Appointments

Dr Otmar Hilliges (*1979), currently Research Scientist at Microsoft Research, as Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Computer Science. Otmar Hilliges is an up-and-coming scientist in the area of human-computer interaction. Working at Microsoft Research in Cambridge, UK, his current projects include the development of innovative input and output technologies that can facilitate a more natural form of interaction with computers. Within the Department of Computer Science, Otmar Hilliges will strengthen the Institute for Pervasive Computing, which focuses on intelligent environments and the increasing prevalence of networked computers in everyday life.

Professor Jörn Piel (*1967), currently “W2 Professor” at the University of Bonn, Germany, as Full Professor of Microbial Interactions. Jörn Piel is a globally renowned expert in the evolution and diversity of natural products. Thanks to his appointment, the Department of Biology is expanding its spectrum of research in the area of natural product biosynthesis. Jörn Piel will further enhance the leading global position of the Institute of Microbiology in the area of interactions of microorganisms and higher organisms. Among other things, ETH Zurich is expecting this research to deliver findings that can be applied in the development of pharmaceuticals.

Dr Sebastian Rausch (*1978), currently Research Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, USA, as Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Economics/Energy Economics. Sebastian Rausch is one of the world’s leading young energy economists. Since 2011 he has headed the U.S. Regional Energy & Environment Modeling Project, one of the most important projects in this sphere. The appointment of Sebastian Rausch will enable the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics to become more involved in the key international networks of current energy and climate research. Within ETH Zurich, Sebastian Rausch will also be an active participant in the inter-departmental Energy Science Center.

Professor Johan Six (*1972), currently Full Professor at the University of California, Davis, USA, as Full Professor of Sustainable Agroecosystems. Johan Six has researched and taught at a number of US universities since 1996. The focus of his research interest lies on the interactions between plants, soil biota, and soil organic matter dynamics in agricultural, grassland and forest ecosystems, and how these interactions are modulated by land management. He will further consolidate the leading global position of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the research of agroecology. As a result of the appointment of Johan Six, ETH Zurich is expecting to see key contributions to the resolution of current problems in the area of food security.

Retirement/departure

Professor Urs Boutellier (*1948), currently Full Professor of Exercise Physiology, will enter semi-retirement as of 30 November 2012, before taking full retirement with effect from 1 April 2013. Urs Boutellier studied and acquired his doctorate in medicine at the University of Zurich. In 1992 he was appointed Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology at ETH Zurich, before going on to acquire a joint professorship at the University of Zurich in 1995. In 2001 he was promoted to Full Professor of ETH Zurich. Urs Boutellier has made a disproportionately large contribution to teaching, while his research results and implementation work in sports medicine practice are held in high international regard.

Professor Roland W. Scholz (*1950), currently Full Professor of Environmental Sciences – Natural and Social Science Interface, will leave ETH Zurich with immediate effect. Roland Scholz has been Full Professor of Environmental and Natural Sciences since 1993.

The ETH Board would like to thank the departing professors for their services to science and teaching, as well as their commitment to their institution.

Award of the title of Professor

Dr Christof Appenzeller, Head of the Climate Division at MeteoSchweiz, as Adjunct Professor of ETH Zurich.