Professor Olga Fink (*1983), currently Assistant Professor of Intelligent Maintenance Systems in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, will leave ETH Zurich at the end of February 2022. Olga Fink’s research deals with deep learning and hybrid algorithms for intelligent maintenance systems, such as the development of data-driven, intelligent and predictive maintenance systems. She is stepping down in order to take up a tenure track assistant professorship at EPFL.
Professor Janet Hering (*1958), currently Full Professor of Environmental Biogeochemistry in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich and Full Professor of Environmental Chemistry in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering at EPFL, is to retire at the end of December 2022. Janet Hering joined ETH Zurich in 2007 as a full professor and Director of Eawag; since 2010 she has also been a full professor at EPFL. Janet Hering’s research interests include techniques for making contaminated water drinkable, the biochemical behaviour of trace metals, and the exchange of knowledge between research, politics and practice. This multi-award-winning researcher was and still is a member of several international scientific bodies.
Professor Antia Rodriguez-Villalon (*1983), currently Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology of Plants in the Department of Biology, will leave ETH Zurich at the end of January 2022. Antia Rodriguez-Villalon is an expert in cell biology who has carried out pioneering work in the biochemistry of plant biosynthesis pathways and developmental biology. Her current research focuses on the biology of plant transport tissue. She is leaving to take up a post at the AO Foundation, a medical foundation.
Professor Christian Schöb (*1979), currently Assistant Professor of Agricultural Ecology in the Department of Environmental Systems Science, is to leave ETH Zurich at the end of January 2022. Christian Schöb conducts research into biodiversity by investigating biodiversity patterns, their mechanisms and their role in ecosystem processes. He has a particular interest in the interactions between organisms, especially between plants, as well as in how different species coexist and the consequences for ecosystems. He is leaving to take up a professorship at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid.
Professor Ankit Singla (*1986), currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science, is leaving ETH Zurich at the end of February 2022. Ankit Singla’s research links the classic areas of high-performance computing with new methods of protocol and network design. The focus of his application-oriented research on network architectures is on new protocols, topologies and networks in relation to data centres and the Internet. He is leaving to take up a new post with Google.
Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Sarah Springman (*1956), currently Full Professor of Geotechnical Engineering in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich, is to retire at the end of January 2022. Sarah Springman joined ETH Zurich as a full professor in 1997. Her research interests focus on soil-structure interaction and the geotechnical aspects of natural hazards. An internationally renowned scientist, she had the world's largest geotechnical drum centrifuge installed. From 2013 to 2014 she was deputy head of the department. In 2014 she received the “Golden Owl” award after the students had voted her the department’s best lecturer. Since 2015, Sarah Springman has been Rector of ETH Zurich and member of the Executive Board with responsibility for teaching. Among her major achievements, she has helped to promote the quality of teaching at all levels, divided the basic examination into two blocks, introduced the Bachelor’s course in human medicine, founded the School for Continuing Education, inaugurated the Student Project House and continued the development of the doctorate qualification. She is committed to promoting cross-disciplinary skills and instilling an enthusiasm for technical and scientific subjects in young people – especially young women.
