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Konrad Osterwalder was Rector of ETH Zurich from 1995 to 2006, and also served as Interim President during a difficult period. He played a central role in making ETH Zurich an open, international and innovative university and was a gifted teacher and mentor. He sadly passed away on 19 December at the age of 83.

For years, ETH researchers have been investigating a molecular complex that plays a key role in protein synthesis. They have now discovered that this complex also contributes a crucial function in ensuring that our DNA is properly processed and “packaged”. 

The Head of the Archives of Contemporary History at ETH Zurich contemplates how events become “historic” and reaches some surprising conclusions about 2025.  

Engineers, biomedical researchers, computer scientists, and many other members of the ETH Zurich community have made great strides in research and teaching. Here is a brief review of an eventful year.

In part two of the interview marking the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics, ETH Professor Klaus Ensslin explains why quantum technology is developing at such a rapid pace at the moment and why Switzerland needs to make an effort if it doesn’t want to be left behind. 

Three quantum researchers were presented with the Nobel Prize in Stockholm on 10 December. Meanwhile, this year marked the centenary of quantum mechanics as a field of research. In this two-part interview, ETH Professor Klaus Ensslin looks back at its beginnings and talks about where the technology is headed. 

In a former service tunnel built for the Furka-Gotthard rail link, ETH geoscientists are looking to move mountains. We take a closer look at the underground lab.

Ruedi Hofer was as surprised as anyone to be appointed the new President of the ETH Alumni Association.

Robotics pioneer Roland Siegwart and philosopher Nadia Mazouz discuss dual-use technologies, drone warfare in Ukraine and whether universities should one day engage in military research.

ETH students on a project-based programme are developing underwater robots that can think and act collectively. It’s the perfect opportunity to see how research and technology can dovetail with teamwork.

While machine learning has long been a cornerstone of robotics, the latest AI revolution is reshaping how robots are taught. Cloud-based simulations have made training faster and more efficient than ever.