Episoder
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Remy Buser's journey from studying at ETH to founding Bloom Biorenewables and how he emphasises the need to defossilise materials and find sustainable alternatives.
Remy Buseris on a mission to replace fossil carbon with renewable carbon in the chemical industry! The CEO and co-founder of Bloom Biorenewables explains how the use of petrochemicals has shaped our world and the need to defossilise materials. He discusses the complexity of the transition and the role of political commitment and scientific understanding in driving this change. Remy emphasises the need for a global perspective and collaboration to tackle climate challenges. The conversation also touches on Remy's personal experiences, including his time at ETH and his passion for understanding the materials that shape our world.
This is his story.
Podcasts mentioned in the episode:
· Podcasts of The Economist
· Podcast with Jean-Marc Jancovici
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction and the Need to Defossilize Materials
(03:05) Remy Busse's Background and the Story of Truffles
(05:23) From Swiss Blot to Bloom BioRenewables
(09:00) Moving Away from Fossil-Based Carbon
(11:45) The Role of Petrochemicals in the Chemical Industry
(15:34) Replacing the Petrochemical Sector with Biomass
(20:19) Working with Politicians on Environmental Bills
(21:42) The Importance of Politics in Addressing Climate Change
(23:35) Childhood Aspirations and Curiosity about Materials
(28:52) Favorite Places in Zurich
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Wim Thiery, a climate scientist and associate professor at the University of Brussels, revealed during his recent visit at ETH Zurich, that children born in 2020 will face significantly more extreme weather events than previous generations.
Wim Thiery, climate scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Brussels, talks about the urgent need for robust mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the increasing frequency and intensity of these climate phenomena.
He also highlights the critical role of climate scientists in informing litigation against governments and corporations failing to take sufficient climate action.
Thiery shares with us his background and experiences that have shaped his career and gives an inspiring insight into the life of a scientist who wants to make a difference.
This is his story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Climate Injustice
(00:16) Meet Wim Thierry: Climate Scientist
(01:10) Seminar Insights: Unprecedented Lives
(01:30) Intergenerational Climate Inequities
(02:30) Heatwaves and Future Climate Scenarios
(03:30) Global Climate Extremes and Regional Disparities
(09:33) The Urgency of Climate Action and Adaptation
(10:26) Three Pillars of Climate Action
(12:54) My Climate Future: Personalized Climate Impact
(13:42) The Role of AI in Climate Research
(15:40) Preparing Future Generations for Climate Challenges
(17:08) Climate Litigation and the Role of Scientists
(19:12) Wim Thierry's Academic Journey
(22:18) Closing Thoughts and Personal Reflections
(25:32) Final Words and Podcast Outro
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Oriana Kraft, entrepreneur and founder of the FemTechnology Summit explains the need for gender-specific care in medicine and the potential of FemTech to revolutionise healthcare.
In this episode, Oriana Kraft, founder of Fem Technology, delves into the gender data health gap and the burgeoning field of FemTech. Fem Technology specialises in solutions that improve women's healthcare in the areas of reproductive health, autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular health. The conversation highlights the need for gender-specific care in medicine and FemTech's potential to revolutionise healthcare. Oriana shares insights from organising the first FemTechnology Summit at ETH and the collaboration with Roche. The episode concludes with a discussion about the synergy between science and art and Oriana's favorite spots in Zurich.
This is her story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Queen Victoria's Endometriosis
(04:29) The FEM Tech Guide and Proactive Women's Health Solutions
(13:51) Collaboration with Roche and the Role of Big Pharma in Femtech
(22:30) From Medicine to Entrepreneurship and the Intersection of Science and Art
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Meet Christophe Chautems, CTO of Nanoflex Robotics, bridging Mars rover expertise to medical robotics, revolutionising stroke treatment with magnetic technology.
Christophe Chautems, CTO of Nanoflex Robotics, talks about the breakthrough medical robotics technology that uses magnets to navigate catheters in the treatment of strokes. With 15 years of experience in robotics, including at NASA, Christophe emphasises the importance of combining research with practical applications, underlining Nanoflex's commitment to advancing healthcare. Nanoflex's magnetic system is not only promising for strokes, but could revolutionise various medical procedures through the integration of AI.
This is his story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Medical Robotics
(08:24) Navigating the Vasculature
(13:31) Time-Sensitive Stroke Treatment
(24:21) The Importance of Integration and Learning
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Join us on an inspiring journey with Etienne Jeoffroy, CEO of ETH spin-off FENX, as he shares insights into sustainable materials innovation and its potential impact on reducing carbon footprints.
Etienne Jeoffroy, co-founder and CEO of FENX, talks to Susan Kish about his journey in sustainable materials innovation. He recalls how his grandmother, a farmer, instilled in him a deep appreciation for materials and the importance of longevity. Looking back on his diverse academic and professional career, Etienne explains the genesis of FENX's pioneering mineral foam insulation technology and emphasises its potential to significantly reduce building emissions and emphasises the paramount importance of collaboration between stakeholders. You can also find out more about Etienne's diverse interests, such as his unwavering love of basketball,
This is his story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(03:05) Journey from France to Switzerland
(06:15) Development of FENX's Mineral Foam
(09:32) Challenges of Scaling Up in the Construction Industry
(10:26) Collaboration and Stakeholder Involvement in Construction Innovation
(12:47) The Influence of ETH Zurich
(13:43) Curiosity, Learning, and Running a Startup
Links mentionned:
Books:
'The Mamba Mentality' von 'Kobe Bryant'Show Dog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_DogPodcast
Nota Bene
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According to ETH Alumni Daniel Naeff, it is important to strike a balance between leveraging the positive aspects of AI and understanding the potential challenges.
In this episode, Susan Kish interviews Daniel Naeff, an entrepreneur and one of the leads at the ETH AI Center. They discuss angel investing, the inspiration behind starting companies, and Switzerland's potential in AI. They also touch on an exciting new development at the ETH Alumni Association, where Daniel is a Member of the Board: the ETH Knowledge Network, an AI-powered platform where members can connect and interact with each other.
This is his story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Switzerland's Potential in AI
(01:13) The Role of Angel Investors in Startups
(08:28) The ETH Alumni Network: Connecting and Sharing Knowledge
(11:46) Navigating the Opportunities and Risks of AI
(14:02) Insights from Newsletters and Podcasts
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Here’s how to put the ‘fabric’ into fabricate, as ETH Zurich alumna and TU Delft Assistant Professor of Digital Fabrication Mariana Popescu explains.
Could a knitting machine revolutionise construction?
For her PhD, ETH Zurich alumna Mariana Popescu worked with the Block Research Group to show that it’s possible to use lightweight knitted textiles as a mold for concrete. Mariana discusses knitting machines, complex geometry, and why her PhD project needed two suitcases to get to Mexico.
This is her story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to the Knit Candela project
(01:18) Using fabric formwork for casting concrete
(04:08) Construction of the Knit Candela structure
(04:32) Computation and modeling in the project
(05:26) The Swiss influence on the project
(06:21) Applicability of the project beyond Switzerland
(07:21) Scaling up the project and future developments
(08:18) Improving the design for reusability and waste reduction
(08:48) The multidisciplinary skills required for the project
(09:12) Choosing ETH Zurich for further studies
(10:40) The process of selecting the thesis topic
(11:39) The role of collaboration and openness in the project
(12:33) Mariana's knitting and programming skills
(13:01) Understanding parametric design and computational design
(14:24) Setting up a group focused on fabrication
(15:20) The potential impact of the projects on architecture and construction
(16:18) Mariana's curiosity in fabrication and materials
(18:08) Closing remarks and podcast outro
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ETH Alumna Sandra Herrmann is an oceanographer, a geologist, a paleontologist, a pilot… and member of NASA's Analog Astronauts.
Sandra Herrmann studied geology and palaeontology at TU Bergakademie Freiberg and completed her doctorate in natural sciences at ETH Zurich. She subsequently emigrated to the USA and spent 12 years working for the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) in various posts. Since October 2023, she has been conducting research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego.
Sandra explains what an analog astronaut is and shares her experience of spending 45 days in a space capsule as part of NASA's research on human behavior in stressful situations. She discusses the qualifications and application process to become an analog astronaut, and highlights the importance of cohesion, sleep, and hobbies on such missions. All of this makes her a strong candidate for future space missions…
This is her story.
Links:
“Catucation” Catboss & Furrfriends, Cat talk Radio
Globe article: https://ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2023/12/globe-modern-adventurer.html
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and analog astronaut
(01:15) NASA's analog astronaut program
(02:39) Experiences in the space capsule
(03:36) Becoming an analog astronaut
(05:05) Experience as an oceanographer
(08:17) Cohesion, sleep, and hobbies
(11:29) Applying the three Key observations
(15:12) Academic background and PhD
(20:50) Commercial pilot's license
(22:46) Childhood aspirations and curiosity
(24:51) Favorite places in Zurich
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Anne Scherer, co-founder of Delta Labs AG and author of the book You and AI, explains why trust and comfort are crucial in human-machine interaction.
The development of AI has sparked a lot of interest and enthusiasm, and Anne Scherer thinks its rate of development is expected to continue to surprise us. Anne is co-founder of Delta Labs AG and author of the book You and AI, in which she tries to make people more aware of what's going on in this field by reducing fear of that technology. Before founding Delta Labs, she was an Assistant Professor of Quantitative Marketing at the University of Zurich, a researcher at ETH Zurich, and completed her PhD at the Technical University of Munich.
Anne shares her experience at ETH Zurich and how it influenced her entrepreneurial spirit, and discusses the intersection of AI and creativity. She explains why increasing AI literacy in society is important to have more informed discussions about AI.
This is her story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Personal Background
(02:00) The Connection Between Travel and Technology Exploration
(03:21) Taking Different Perspectives and Exploring New Things
(04:15) The Impact of AI and the Rate of Development
(05:41) The Hype Cycle and the Potential of AI
(07:02) Generative AI and its Ease of Use
(08:21) The Book 'You and AI'
(10:42) Trust and Comfort with AI
(12:31) The Design of Technology and Human Interaction
(14:44) ETH Experience and Research
(17:36) Becoming AI Literate
(18:33) Recommendations for Learning about AI
(19:59) AI and Creativity
(20:28) Conclusion
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Olivier de Weck is a leading systems engineering expert, which he describes as “the art and science of building, implementing, and operating complex systems.” Born in Switzerland, he holds degrees in industrial engineering from ETH Zurich (1993) and aerospace systems engineering from MIT (2001), where is now Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems.
In this episode of the We Are ETH Podcast, he compares ETH Zurich and MIT, highlighting their similarities and global impact. He explains the concept of “ilities” (as in reliability, flexibility, etc.) in systems engineering and its importance in designing and maintaining complex systems. He shares his fascination with space, and explains the potential for Mars settlement.
This is his story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and ETH-MIT comparison
(01:10) Founding of ETH and MIT
(02:07) Definition of systems engineering
(03:00) Origins and growth of systems engineering
(03:57) Interdisciplinary research and systems science
(05:39) Importance of illities in systems
(06:35) Interest in space and Mars settlement
(11:50) Excitement in the field of space exploration
(13:41) Exploration of lagrange points
(15:06) Mars as a potential settlement
(17:15) Long-term vision for Mars settlement
(18:10) Educational background and journey to MIT
(21:28) ETH's space program and future opportunities
(22:45) Childhood dreams and current curiosity
(26:03) Reading preferences and interest in science fiction
(27:03) Favorite places in Zurich
(28:23) Closing remarks
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Georg Polzer went straight from completing his studies at ETH Zurich to co-founding Teralytics, an official Spin-Off company of ETH Zurich. An AI-powered platform providing mobility data solutions, Teralytics collects and analyzes large amounts of location data to improve transportation efficiency and equity.
Georg highlights the importance of designing transportation systems based on recent and all-encompassing data. He also emphasizes it is essential to incorporate the needs of all citizens, including vulnerable populations. With this information, he canhelp understand emerging trends, and advise how they impact people’s mobility choices.
This is his story.
(06:40) Starting Terralytics and Addressing Transportation Inefficiencies
(09:28) Using Data to Design Transportation for All Citizens
(12:42) Addressing Data Privacy and Protection in Transportation Data
(14:39) Designing Transportation for Different Groups of People
(17:53) The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Transportation Data Analysis
(19:43) How ETH Prepared Georg for His Work at Terralytics
(21:26) Georg's Childhood Aspirations and Current Curiosity
(23:28) Georg's Reading List and Hobbies
(24:39) Favorite Places in Zurich
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ETH Zurich alumna and NASA JPL engineer Mariko Burgin discusses her passion for space exploration.
Mariko transitioned from ETH Zurich to the University of Michigan before joining NASA, where she works on mission formulation: the journey from a mere idea, to a project for space exploration complete with scientific objectives, cost constraints, and technological feasibility, which can take several years.
The conversation covers planetary protection, the evolution of remote sensing technologies, and the search for Martian groundwater. We learn about the holistic approach to space programs, the importance of mentoring, and why everyone should be paying forward to the next generation.
This is her story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Planetary Protection
(03:04) Evolution of Remote Sensing
(06:21) Mission Formulation
(08:17) Journey from Idea to Mission
(10:14) Searching for Martian Groundwater
(12:34) Timeline of Mission Formulation
(13:28) Transition from ETH to NASA
(15:10) Importance of Mentoring
(20:17) Holistic Approach to Space Programs
(22:41) Involvement with ETH Today
(23:36) Childhood Dreams and Curiosity
(24:03) Interest in Marine Debris
(24:57) Reading and Podcasts
(25:25) Science Fiction and Conclusion
Links mentioned
Planet Money: https://www.npr.org/sections/money/
Code Switch: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch
Image Gallery from NASA Perseverance: https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/multimedia/images/
NASA Decadal Survey: https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/decadal-surveys/
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Pascal Mathis, co-founder of Get Your Guide and Wingman Ventures, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and angel investor.
Starting as an entrepreneur, Pascal Mathis co-founded Get Your Guide, ETH Zurich's first tech unicorn, and later transitioned to angel investing and co-founding Wingman Ventures. Pascal believes that Switzerland has the potential to become the next Silicon Valley due to its talent pool and stable business environment. Pascal emphasizes the importance of logical thinking and problem-solving skills acquired during his time at ETH Zurich. He shares insights into the pre-seed stage of investing, and offers advice for both investors and entrepreneurs.
This is his story.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and background
(01:17) Time at ETH and Vordiplom
(02:13) Internship and semester in Barcelona
(03:10) Entrepreneurial journey begins
(04:07) Starting Get Your Guide
(06:04) Pivoting Get Your Guide
(08:29) Leaving get your guide and working at Google
(09:57) Starting Wingman Ventures
(10:52) Investing in Swiss startups
(12:44) Transitioning to a fund structure
(15:06) Investing in pre-seed stage
(17:30) The Art of angel investing
(20:17) Preparing for investor meetings
(22:41) Switzerland as the next silicon valley
(24:49) Impact of ETH on Pascal's journey
(27:37) Curiosity and inspiration
(28:06) Reading and podcasts
(29:04) Favorite places in Zurich
(29:42) Closing remarks
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For Patricia Schramm, former president of the American Swiss Foundation, learning the classics at ETH’s neighbour, the University of Zurich, was invaluable. From using Latin to learn English, and now working as a consultant for the Alumni Association of ETH Zurich, education has been the core of her career.
Patricia talks about following your passions wherever they lead, how an unexpected move to New York led to her staying there, and the importance of letting serendipity have a say in your future.
This is her story.
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For Michela Puddu, ETH Zurich alumna and Co-Founder of Haelixa Ltd, giving fabrics their own DNA enhancestraceability for consumers and retailers.
Moving from Rome to study at ETH Zurich, Michela Puddu’s PhD experience inspired her to become an entrepreneur. Her work has been recognized with several awards, and she is a regular speaker at Swissand international events.
Michela speaks about building her own company, overcoming a fear of public speaking, and why it’s important to have a co-founder – or two!
This is her story.
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Biodiversity expert and former ETH faculty Lian Pin Koh is a pioneer in the use of drones in conservation. As an ex-nominated MP in Singapore, and a professor at the National University of Singapore, Lian Pin’s impact extends to different areas of policy and education.
We hear about the nexus of nature and technology, the creation of conservation drones, and his love of Star Wars.
This is his story.
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For Petra Ehmann, ETH Zurich alumna and Chief Innovation Officer of Ringier AG, innovation truly is everything.
From product development to encouraging more people into STEM, Petra wants her work to have an impact in every possible area. She is passionate about driving innovation at every level, and credits ETH Zurich with helping her achieve the type of structured thinking required to do this.
Find out why she speaks four languages fluently, what brought her to study mechanical engineering at ETH Zurich, and learn about the joys of childhood trips to Technorama, the Swiss Science Centre.
This is her story.
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For ETH Zurich alumna Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi, integrating small sustainability practices into
our everyday lives can make the topic less complicated.
Nicoletta is keen to highlight that, in spite of having a long career in a single company, she
was able to seize the opportunities that came her way. That notably led her to heading the
technology and sustainability part of Dow’s partnership with the Olympic Games, which laid
the foundations for her current work in sustainability.
As we count down to COP28, it’s clear we cannot live as if we had three planets at our
disposal, when we have only one.
In this episode, Nicoletta tells us how her journey in sustainability began – and why making
the topic real for people can help integrate sustainability into our daily lives.
This is her story.
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Architect Renata von Tscharner discusses how women in Switzerland got the vote,
the importance of swimming in rivers, and learning to play the accordion.
Renata’s fascinating life was shaped by the events she witnessed in Paris in May
1968, when a student revolt became a general strike that ground the French
economy to a halt. She speaks with host Susan Kish about campaigning to get
women the vote in Switzerland, her architecture experiences at ETH Zurich and as
an urban planner in London and Bern, and how swimming in Switzerland created the
Charles River Conservancy in Massachusetts, an NGO she founded, striving to make
the Charles River and its parks a well-maintained network of natural urban places for
the local community.
It’s hard to believe that women only got the vote in Switzerland in 1971. Renata von
Tscharner, retired President of the Charles River Conservancy, shares candid
insights based on her unique experiences campaigning for the vote. Through the
inspiring story of her colourful life, she highlights the importance of swimming in
rivers, and learning to play the accordion.
Be sure to listen until the end for a musical surprise…
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Synthetic biologist and ETH Alumna Sonja Billerbeck discusses microbiology, mushrooms, and metabolisms – as well as the threat and promise of AI in research.
From discovering that microbes breathe oxygen and eat sugar, Sonja became enthralled in the world of microorganisms and understanding their applications in agriculture and healthcare. Through stints at ETH Zurich and Columbia University, Sonja’s interest in engineering microbiology has led her to her own lab at the University of Groningen, where she studies how we can engineer yeast for applications in human health and agriculture.
How do antifungal proteins in yeast practice forms of warfare against each other? What could this mean for the development of antifungal medicines? Sonja’s in-depth knowledge and passion for the world of fungi helps us understand that mushrooms are more than just a pizza topping…
This is her story.
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