News & Events
"Kurt R. Spillmann was a leading voice at the intersection of science and society."

His legacy as a university teacher, researcher and public intellectual will live on after his death. An obituary authored by Andreas Wenger, published in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung on June 2, 2025.
Push Yourself for an ambitious learning experience and Apply Now for the IDEA League Challenge Programme!

Are you an ambitious student looking to make a real impact? Do you have a passion for leadership, technology, and society? If so, the IDEA League Challenge Programme is the perfect opportunity for you!
The IDEA League Challenge Programme is an extra-curricular course for ambitious and talented students that will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in future leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.
Robots assemble reinforcing steel

The technology of ETH Zurich spin-off MESH allows for new shapes and was used for the Tor Alva in Mulegns, among others. And it makes construction more efficient, for example in prefabrication for the second Gotthard road tunnel.
Ultra-thin lenses that make infrared light visible

Physicists at ETH Zurich have developed a lens with magic properties. Ultra-thin, it can transform infrared light into visible light by halving the wavelength of incident light.
What ETH glacier researchers know about the collapse of the Birch Glacier

On Wednesday, the Birch Glacier collapsed under the weight of rock and debris from rockfalls on the Kleine Nesthorn. Following an on-site inspection, ETH Zurich researchers explain the background to the collapse that buried the village Blatten in an updated fact sheet.
Save twice the ice by limiting global warming

A new study with ETH Zurich, finds that if global warming exceeds the Paris Climate Agreement targets, the non-polar glacier mass will diminish significantly. However, if warming is limited to 1.5°C, at least 54 per cent could be preserved—more than twice as much ice as in a 2.7°C scenario.
Study demonstrates benefits of molecular tumour analysis

Every tumour is unique. This makes it difficult to find the most effective therapy for treatment. Researchers in Zurich and Basel are now showing how state-of-the-art molecular biological technologies can be used to create a detailed tumour profile within four weeks, enabling tailored treatment. The study is the first of its kind in the world.
Happy Birthday, ESA!

The European Space Agency (ESA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary. ESA has helped make Europe more technologically independent and has played a key role in space exploration in recent decades. And ETH Zurich has always been one of its partners on its journey.
Is AI the future of weather and climate modelling?

Machine learning has emerged as a powerful tool for weather forecasting and offers considerable potential for climate projections. Nicolas Gruber and Andreas Prein explain why traditional simulations using numerical models remain indispensable.
Sanitary towels morph into test strips

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed the first technology that is able to recognise biomarkers in menstrual blood – directly in sanitary towels. MenstruAI promises a simple, non-invasive method for recording health data in everyday life.
Old water, new insights

Five years ago, an experiment began at ETH Hönggerberg: researchers set up an outdoor laboratory in the forest near the campus. They used sensors positioned in trees, the soil and in a stream to study water dynamics and the “old water paradox”. ETH News accompanied the head of the experiment, Marius Floriancic.
Six professors appointed

At the meeting on 21st and 22nd May 2025, the ETH Board appointed two female and four male professors at the request of ETH President Joël Mesot. The Board also awarded the title of "Professor" three times and the title of "Professor of Practice" twice.
Where power will come from in 2050

By 2050, the aim is for Switzerland’s energy system to be decarbonised and no longer reliant on nuclear power. How this can be achieved and the costs of doing so are set out in a new report by a Swiss research consortium involving researchers from ETH Zurich, the universities of Geneva and Bern, EPFL, WSL, and ZHAW.
Robots that can climb trees or restore coral reefs

Around 100 Bachelor’s students from the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering have spent two semesters working on their Focus projects in 11 teams. They will present the results of their projects on 28 May.
From confectioners to robots – Tor Alva in Mulegns is unveiled

Tor Alva was officially inaugurated in Mulegns today in the presence of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and President of ETH Zurich Joël Mesot. The almost 30-metre-high, gleaming white tower is the world’s tallest 3D-printed building.
“The lack of vision has led transport policy down a dead end.”

Cities can expand their bike lane networks significantly without causing additional congestion on the roads. That is the conclusion reached by the ETH research project E-Bike City. Project lead and transport researcher Kay Axhausen explains the implications for traffic, the environment and costs.
Using sound waves to create a smart T-shirt

New smart textiles developed by researchers at ETH Zurich use acoustic waves and glass fibres to help make precise measurements. They are light, breathable and inexpensive, and offer great potential for medicine, sports and everyday life.
When a vision becomes reality

Aldo Steinfeld, a pioneer in synthetic fuels, retires at the end of July 2025. This provides a compelling reason to present a portrait of the engineer and to find out how you can fill up your fuel tank with sun.
ETH microbiologist honoured with prestigious European medical award

Chemist and microbiologist Jörn Piel combs through the vast world of bacteria for new natural substances to combat the antibiotic crisis. The ETH professor has now been honoured for his research with one of Europe’s most highly endowed medical prizes.
ETH Zurich researchers discover new security vulnerability in Intel processors

Computer scientists at ETH Zurich discover new class of vulnerabilities in Intel processors, allowing them to break down barriers between different users of a processor using carefully crafted instruction sequences. Entire processor memory can be read by employing quick, repeated attacks.
CSS Annual Report 2024

In the CSS Annual Report 2024, you can read more about the main focuses and activities of CSS in a year in which an already profound geopolitical shift became more marked – with serious implications for global security.
Orbit of Dependence: Ukraine’s Space Challenge

Recent uncertainties regarding US intelligence sharing with Ukraine have highlighted Ukraine’s extensive reliance on US satellites. Europe, with its growing space capabilities, sees a chance to step in but is not yet ready to fill the gap. The situation served as a wake-up call for Europe, which also realized the extent of its own dependence on the US, prompting new efforts to develop space capabilities to serve defense needs.
The Antarctic water puzzle – how flooding contributes to ice melt

Hidden beneath the Antarctic ice lies a system of lakes and watercourses. An research team, including ETH researchers, has for the first time directly observed the subglacial streams of West Antarctica. Their study shows how individual flood events influence the melting of the ice.
Europe’s Semiconductor Strengths and Strains

US-China competition over semiconductors is reshaping the global technology landscape and supply chains. Europe faces unique challenges in navigating this environment but also holds significant strategic resources and capabilities in specialized segments of the chip industry. This analysis explores how Europe can leverage its niche strengths amid rising geopolitical pressure.
Understanding which proteins work together

Teamwork is crucial for proteins. Little is known, however, about which protein teams are actually active in which tissues. A new large-scale study by systems biologists at ETH Zurich is now redrawing the map.
Making augmented reality suitable for society

ETH Zurich is establishing a new research hub for augmented reality that involves close collaboration with Google. One of the ETH-Co-heads, Christian Holz, explains the importance of networking in this field.
Congratulations on ETHZ success at 2025 Geneva Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge

At the cyber competition Geneva Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge 2025, three ETH Zurich teams competed, including ISTP's MSc student Aïna Brudy with her team “Cyberia,” which made it to the Semifinals. Congratulations to all participants on their success!
Study: Using satellite images and deep learning to map urban slums in Africa

A new study combines satellite images and deep learning to map slums in Africa’s major cities. It reveals strong slum growth in the urban periphery between 2016 and 2022. The findings allow timely and cost-effective slum monitoring and facilitate targeted interventions.
How efficient are heat pumps in reality?

Researchers from ETH Zurich have carried out the largest field study to date, to find out whether heat pumps are running efficiently. When looked at in operation, it turns out that these units are often not optimally configured. Monitoring systems and legal standards could provide a remedy.
Info Session: MAS ETH in Development and Cooperation

NADEL's MAS programme combines studies at ETH Zurich with eight months on-the-job training at an international organization. Learn more at our info session on 15 May 2025 on Zoom.
Ultrasound and cilia to clean implanted stents and catheters

An interdisciplinary research team from Bern and Zurich has developed a method to clean urinary stents and catheters non-invasively – through the skin and without surgery – using ultrasound-activated microstructures.
SiP Talk #12 - Why (not) Trust Politics and Climate Science? Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the ‘Crisis of Trust’

Join the upcoming SiP Talk #12 on 19th of May 2025 with ISTP member Prof. Dr. Sonia I. Seneviratne on the topic "Why (not) Trust Politics and Climate Science? Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the ‘Crisis of Trust’"
Champion of the architectural project

Graubünden architect and ETH Professor Andrea Deplazes has embraced the linkage between design and construction both in teaching and practice. In the noughties, he became a pioneer of sustainable construction, epitomised by the Monte Rosa hut near Zermatt. Deplazes is set to retire in July.
AI provides reliable answers with less computational overhead

ETH Zurich researchers have developed a method that makes AI responses increasingly reliable. Their algorithm specifically selects data relevant to the question. In addition, even AI models up to 40 times smaller achieve the same output performance as the best large AI models.
Spurring excellence

Over 2,700 donors and partners supported ETH Zurich philanthropically in 2024. The ETH Foundation annual report provides insights into the wide-ranging support for projects and individuals over the last year.
TPP Alumni Insights: Roman's Experience as the First MAS TPP Alumnus

Technology and Public Policy (TPP) Alumnus Roman Welsing Shares his MAS TPP experience and how the TPP Programme Shaped his Career at the Intersection of Technology and Public Policy
What keeps alternating current in sync when large power generators go offline?

Traditional large-scale power generators ensure a stable frequency of alternating current in the European power grid. Now, researchers from ETH Zurich have found a solution so that wind and solar power plants can take over – paving the way for the energy transition.
Swiss Good Offices in Space

As Earth’s orbits are increasingly congested, disputes over space traffic will erupt between operators. This Policy Perspective from Clémence Poirier makes the case for Switzerland to extend its facilitation efforts to space.
What if we don’t find any life on the exoplanets, Doctor Angerhausen?

The planned space missions to search for remote life will provide valuable insights even if they do not find any evidence of life, says astrophysicist Daniel Angerhausen.
Strengthening Switzerland as an AI hub and tackling the skilled labour shortage

ETH Zurich is expanding its activities in the field of artificial intelligence, boosting Switzerland’s status as an AI hub. The university is also addressing the country’s skilled labour shortage through its education and training programmes. However, ETH Zurich fears that an impending paradigm shift in tuition fees could pose a challenge to its model of success.
Disinformation: A Measured Response

Foreign disinformation is a matter of significant concern in democracies. While the empirical evidence of its influence is more nuanced than many threat perceptions suggest, uncertainty in crucial domains complicates decision-making. An analysis of these uncertainties highlights the importance of fostering civil trust and maintaining proportionality in policies and discourse around disinformation.
B and C Incidents: The Growing Importance of Forensics

The threat posed by potential attacks using biological (B) or chemical (C) weapons is real, and it is being exacerbated by the security situation. This requires states to enhance their preparedness, response, and investigation capabilities in the case of incidents involving these weapons. In this CSS Analysis Sophie Reiners states that reliable investigative mechanisms are necessary, with forensic methods playing a key role.
Reasons to feel confident

From bridges and tunnels to railways, Switzerland has always invested heavily in the upkeep of its infrastructure. But how does it keep everything operating safely and smoothly while also instilling confidence that nothing will go wrong?
Why (not) Trust Politics and Climate Science? Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the ‘Crisis of Trust’
Monday, May 19, 2025, 18:15
Goethes Faust: Eine radikale Aufklärung? Wissenschaft, Theater und Politik im Zeichen des Teufels
Öffentlicher Vortrag von Prof. Dr. Galili Shahar
How human cells repair damaged DNA

Researchers at ETH Zurich have unravelled the complex network that cells use to repair their genetic material. By examining thousands upon thousands of genetic interactions, the team has discovered new vulnerabilities in cancer cells that could be exploited therapeutically in the future.
AI will be decisive for competitiveness

ETH Zurich and Zühlke have conducted a study on how companies use AI technologies. A total of 633 companies from the fields of production, technology, healthcare and finance from the DACH region, the UK and the US were surveyed. Stefano Brusoni, Professor of Technology and Innovation Management, explains in an interview where the greatest potential lies and where Europe needs to catch up.
Higgs, hadrons, big ideas: CERN experiments receive Breakthrough Prize

At a ceremony in Los Angeles on 5 April, the four major experimental collaborations at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – ALICE, ATLAS, CMS and LHCb – were awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.
Impact investment – the future of development cooperation?

Ahead of the fourth UN-led Financing for Development Conference in early July, we take stock of the trajectory of impact investment to date and explore what role private capital might have on social development in the future.