© 2026 EPFL
The Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology has announced the appointment of professors at EPFL.
Dr Oliver Edtmair, currently Junior Fellow at ETH Zurich and a Clay Research Fellow, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Mathematics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Oliver Edtmair is regarded as one of the most promising young researchers of his generation in symplectic geometry and dynamics. His most notable achievements include the construction of dynamically convex but non-convex hypersurfaces, his work on the smooth-closing lemma for area-preserving surface diffeomorphisms, and his contribution to the problem formulated by Vladimir Arnold in 1973 concerning the topological extension of helicity, a fundamental quantity in fluid dynamics and magnetodynamics. His appointment strengthens teaching and research in symplectic geometry, differential geometry and dynamical systems at the Institute of Mathematics.
Dr Alexandra Henzinger, currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC)
Alexandra Henzinger obtained her doctorate in 2026 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the field of electrical engineering and computer science, with a focus on data protection and privacy. Her research at the intersection of cryptography, IT security and systems engineering aims to develop a new generation of mechanisms to strengthen trust in IT systems. The goal is to render systems that comply with data protection regulations usable at the level of real-world infrastructure for billions of users, whilst at the same time extending them to emerging fields such as generative artificial intelligence. With the appointment of Alexandra Henzinger, EPFL is strengthening the strategic area of IT security and privacy.
Dr Denys Nikolayev,currently Senior CNRS Researcher in Rennes, France, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Neurotechnology in the School of Engineering STI (Campus Biotech, Geneva).
Denys Nikolayev, who has received an ERC Starting Grant, conducts research at the interface between applied electromagnetism, bioengineering and neurotechnologies. His work focuses on wireless communication and power transfer for implantable and wearable devices, combining wave biophysics with innovative bioelectronic technologies. His findings contribute to making bioelectronic systems more efficient, robust and compact. Through his innovative research, Denys Nikolayev strengthens EPFL's activities in adaptive and minimally invasive neurotechnologies.
Dr Lindsey Salay, currently Postdoctoral Researcher at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences (SV)
Lindsey Salay's research in the field of systemic neuroscience investigates how the brain transforms sensory experiences into internal states that control adaptive behaviour. She also studies how neural circuits integrate internal drives with social and sensory signals to trigger innate behaviours. Her work has resulted in important findings about the neural mechanisms that link perception, emotion, motivation and action. With her multidisciplinary and quantitative research approach, she is an ideal complement to EPFL's neuroscience programme and its existing research groups.
Promotions at EPFL
Professor Matteo Dal Peraro, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Life Sciences in the School of Life Sciences (SV)
Matteo Dal Peraro's research involves molecular simulation and integrative modelling. He combines molecular simulations, experimental approaches and artificial intelligence in order to understand biomolecular mechanisms. His work has helped to clarify the mechanisms of membrane proteins and to investigate disease-associated proteins and complexes. In the future he intends his teaching to have a stronger focus on physical aspects and the use of artificial intelligence. Matteo Dal Peraro is an outstanding researcher and dedicated lecturer, whose research programme is an ideal fit with the orientation of the new molecular design centre at EPFL.
Professor François Gallaire, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering (STI)
François Gallaire is a leading international scientist in the field of fluid mechanics. His research focuses on hydrodynamic stability, vortex dynamics, free interface flows and theoretical microfluidics. His approach combines theory, numerical simulation and experiment to develop reduced-order, physics-based models, and has significantly advanced the understanding of complex fluid dynamics phenomena. Among other honours, he is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and has received an ERC Starting Grant. Through his scientific excellence and original approach, François Gallaire will further enhance EPFL's international profile in theoretical and numerical fluid dynamics.
Professor Jeremy Luterbacher, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Chemical Engineering in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Jeremy Luterbacher is internationally recognized as a leading figure in sustainable conversion of biomass, catalysis and the development of chemical processes based on renewable resources. His research has made significant contributions to advancing biomass fractionation approaches. Jeremy Luterbacher has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant and an SNSF Consolidator Grant, as well as numerous distinctions, including the EPFL Latsis Prize and an ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering Lectureship Award. This promotion highlights Jeremy Luterbacher's leading role at EPFL, through the excellence of his research, his commitment to training the next generation of scientists and his contribution to the academic life of the School.
Professor Semyon Malamud, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Finance at the College of Management of Technology (CDM)
Semyon Malamud is an internationally renowned financial economist and mathematician. His research has a focus on the valuation of assets, liquidity and strategic trading, the information economy, international finance and machine learning methods. He combines mathematical finance with the latest developments in econometrics and artificial intelligence. Semyon Malamud was the recipient of an SNSF Starting Grant for his research activities. This promotion strengthens EPFL's position in a fast-growing field, while also enhancing its attractiveness to the next generation of scientists.
Professor Julia Schmale, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Extreme Environments in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Julia Schmale's research investigates the composition of the atmosphere, the influence of natural and anthropogenic aerosols on cloud formation, and their effects on the warming of the polar regions. Her work provides important insights for climate models and for understanding climate change. She has taken part in numerous field campaigns in the polar regions and driven forward the development of measuring instruments. As an acknowledged expert in atmospheric sciences, she has participated in significant missions such as Tara Polar Station and Antarctica InSync. Her promotion enables EPFL to strengthen its research and teaching in the area of climate and extreme environments.
Award of the title of "Professor of Practice" at EPFL
Dr Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux, currently Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at SICPA SA, as Professor of Practice at the College of Management of Technology (CDM)
The engineer and materials scientist Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux has over 30 years' international experience in industrial research and development, technology strategy and innovation management. He has held leadership positions at SICPA, Solvay and DuPont and plays a very active role in the scientific and academic community. At the College of Management of Technology he will help to develop and implement courses on applied strategy, leadership and innovation management. With his appointment, EPFL is strengthening the connection between scientific excellence, industrial innovation and the education of future leaders in the field of technology.
