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The Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology has announced the appointment of professors at EPFL.
New appointments at EPFL
Professor Benjamin Peherstorfer, currently Associate Professor at New York University, USA, as Full Professor of Computational and Applied Mathematics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Benjamin Peherstorfer is regarded as one of the most promising researchers of his generation in the fields of scientific machine learning and model reduction. His work has direct applications in complex real-world settings, including space propulsion simulations, plasma physics, wildfire modelling and the analysis of turbulent flows. By building new bridges between mathematics, engineering, and computational science, Benjamin Peherstorfer will reinforce EPFL's leading role in the areas of scientific computing, data-driven modelling and applied mathematics.
Professor Angela Wittmann, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Angela Wittmann has received several awards for her research in spintronics, which takes conducted at the intersection of solid-state physics, materials science, and chemistry within the emerging field of chiraltronics. In the context of hybrid molecule-metal interfaces, she studies how molecular chirality influences electron spin and magnetic properties, with applications in spintronics and quantum technologies. Angela Wittmann is a highly creative who has already achieved remarkable results. Through this appointment, EPFL further strengthen its leading position in the field of physical chemistry.
Promotions at EPFL
Professor Raffaella Buonsanti, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Chemical Engineering in the School of Basic Sciences (SB) (EPFL Valais Wallis)
Raffaella Buonsanti is recognised internationally as a leading expert at the interface of nanochemistry, materials chemistry, and electrocatalysis. Her research focuses on the controlled synthesis of nanocrystals of non-precious metals, as well as on understanding and stabilising dynamic catalyst surfaces under electrochemical conditions. She is making a decisive contribution to the development of innovative nanomaterials addressing major societal challenges related to energy and sustainability. Raffaella Buonsanti has been awarded both an ERC Starting Grant and an ERC Consolidator Grant. She also plays a central role in student education through her leadership as Director of the Section of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and through her outstanding teaching at EPFL.
Professor Nicolas Flammarion, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC)
Nicolas Flammarion's research on machine learning and artificial intelligence combines theoretical principles with algorithmic practices and is of use in many scientific disciplines apart from computer science. The aim is to create a solid scientific basis for AI language models, in order to make them more efficient, cost-effective, secure and reliable. Nicolas Flammarion is a first-rate researcher and an outstanding lecturer, who also addresses ethical issues. He enjoys a high reputation in the international scientific community and plays a key role in teaching at EPFL, alongside his many other commitments to the institution.
Professor Alexander Mathis, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences (SV) (Biotech Campus, Geneva).
Alexander Mathis works at the interface between computational neuroscience and machine learning. The aim of his research is to develop tools for analysing complex behaviours and achieve a better understanding of their neural basis. He co-developed the open source software DeepLabCut, which is used for investigating animal movements in videos without the use of obtrusive markers; this has made a significant contribution to understanding the motor control system. His work makes use of a wide range of skills, from software development and machine learning to computational neuroscience. Alexander Mathis is an internationally renowned scientist and lecturer who is a great asset to teaching at EPFL.
Professor Mackenzie Mathis, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences (SV)
In her research, Mackenzie Mathis aims to understand the neural circuits and computational processes that underlie motor learning and control. She is a co-founder of DeepLabCut, an open source software used for investigating animal movements in videos without the use of obtrusive markers. Mackenzie Mathis went on to develop the CEBRA algorithm, for analysing how neural circuits affect movement in parts of the body. This new tool enables behaviours to be linked to large-scale recordings of neural activity. Among other awards, Mackenzie Mathis received an ERC transition grant from the SNSF for her research programme, and won the Swiss Science Prize Latsis in 2024.
Professor Véronique Michaud, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Materials Science in the School of Engineering (STI).
Véronique Michaud focuses her research on the fundamentals of processing polymer and composite materials, including multiphase flows in porous media, capillary effects, process kinetics, and curing and polymerization mechanisms. She also investigates economic and environmental aspects of composite materials and processes, as well as the integration of functionalities such as self-healing, damping, and shape morphing. Her work contributes to the development of high-performance composite structures and more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes, and she has established numerous partnerships with industry. Véronique Michaud has also held various leadership roles at EPFL, including that of Vice Dean for Education.
Professor Dimitri Wyss, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Mathematics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
In his research, Dimitri Wyss investigates the geometric and arithmetic properties of moduli spaces. His most significant contributions include work in enumerative geometry, particularly in connection with the Langlands programme, non-abelian Hodge theory, and the geometry of moduli spaces of sheaves on complex surfaces. He is regarded as a leading international expert in the field and has been awarded an SNSF Starting Grant for his work. Dimitri Wyss takes a very active part in the academic life of the Institute of Mathematics. He is an outstanding researcher and dedicated teacher whose work plays an important role in the success of the School of Basic Sciences at EPFL.
Award of the title of "Professor" at EPFL
Dr Mathieu Salzmann, currently Senior Scientist at EPFL, as Adjunct Professor in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC)
Mathieu Salzmann is Deputy Chief Data Scientist at the Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC), a joint initiative between EPFL, ETH Zurich and PSI, and conducts research in the field of machine learning and deep learning, with particular emphasis on computer vision. He focuses on compact deep networks, the search for optimal network architectures and methods for identifying immutable information between source and destination locations. By appointing Mathieu Salzmann, EPFL is strengthening the area of machine learning and image processing.
Dr Alexandre Schmid, currently Senior Scientist at EPFL, as Adjunct Professor in the School of Engineering (STI).
Alexandre Schmid conducts research at the interface of microelectronics and biological systems. His work focuses on implantable devices and bioelectronic interfaces, as well as neuromorphic architectures and non-conventional computing approaches, ranging from reliable CMOS technologies to autonomous closed-loop systems. Alexandre Schmid has made significant contributions to biomedical microelectronics, including recording and stimulation interfaces, neuroprosthetic systems, and robust, energy-efficient bio-inspired architectures.
Award of the title of "Professor of Practice" at EPFL
Dr Urs Germann, currently Head of Department at the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSchweiz), as Professor of Practice in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Urs Germann is internationally recognised for his contributions to operational radar meteorology in complex terrain, especially quantitative precipitation estimation, nowcasting and their hydrological applications. Urs Germann's research takes place at the intersection of science and society, and he has many years' teaching experience as a guest lecturer at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. At EPFL he will be offering a Master's course aimed at combining research and technology with benefits to society in the remote sensing of the climate and environment. He is thus closing a teaching gap for the Environmental Sciences and Engineering Section (SSIE) and strengthening the cooperation with MeteoSwiss.
