We Are ETH

In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish speaks with Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, a scientist and people-first leader who has guided ETH through rapid change with calm resolve and big ambition. With warmth and humility, Mesot explains how collective intelligence across departments turns ideas into impact, from the Geo Lab and next-generation space research to AI and climate technologies. He shares why ETH is speeding up translation from lab to society, how programmatic fundraising unlocks bold projects, and why close industry partnerships matter for Switzerland. They revisit lessons from COVID that strengthened autonomy and speed, and they talk about an education model that blends technical excellence with values, leadership, and communication. Mesot is generous about his team, candid about geopolitical headwinds, and clear about the legacy he hopes to leave: faster paths to impact, stronger ties with society, and a university that listens. Inspiring, pragmatic and deeply human.Chapters(00:29) A Day in the Life of ETH President(01:45) Fundraising and External Relations(03:06) Research Initiatives and Achievements(04:19) Collective Intelligence and Collaboration(05:08) COVID-19 Response and Rapid Innovation(07:10) Autonomy and Speed in Research(08:35) Legacy and Future Vision(10:28) Climate Change and Environmental Research(11:12) Educational Values and Competencies(15:20) AI and Space Research(21:27) Challenges and Opportunities Ahead(29:34) Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of We Are ETH, Susan Kish speaks with Tobias Rees, philosopher, and anthropologist, about how science and technology are rewriting our idea of “human”. Tobias explains the shift from seeing the brain as fixed chemistry to a living system that renews and adapts. He explores how the microbiome and climate research dissolve the old boundary between humans and nature. Then he turns to AI as an “in-between” presence: a built system that learns, models, and creates in ways once reserved for living beings. The result is a fresh take on agency, identity, and participation in a world where machines and organisms increasingly overlap. Along the way Rees shares the moments that shaped his thinking, the projects he is pursuing now and the practices that keep his ideas moving. Bold, clear and provocative, this is a fast track into the future of what we are.Chapters:(01:42) The brain: From fixed organ to living system(06:04) The human as a concept(07:43) Ancient philosophy: Who counted as human?(09:54) The birth of universal humanity(12:09) Microbiomes and climate change: Rethinking nature(13:08) AI: Between machine and being(16:03) Tobias's work and philosophy(17:04) Growing up without career expectations(18:03) Reading recommendations and daily practicesbooks and podcasts mentioned in this episode:The Genius Of Trees by Harriet RixPossible by Reid Hoffman and Aria FingerNo Priors by Sarah Guo and Elad GilZEIT Literatur Podcast "Was liest du gerade?"F.A.Z. Literatur Podcast

In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish talks with Dr. Estefanía Tapias, ETH Zurich alumna and smart-city expert, about building resilient, people-centered cities. Estefanía traces a path from Bogotá to Zurich, through the Future Cities Lab in Singapore, to her current work in Dubai, advising on urban development across the Gulf. She explains how extreme heat reshapes street design, materials, and building operations, why public transport, shading, and walkability still win in hot climates, and how to scale sustainable construction. The conversation explores Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and other build-from-scratch projects, weighing bold vision against practical constraints. Estefanía reflects on “living the problems” before critiquing, how Zurich shaped her systems view, and how data bias and missing perspectives can distort planning models. She closes with advice for young planners: go where change is happening, blend tech with anthropology, and test ideas in real streets.(00:00:48) Introduction: From Colombia to Dubai(00:02:03) The Middle East's Technology Transformation(00:02:34) Combining Urban Planning with Technology(00:03:39) Public Transportation and Urban Design(00:05:22) Falling in Love with Zurich(00:07:07) Working with Visionary Professor Gerhard Schmitt(00:09:13) Understanding Extreme Heat and Climate Adaptation(00:12:41)Living the Problems Before Criticizing(00:13:31)Cities Built from Scratch: Saudi Arabia's Opportunity(00:16:49) NEOM: Successes and Challenges(00:19:08) Advice for Young Urban Planners(00:20:16) What Makes ETH Special(00:21:20) Curiosity About Future Cities(00:22:17) Data Bias and Diverse Perspectives in Technology

Host Susan Kish talks with Roman Engeler, ETH Zurich alumnus and co-founder of Atla, about how modern AI agents make decisions and how to keep them safe, reliable, and fast. Roman explains traces – the step-by-step records of an agent’s reasoning – s and shows how Atla helps teams debug, evaluate and improve agent performance at scale. He shares the move from ETH research to building a company in London, compares startup cultures in Zurich, Palo Alto and London, and reflects on how ETH’s rigor translates into product execution. The conversation covers the promise and risks of growing autonomy, why guardrails matter for real deployments, and ways alumni can give back, including the Founder’s Pledge. Clear, candid and practical, this episode is for anyone shaping the next wave of intelligent systems.Chapters:(00:00:48) Living in London: Startup Scene Comparison(00:03:36) From Research to Startups: Roman's Journey(00:05:33) What Are AI Agents and Traces?(00:07:30) Introducing Atla: Debugging AI Agents(00:09:24) Case Studies: Real-World Applications(00:11:08) Pricing Model and Customer Success(00:13:43) The ETH Difference: Rigor and Freedom(00:16:05) Founder's Pledge: Giving Back to ETH(00:18:21) The Future of AI: Progress and Predictions(00:21:42) Advice for Future AI Students(00:23:42) Giving Back: Scholarships and Support(00:25:19) Personal Questions: Growing Up and Early Dreams(00:26:03) Current Reading: Biographies and AI Safety(00:28:34) Favorite Zurich Spot and Closing

In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish sits down with ETH alumni Sue Tobler (physics) and Remo Gisi (computer science). They are the cofounders of Tastelab, a culinary studio that turns algorithms and physics into unforgettable plant based dining. Sue and Remo share how they moved from corporate careers to entrepreneurship and how they use data analysis, sensory testing, and event storytelling to design dishes where science amplifies joy. They explain their approach to algorithmic recipe development, texture and heat transfer informed by physics, and a pragmatic view of sustainability that showcases what is possible rather than prescribing limits. Along the way they reflect on lessons in negotiation, balancing creativity and constraints, and building a business that finds the sweet spot between precision and play. From pop up gastronomy to bespoke experiences, Tastelab shows that the future of food can be deliciously data driven and truly memorable.books mentioned in the podcast:Book of ideas (Sue)https://www.amazon.com/Rel%C3%A6-Ideas-Christian-F-Puglisi/dp/1607746492Goliath's Curse (Remo)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliath%27s_Curse(00:59) The Passion for Food(02:48) Cooking as Science(06:43) Creating Memorable Experiences(11:38) Sustainability in Culinary Arts(16:46) The Journey to Taste Lab(28:08) Advice for Aspiring Innovators(30:00) Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish talks with Péter Fankhauser, CEO and co-founder of ANYbotics, about his journey from an ETH Zurich spinoff to leading one of the world’s most exciting robotics companies. Péter shares how his fascination with robots turned into a global business, the real-world challenges of scaling deep-tech innovation, and why combining AI with robotics is transforming industries. From oil and gas inspections to autonomous machines designed for complex and dangerous tasks, ANYbotics is showing how robots can take on work once thought impossible – while deliberately steering clear of military applications. Along the way, Péter offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: get out of the lab, listen to your customers, and embrace leadership that goes beyond engineering. This episode is a front-row seat to the future of robotics, and to the mindset that makes it possible.Books mentioned in this episode:The Hard Things About The Hard Things - Ben Horowitzhttps://www.amazon.de/Hard-Thing-About-Things-Building/dp/0062273205Build - Tony Fadellhttps://www.amazon.com/Build/dp/1787634108Chapters:(00:43) Peter Fankhauser's Journey into Robotics(01:23) The Focus Project at ETH Zurich(02:17) Building the Inverted Pendulum Robot(03:31) The Tipping Point in Robotics(04:52) Founding Anybotics and Embracing AI(06:03) Funding and Scaling Anybotics(08:23) Applications of Robotics in Industry(11:34) Ethical Considerations and Future of Robotics(19:47)Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs(22:19) Closing Thoughts and Reflections

ETH Zurich is reaching for the stars – literally. In this special episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish speaks with techno-magician Marco Tempest and innovation strategist Dr. Nanja Strecker, two visionary forces behind ETH Zurich’s rapidly growing space ecosystem. They explore how ETH is transforming itself into a launchpad for space innovation, education, and entrepreneurship: through bold initiatives like the Master program in Space Systems and the PI Innovation Hub, which connects deep tech research with real space missions. The conversation highlights the role of Switzerland in the lunar economy, the creative and technical challenges of building for space, and how ETH’s interdisciplinary strength is positioning it at the forefront of this next frontier. Marco and Nanja also share their personal journeys and what it will take to prepare the next generation of space pioneers and entrepreneurs.Chapters:(01:27) The Magic and Fascination of Space(03:07) Space Startups and Entrepreneurship(07:39) ETH Zurich's Role in Space Innovation(12:15) Thomas Zurbuchen's Journey to ETH(19:52) ETH Zurich's Space Master's Program(25:29) Personal Insights and Recommendations(33:00) Conclusion and Closing Remarksbooks mentionned in this episode:Nanjas recommendations:The Culture Map - Erin Meyerhttps://erinmeyer.com/books/the-culture-map/The Space Economy - Chad Andersonhttps://www.spacecapital.com/space-economy-bookMarcos recommendations:Signs Of Storytelling - Will Storrhttps://www.thescienceofstorytelling.com/Mindware - Tools for Smart Thinking - Richard Nisbetthttps://lsa.umich.edu/psych/people/emeriti-faculty/nisbett.html

Olympic medalist, world champion cyclist, engineer, and cookbook author – Dr. Emma Pooley has never fit into a single box. In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish sits down with the ETH Zurich PhD alumna to talk about her extraordinary path from Cambridge mathematics student to elite endurance athlete and published author. Emma shares how switching to engineering helped her make sense of the world, how she trained for the Olympics while finishing her doctorate, and why her ETH supervisor Sarah Springman played a pivotal role in making it all possible. They discuss the joys and chaos of racing bikes, adjusting to life in Zurich, writing her deeply personal cookbook OAT to Joy, and what it takes to balance ambition with wellbeing. This episode is a warm, honest, and energizing reminder that it’s possible to pursue excellence – without giving up joy.(01:01) Emma's Academic Journey(01:54) Transition to Engineering(03:09) Moving to Zurich(04:43) Discovering Cycling(07:04) Early Cycling Challenges(10:07) Balancing PhD and Cycling(12:58) PhD Research Explained(15:10) Balancing Athletics and Personal Growth(16:12) Experiences at ETH Zurich(16:42) Cycling Challenges and Crashes(17:38) Transitioning from Cycling to Triathlon(18:25) Publishing a Cookbook(20:55) Career Shift to Engineering

In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish speaks with Dr. Einat Kalisch-Rotem, the first woman mayor of Haifa and a visionary force in modern urban planning. Trained as an architect at ETH Zurich, Einat shares how her ETH experience shaped the bold strategies she’s using to reimagine Haifa’s future. From creating Israel’s first bilingual school to fighting for better public transportation and more livable, inclusive spaces, she reveals how thoughtful design can transform cities. Einat talks candidly about navigating political hurdles, breaking new ground in sustainable urban development, and her drive to position Haifa as a hub of culture, tourism, and innovation. This episode offers an inspiring look at how leadership, vision, and design can work together to reshape a city for the challenges of the 21st century.(00:27) Meet Dr. Einat Kalish-Rotem: Architect, Urban Planner, and Mayor(00:53) Zurich's Influence on Urban Planning(01:41) Challenges and Achievements in Haifa's Infrastructure(01:45) The Journey into Politics(04:14) The Vision for Haifa's Future(05:01) The Impact of Zurich on Leadership(06:18) Anthropological Insights and Public Spaces(10:09) Political Challenges and Triumphs(20:42) Future Endeavors and Reflections(22:14) Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Dr. Jan Wurzbacher, ETH alumnus and co-founder of Climeworks, joins host Susan Kish to talk about the urgent need—and emerging science—behind removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Born out of a vision shared with fellow ETH engineer Christophe Gebald, Climeworks has grown from lab experiments at ETH Zurich to building the world’s first large-scale direct air capture plants in Iceland. Jan explains the mechanics of carbon capture using sorbent materials, the hurdles of scaling such a system, and how engineering and climate science must work together to meet the planet’s carbon removal targets. He also reflects on the importance of market creation, policy support, and public trust as Climeworks moves toward its ambitious goal of gigaton-scale CO₂ removal by 2050. This episode is a deep dive into innovation at the edge of climate action—and a rare look inside one of ETH Zurich’s most impactful spin-offs.books mentioned in this episode:Jim Collins «From Good to Great».Verne Harnish «Scaling Up»chapters:(00:27) Meet Dr. Jan Wurzbacher: Co-Founder of Clime Works(00:56) The Origin Story: Meeting at ETH(02:19) Applying Mechanical Engineering to Climate Change(02:31) How Clime Works Extracts CO2 from the Air(03:26) Building and Scaling Clime Works(05:16) Challenges and Innovations in CO2 Removal(08:03) Early Prototypes and Market Development(11:39) Scaling Up: From Pilot to Gigaton Scale(17:48) The Future of CO2 Removal and Personal Actions(19:34) Leadership and Organizational Growth(22:44) Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights