Bringing the year to a close

Around 1500 members of ETH gathered in the main building on Thursday, 14 December 2023 for this year's Christmas Reception hosted by the Executive Board. They were greeted by ETH President Jo?l Mesot in the festively lit main hall. In his short speech, he thanked everyone for their great commitment to and for ETH. Under the motto "We are breaking all records", he spoke about four highlights that have particularly characterised ETH this year: The appointment of Thomas Zurbuchen as head of ETH Zurich Space, the launch of the green energy coalition, the new partnership between ETH and the UN, as well as the donation from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, which will enable around 20 professorships to be gradually established in Zurich and Heilbronn over the next 30 years.

Mesot expressed special thanks to Barbara Haering. The ETH alumna is a long-standing member of the ETH Board and has been its Vice President since January 2021. She will step down at the end of the year. Mesot paid tribute to her commitment to Switzerland as a centre of education and research.

Music by Rislane and the Lovers

Afterwards, the group Rislane and the Lovers performed some of their songs, creating a festive atmosphere. Rislane El Harat is not only a musician, but also works at the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich. In addition to their own compositions such as "How Can I Succeed" and "Feeling Blue Tonight", the band concluded with the well-known Christmas song "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt, giving the Reception a Christmassy touch.

Ap¨¦ro Riche with Swiss cuisine and lively exchange

The buffets offered various dishes under the motto of Swiss cuisine. From pasta (¡°H?rnli¡±) with minced meat to a wintery chestnut soup, the SV Service offered something for all tastes. Those present did not need to be asked twice and chatted over their meal, toasted to joint successes and projects, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere in the ETH main building.