacrifice my private life”
News
Studying at ETH Zurich is challenging, and all students have their personal hurdles to overcome. This video series shows personal portraits of ETH students.
Five professors appointed
News
At its meeting of 20 and 21 September 2023 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed five professors and awarded the title of professor three times.
"It's important to believe in yourself"
News
Studying at ETH Zurich is challenging, and all students have their personal hurdles to overcome. This video series shows personal portraits of ETH students.
ETH continues to grow
Press release
On 18 September, ETH Zurich will welcome more than 25,000 students for the Autumn Semester, according to provisional figures. Enrolment at the Bachelor’s level has risen for the first time since the pandemic.
Mathematician without too many plans
News
The first woman mathematics professor at ETH Zurich, Sara van de Geer, is retiring after 18 years at the university. For the moment, not a lot will change for the Dutch researcher – and she is fine with that.
ETH Zurich employs computers as supplementary maths tutors
News
Every year at ETH Zurich, hundreds of students learn the fundamentals of mathematics through lectures and exercises. Now, their lecturers are also setting them practise sequences on the computer. This interview highlights the potential of a new method.
In the great outdoors
- Globe magazine
- Homehero
ETH students are mapping the groundwater in an area of forest near Bern. This fieldwork will give them the skills they need for a career in environmental engineering.
Ten professors appointed
News
At its meeting of 12 and 13 July 2023 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed ten professors.
QS Rankings: ETH Zurich takes a top spot thanks to long-term investments in research and teaching
News
ETH Zurich has moved up two positions to take seventh place in the current QS Rankings. This confirms its top position in continental Europe due in large part to its citations per faculty and academic reputation. For the first time, the rankings took into account the metrics graduates’ employment outcomes, sustainability and international research network.
Nine professors appointed
News
At its meeting of 24 and 25 May 2023 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed nine professors and awarded the title of professor twice. At the same time, the Board also bid farewell to nine professors and thanked them for their service.
Former NASA Science Director is joining ETH Zurich
- News
- Homehero
From 2016 to 2022, Thomas Zurbuchen was responsible for research at NASA, the US space agency. From August this year, he will become director of ETH Zurich Space. This initiative aims to promote space research and teaching at ETH and to expand and strengthen cooperation with the space industry.
From robotic fish to artificial muscles
News
Bachelor’s students at ETH Zurich were given a year to turn their original ideas into finished products. ETH News presents videos of two of these projects.
The smart cane for the blind and visually impaired
- News
- Homepage
ETH students have developed a smart cane featuring an integrated camera that detects its surroundings and a tactile pointer that helps blind and visually impaired individuals navigate their way safely.
“It’s fun but not a game”
Professor Wendelin Stark and Nevena Paunovi? were both chemistry Olympians. In 2023, they will return to the Olympiad in new roles. In this interview, they reveal how the Olympiad has influenced their lives and careers, and what participants can expect from the host country and the competition.
Student-made sensor facilitates climate-conscious design of public squares
- News
- Homepage
ETH students have developed sensors that can indicate how people use urban spaces. They anonymously measure how people use objects such as chairs in a public square. The sensors have proven useful in the test run and could be used in future to plan public spaces based on needs.
14 professors appointed
- Homepage
- News
At its meeting of 8 and 9 March and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed 14 professors and awarded the title of professor five times. At the same time, the Board also bid farewell to three professors and thanked them for their service.
“I keep track of what my lecturers are saying thanks to subtitles on my tablet”
- News
- Homepage
In the latest episode of the “Student Stories” series, Jan Blum talks about his everyday life as a hard-of-hearing Bachelor’s student, the difficulties he faced when he started studying computer science and what helped him combat the feeling of being the odd one out.
“We should spend more time exploring other disciplines”
News
When doctoral student Panagiotis Martakis started studying civil engineering, he soon realised that he wasn’t happy with his choice of subject. In the latest episode of the “Student Stories” series, he explains why you should spend more time exploring other disciplines.
"This was the first time I failed so terribly"
News
After failing a physics exam, Master's student Agon Besimi had one more chance to stay at ETH. The support of his family was his biggest source of inspiration to persevere.
The man who thinks big
- News
- Homepage
Christophe Girot brought landscape architecture into the digital world and taught a generation of architects how to think on a larger scale. After more than 20 years as an ETH Professor, he is now retiring.
"Step out of your comfort zone"
News
In the latest episode of the “Student Stories” series, doctoral student in physics Lorenzo Graziotto talks about the biggest difference between studying and researching, and why he thinks it’s his duty to step out of his comfort zone.
For the love of physics
News
Vira Bondar is fascinated by the fundamental questions of physics. She conducts research with ultracold neutrons and is working to make exercise sessions at ETH Zurich even more exciting.
Of cancer therapy research and Mars volcanism
News
A special year is soon coming to an end. In 2022, much has been researched, developed and invented at ETH Zurich. ETH News looks back on an eventful past year.
Looking back - How ETH has shaped my life
Podcast
In the ETH podcast two former students look back on how their time at ETH shaped them. Looking back, the impossible is somehow possible, you just have to take one step at a time.
Four professors appointed
News
At its meeting of 7 and 8 December 2022 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed four professors and awarded the title of professor once. At the same time, the Board also bid farewell to eight professors and thanked them for their service.
ETH Zurich joins alliance of European universities
News
The new Enhance Alliance of ten European technical universities aims to make it easier to study abroad. ETH Zurich officially joined the alliance today.
“Putting all our energy into education"
News
On the 167th anniversary of ETH Zurich, Rector Günther Dissertori spoke about the areas of teaching where he would like to see change. Against the backdrop of the current crises, ETH President Jo?l Mesot and Federal Councillor Alain Berset discussed the role of science in general and that of ETH in particular.
Trying on clothes virtually
News
Being able to try on an outfit virtually to see if it fits would result in fewer returns. Two ETH students are working on making this possible.
The e-Sling electric aircraft takes off
News
The four-seater electric aircraft “e-Sling”, which was developed by ETH students, has taken flight for the first time. The student project has taken two years and a lot of dedication.
“You have to manage your time well”
News
Studying at ETH Zurich is challenging, and all students have their own personal hurdles to overcome. This short video series gives a somewhat different insight into everyday life as a student. It provides an account of students, their setbacks and how they dealt with them.
Solving problems better together
News
At ETH Week, more than 130 students devoted last week to looking into the subject of Urban Futures. In the video, they share their experience.
Training for a complex world
- News
- Globe magazine
ETH Zurich’s course in Applied Technology in Energy brings managers up to speed on the latest energy technologies, enabling them to make informed decisions in their day-to-day work.
“Why did I choose the hard way?”
News
Studying at ETH Zurich is challenging, and all students have their own personal hurdles to overcome. This short video series gives a somewhat different insight into everyday life as a student. It provides an account of students, their setbacks and how they dealt with them.
Classical study programmes particularly popular at present
Press release
More than 20,000 bachelor and master students will start the Autumn Semester at ETH Zurich on 19 September. The number of new bachelor students has declined.
Twelve professors appointed
News
At its meeting of 13/14 July 2022 and upon application of Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed twelve professors. At the same time, the Board also bid farewell to four professors and thanked them for their service.
Sustainable solutions from a concrete canoe
News
This weekend, students from ETH Zurich won the sustainability prize at the 18th concrete canoe regatta in Brandenburg with their boat "TruchETH". The aspiring civil engineers impressed with an environmentally friendly boat for which they combined old clothes with concrete.
Number one in continental Europe
News
The latest QS ranking places ETH Zurich ninth among the world’s best universities. Once again, ETH owes its high rank to its academic reputation and citations of its scientific publications. ?
Inspiring future engineers
News
In this year’s innovation projects, ETH students had to develop an engineering kit that can be used to spark adolescents' interest in engineering.
Shelter, stability and beauty
News
After 15 years as Professor of Architecture and Construction, Annette Spiro recently retired to become professor emerita. Her lectures and publications inspired a whole generation of architecture students at ETH Zurich.
KITE Award for physics experiments at home
News
This year’s ETH award for particularly innovative teaching projects goes to a course that brings physics experiments for students right into their home.?The project was up against 24 others competing for the KITE Award 2022.
5 questions for the new rector
Globe magazine
Günther Dissertori bases his teaching on the three Es: enthusiasm, empathy and expectation management.
Doctoral school picks up speed
News
Through its new doctoral programme, the MaP Doctoral School, ETH Zurich plans to train specialists in materials and processes who will work across disciplines to tackle the big challenges of our time, such as climate change, sustainable development and personalised medicine.
“I want to enjoy studying at ETH.”
News
Studying at ETH Zurich is challenging, and all students have their own personal hurdles to overcome. This short video series gives a somewhat different insight into everyday life as a student. It provides an account of three students, their setbacks and how they dealt with them.
Mathematics, diplomacy and the art of negotiation
News
After nine years as ETH Professor of Negotiation and Conflict Management, Michael Ambühl is soon to become a professor emeritus. We look back at the remarkable career of a former State Secretary who was determined to translate practice into theory.
“I underestimated ETH.”
News
Studying at ETH Zurich is challenging, and all students have their own personal hurdles to overcome. This short video series gives a somewhat different insight into everyday life as a student. It provides an account of three students, their setbacks and how they dealt with them.
"I felt like I was in the wrong place."
News
Studying at ETH Zurich is challenging, and all students have their own personal hurdles to overcome. This short video series gives a somewhat different insight into everyday life as a student. It provides an account of three students, their setbacks and how they dealt with them. ?
A laboratory for society
Globe magazine
ETH Zurich has always been a mirror of new social developments. In the past 20 years, the university has become more international, increasingly autonomous, more digital – and less male.
Heartfelt tributes to departing Rector
Globe magazine
Sarah Springman made a real difference as Rector and helped to improve teaching at ETH on many levels. Her passion and commitment inspired everyone she met – both inside and outside the university walls.
Freedom to fail
Globe magazine
The Student Project House offers a model of what learning might look like in the future. With no course credits on offer, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and to venture into unknown territory.
A new Master's degree in brain sciences
News
ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich are jointly offering a new interdisciplinary Master's degree in brain sciences starting in the autumn of 2022. The programme combines biology, neuroscience and clinical methods.
EPFL and ETH Zurich launch their first joint doctoral programme
News
Switzerland’s two federal institutes of technology have teamed up to offer a new joint doctoral programme in the learning sciences. It aims to train experts to draw on their technological and scientific knowledge in the interests of advancing the research, teaching and learning.
A look forward and an emotional goodbye
Press release
ETH President Jo?l Mesot paid tribute to Sarah Springman at her last ETH Day as Rector, also praising her as a mentor. Both took the opportunity to reflect on challenges that have been overcome and those that lie ahead – as did the key-note speaker Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga.
The future of learning: Student Project House opens
Press release
Following the pilot project at the H?nggerberg campus, ETH Zurich is opening a Student Project House on its Zentrum campus. Students can now make their ideas a reality, in the heart of Zurich, and away from the pressure of grades. At their disposal are 1,200 square metres of renovated space, distributed across five floors.
The pandemic chips away at ETH student satisfaction
News
A survey of ETH students finds that just 62 percent are satisfied with their studies, down from 82 percent in 2015. The main reason for the decline is the pandemic. However, ETH has improved on many specific issues, such as teaching.
Mastering the unknown
Globe magazine
Two years ago, ETH launched the innovative Master’s degree in quantum engineering. Now the first cohort of students is nearing the end of the programme.
The man setting out to reduce methane produced by animals
News
Michael Kreuzer, Professor of Animal Nutrition and pioneer in the prevention of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, is retiring after 27 years at ETH Zurich.
Across disciplinary borders
News
From genetics and personalised medicine to health insurance and climate change: at ETH Week 2021, 120 students from all degree programmes and from 31 countries grappled with the topic of “Health for Tomorrow”.
Back to the lecture hall
Press release
Today sees the start of the Autumn Semester for over 20,000 students at ETH Zurich. The introduction of mandatory COVID certificates allows them back on the campus at last. Although the number of new Bachelor’s students has not risen, the level is still high.
COVID certificate requirement: the way back to in-person teaching
News
The announcement that COVID certificates will be compulsory has been welcomed by both students’ and lecturers’ associations at ETH Zurich as the best way back to in-person teaching. Implementation is a challenge, as Rector Sarah Springman explains.