D-BAUG News
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D-BAUG Newshttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news.htmlETH WCMS2026-03-05T14:22:00ZDavid Kaufmann appointed Professor of Spatial Development and Urban PolicyEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/03/david-kaufmann-appointed-professor-of-spatial-development-and-urban-policy.html2026-03-05T14:22:00ZAt its meeting on 4 and 5 March 2026 and upon application of Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed twelve professors, including Professor David Kaufmann. He was promoted to Associate Professor of Spatial Development and Urban Policy and is based at the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering.Healthy ecosystems are a prerequisite for economic stabilityEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/03/healthy-ecosystems-are-a-prerequisite-for-economic-stability.html2026-03-03T06:12:00ZCompanies are increasingly undermining their own economic stability through the way they manage nature. This is the conclusion of a new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), adopted by more than 150 countries on 9 February 2026. It systematically maps for the first time how companies can analyse both their impacts on nature and their dependencies on it. Among the lead authors was Professor Stephan Pfister of ETH Zurich.More companies founded, new regulations, new acceleratorhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/02/more-companies-founded-new-regulations-new-accelerator.html2026-02-26T08:00:00ZETH Zurich registered the foundation of more new companies than ever before in 2025. For the first time, founders could choose between setting up a spin-off or a start-up, the latter of which could benefit from a new business accelerator.Record-breaking sediment core may help predict Antarctic ice lossEditorial teamhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/02/record-breaking-sediment-core-may-help-predict-antarctic-ice-loss.html2026-02-17T12:00:00ZAn international research team has recovered the longest sediment core ever drilled from beneath an ice sheet. The core preserves evidence of climate changes spanning millions of years and will help improve predictions of how the West Antarctic Ice Sheet may respond to ongoing global warming. The Respect Programme in the spring semesterhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/02/the-respect-programme-in-the-spring-semester.html2026-02-17T11:37:00ZIn March 2026, the Respect Programme will start again with exciting topics. All ETH members are invited to further deepen their skills for constructive and value-based cooperation in practice-oriented workshops and presentations.28,000 historical photos on forest and avalanche research publishedhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/02/28000-historical-photos-on-forest-and-avalanche-research-published.html2026-02-17T11:30:00ZA significant part of the visual heritage of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) is now available online on E-Pics.In Memoriam: Hans-Rudolf Schalcher (1944–2026)https://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/02/in-memoriam-hans-rudolf-schalcher.html2026-02-06T08:22:00ZETH Zurich bids farewell to Prof. Dr. Hans‑Rudolf Schalcher, who passed away on 20 January 2026 at the age of 81. From 1990 to 2009, he served as Professor of Construction Planning and Management at ETH Zurich. He was among the university’s most distinguished construction professors, making lasting contributions to his discipline, to the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering and to ETH Zurich as a whole, shaping a generations of professionals in the field.Understanding Water in a Changing WorldIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/02/understanding-water-in-a-changing-world.html2026-02-04T07:30:00ZProfessor Paola Passalacqua studies how water shapes landscapes and societies, drawing on insights from fields as diverse as brain network theory and satellite-based Earth observation. Recently appointed at ETH Zurich, she brings this interdisciplinary approach and her commitment to working with communities on water and climate challenges to the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering.Making material cycles visibleIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/01/making-material-cycles-visible.html2026-01-27T08:00:00ZAt Art Genève, Professor Catherine De Wolf is presenting current projects that demonstrate how building materials can be given a second life – and how circular construction approaches can be integrated into research and teaching.ETH Entrepreneurship Award for Eleni Chatzi and Ingo BurgertIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/01/eth-entrepreneurship-award-for-eleni-chatzi-and-ingo-burgert.html2026-01-26T13:30:00ZDouble honour for the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering: at the Dandelion Entrepreneurship Awards, Professor Eleni Chatzi and Professor Ingo Burgert were each honoured with first prize in the categories ‘Inspirer & Entrepreneurial Educator’ and ‘Connector & Venture Enabler’, respectively.Breaking through the protective barrier of bacteriaAdrian Ritterhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/01/breaking-through-the-protective-barrier-of-bacteria.html2026-01-22T07:00:00ZWhether in the human body or on surfaces, bacteria protect themselves from outside attackers using biofilms. Physicist Eleonora Secchi is researching how these slime-like protective films are formed, with the aim of making it easier to remove pathogenic bacteria. What's happening at ETH in the new yearDeborah Kyburzhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/01/whats-happening-at-e-t-h-in-the-new-year.html2026-01-19T09:10:00ZAt the turn of the year, the ETH Zurich Executive Board once again looked back on the past twelve months and gave an outlook for 2026 during its virtual town hall meeting. A recording of the event is now available.ETH Zurich receives 2025 Opal Special Award Innovationhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/01/eth-zurich-receives-2025-opal-special-award-innovation.html2026-01-15T09:28:00ZDer Outstanding Property Award London ehrt die Hochschule für ihren Beitrag zur Architektur durch bahnbrechende Forschung, robotische Fertigung und experimentelle Bauprojekte im Massstab 1:1.Smart diagnosticsCorinne Johannssenhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2026/01/intelligente-diagnosen-fuer-bruecken.html2026-01-15T07:00:00ZSensors from ETH spin-off Irmos Technologies give engineers the power to monitor and assess bridge health in real time, enabling necessary maintenance work to be carried out in a timely and targeted manner.Looking back at ETH Zurich’s 2025Editorial teamhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/12/looking-back-at-eth-zurichs-2025.html2025-12-18T07:00:00ZEngineers, 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.Scholarships for four Master's studentsIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/12/scholarships-for-four-masters-students.html2025-12-18T06:31:00ZFour students from the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering have been awarded a scholarship from the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) in 2025. The full scholarship allows them to focus entirely on their studies. Congratulations!Konrad Schindler named IEEE FellowIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/12/konrad-schindler-named-i-e-e-e-fellow.html2025-12-17T06:00:00ZKonrad Schindler, Professor of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing at ETH Zurich, has been named Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), effective 1 January 2026. The honour recognises his contributions to computer vision and artificial intelligence in photogrammetry and remote sensing. IEEE Fellow is the organisation’s highest grade and is awarded annually to only 0.1% of its members worldwide.D-BAUG now on Instagram!Iris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/12/d-baug-now-on-instagram.html2025-12-16T17:19:00ZThe Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich is now also on Instagram. Here, we share updates on current research projects, awards and honours, events and other highlights. Follow us to learn how D-BAUG contributes to shaping a more sustainable world.The Alps to lose a record number of glaciers in the next decadeFlorian Meyerhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/12/the-alps-to-lose-a-record-number-of-glaciers-in-the-next-decade.html2025-12-15T16:00:00ZHow much longer will glaciers survive? A new study from ETH Zurich researchers offers the first detailed projection of how many glaciers could vanish by 2100 due to global warming – and why regions such as Switzerland will be most affected. This approach could also help policymakers, the tourism industry and natural hazard management plan for the future. The MSc in Civil Engineering: excellence, strengths and career perspectivesLinda Benzhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/12/the-m-s-c-in-civil-engineering-excellence-strengths-and-career-perspectives.html2025-12-10T09:04:00ZOur new video presents the MSc Civil Engineering at ETH Zurich, highlighting what makes the programme a compelling choice for students from around the world. It shows how the curriculum provides a strong scientific foundation while closely integrating research and hands-on experience. The video also illustrates the skills students develop throughout the programme and what distinguishes our graduates in a globally competitive field.New software simulates granular flows and avalanchesIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/12/new-software-simulates-granular-flows-and-avalanches.html2025-12-02T07:15:00ZA research team led by Professor Johan Gaume and postdoctoral researcher Lars Blatny has developed a model that realistically captures how snow, sand and other granular materials behave. The accompanying open-source software “Matter” enables realistic simulations – from avalanches to industrial processes.What fire safety specialists study in ETH’s continuing education programmeMichael Waltherhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/12/what-fire-safety-specialists-study-in-e-t-h-continuing-education-programme.html2025-12-01T07:00:00ZBeginning in 2027, fire safety engineering will be planned more precisely as new regulations are introduced. ETH Zurich trains engineers by applying principles of physics and conducting experiments in a fire simulator.“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler”Iris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/11/everything-should-be-made-as-simple-as-possible-but-not-simpler.html2025-11-24T07:00:00ZThis year’s Golden Owl teaching award goes to Johan Gaume, Professor of Alpine Mass Movements at ETH Zurich and SLF Davos. Through hands-on experiments, blackboard derivations and simulations, he brings the physics of granular materials like sand and snow vividly to life. For him, teaching and learning are driven by passion, curiosity and enjoyment.AI and extended reality help to preserve built cultural heritageBenedikt Vogelhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/11/a-i-and-extended-reality-help-to-preserve-built-cultural-heritage.html2025-11-18T07:00:00ZETH researchers have developed a digital co-pilot that helps to assess the conservation condition of historic sandstone buildings, thereby supporting their restoration. The 750-year-old Lausanne Cathedral serves as a case study. “We need to make smarter use of existing infrastructure, rather than constantly expanding it”Florian Meyerhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/11/we-need-to-make-smarter-use-of-existing-infrastructure-rather-than-constantly-expanding-it.html2025-11-12T07:00:00ZHow do spatial planners handle AI, regulation, biodiversity and housing shortages? In this interview, the program managers of the continuing education programme MAS in Spatial Development at ETH Zurich show why good planning begins with people.The future of underground constructionIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/11/the-future-of-underground-construction.html2025-11-10T08:00:00ZThere is a growing interest in using underground spaces to accommodate traffic, buildings, storage facilities and even offices in order to save valuable land above ground. Linard Cantieni’s research focuses on the mechanics of underground construction in difficult environments and the development of efficient and sustainable solutions. He has been Professor of Underground Construction at the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatic Engineering since December 2024.How ETH Zurich is enabling new knowledge through research infrastructuresFlorian Meyerhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/11/wie-die-eth-zurich-mit-forschungsinfrastrukturen-neues-wissen-ermoeglicht.html2025-11-06T06:00:00ZInvesting in the creation of knowledge: From advances in medical research and sustainable construction to the development of quantum technologies, ETH Zurich demonstrates how targeted investment in cutting-edge infrastructure paves the way for groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Annelies Voordendag receives L’Oréal-UNESCO AwardIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/10/annelies-voordendag-receives-loreal-unesco-award.html2025-10-30T08:00:00ZAnnelies Voordendag, a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, has been named one of four laureates of the Swiss L'Oréal-UNESCO "For Women in Science" Awards 2025. The programme honours outstanding female scientists for their contributions to research and society.Resilience in modern cities: Building smarter and safer urban systemsIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/10/resilience-in-modern-cities-building-smarter-and-safer-urban-systems.html2025-10-14T07:00:00ZCities today depend on tightly connected systems: electricity, water, transport and communication. When one system fails, others often follow. Researchers from ETH Zurich, working at the Singapore-ETH Centre, have spent the past decade studying how to prevent such chain reactions. Their work is part of the Future Resilient Systems programme, which focuses on making cities more robust, adaptable and resilient.“Focussing on high-impact projects brings the greatest benefit to Switzerland”Corporate Communicationshttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/10/focussing-on-high-impact-projects-brings-the-greatest-benefit-to-switzerland.html2025-10-09T12:45:00ZFollowing last year’s rejection of the expansion programme for Switzerland’s national highways, and the financial difficulties in the 2035 rail expansion service concept, Swiss transport policy is at a crossroads. On behalf of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), ETH Zurich has prioritised around 500 planned projects for road, rail and urban transport. Ulrich Weidmann, Professor of Transport Systems, explains the key insights.Circular economy in the building sectorFabio Bergaminhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/10/circular-economy-in-the-building-sector.html2025-10-06T05:00:00ZDemolition is not the only option: two ETH professors aim to give buildings and building materials a second life.And Swiss glaciers continue to meltSCNAT / D-BAUG Editorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/10/and-swiss-glaciers-continue-to-melt.html2025-10-01T07:00:00ZGlacial melting in Switzerland was once again enormous in 2025. A winter with low snow depth combined with heat waves in June and August led to a loss of three per cent of the glacier volume. This is the fourth largest level of shrinkage since measurements began. Consequently, the ice mass reduced by one quarter in the last ten years. This was reported by the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS), which is based at ETH Zurich and the Universities of Fribourg and Zurich.D-BAUG Research Day 2025: From Micro to MacroIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/d-baug-research-day-2025-from-micro-to-macro.html2025-09-30T11:41:00ZOn 7 October 2025, the Association of Scientific Staff at D-BAUG invites all students, researchers and professors to the department’s annual “Meet & Share” event. This year’s theme will be “From Micro to Macro”, highlighting the variety of scales that researchers at our department work on – from the smallest processes to large-scale systems. Doctoral candidates and researchers from all institutes will present selected case studies. Join us for an afternoon of exchange, insight and inspiration!Why traditional building materials are on the riseCorinne Landolthttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/globe-traditionelle-baumaterialien-im-aufwind.html2025-09-30T05:00:00ZConstruction still relies on concrete and steel – at a high cost to the climate. But interest is shifting back to natural and reusable materials. The Glorious Glacier Ride, from Munich to MonacoChristophe Ogierhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/the-glorious-glacier-ride-from-munich-to-monaco.html2025-09-30T04:29:00ZCycling 1,600 km through the Alps – from Munich to Monaco – to give a voice to Alpine glaciers and raise awareness of climate change, Christophe Ogier shares his fresh impressions from a memorable day as part of the Glorious Glacier Ride.D-BAUG now on LinkedIn!Iris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/d-baug-now-on-linkedin.html2025-09-25T16:19:00ZThe Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich is now on LinkedIn. Here, we share updates on current research projects, awards and honours, events and other highlights. Follow us to learn how D-BAUG contributes to shaping a more sustainable world.Mental Health Awareness Days – Working together for better mental healthMichael Grunder, VPPLhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/mental-health-awareness-days-working-together-for-better-mental-health.html2025-09-22T08:45:00ZMental health is central to learning, research and collaboration. With its Mental Health Awareness Days this October, ETH Zurich is sending a clear message: We are openly addressing mental health, breaking down taboos and promoting a healthy working and studying environment.David Kammer appointed Professor of Solid MechanicsEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/david-kammer-appointed-professor-of-solid-mechanics.html2025-09-18T09:00:00ZAt its meeting of 17 and 18 September 2025 and upon recommendation of Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed eight professors, including Professor David Kammer. He was promoted to Associate Professor of Solid Mechanics and is based at the Institute for Building Materials in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering.How engineers will learn across departmental boundaries in the futureMichael Walther, Corporate Communicationshttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/how-engineers-will-learn-across-departmental-boundaries-in-the-future.html2025-09-17T13:40:00ZThe engineering departments are planning to work more closely together in teaching. In the interview, Jan Vermant, Vice Rector for Curriculum Development, and Judith Zimmermann, Head of the Unit for Teaching and Learning (UTL), explain what this collaboration could look like.Luiz Silva honoured as AFS Fellow 2025Editorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/luiz-silva-honoured-as-a-f-s-fellow-2025.html2025-09-17T08:17:00ZAt the 155th Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) in San Antonio, Texas, Luiz Silva received the AFS Fellow Award 2025. He joins four other recipients in this year’s Fellows Class, recognised for their outstanding contributions to the diverse fields represented within the AFS. The AFS Fellow Award is one of the society’s highest honours and celebrates long-standing excellence in fisheries science, education and service.Transforming today’s building practicesMichael Kellerhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/globe-wie-bauen-wir-in-zukunft.html2025-09-16T07:00:00ZCaught between circular ideals, social realities and forgotten traditions, architecture must become more efficient but also more adaptable. Five perspectives on the future of construction. Collaborative designFlorian Meyerhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/globe-nachhaltigkeit-als-bauprinzip.html2025-09-16T05:00:00ZAs part of its commitment to sustainable construction, ETH Zurich is introducing integrated design-build processes.From brushstrokes to pixels: 100 years of the Institute of Cartography and GeoinformationRoland Baumannhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/vom-pinselstrich-zu-pixeln-100-jahre-institut-fuer-kartografie-und-geoinformation.html2025-09-15T06:00:00ZETH Zurich’s Institute of Cartography and Geoinformation has just celebrated its 100th anniversary with a symposium for experts. A commemorative publication provides in-depth insights into 170 years of cartography at the university and is also aimed at laypeople interested in map art and a well-told (hi)story.Trees need water to cool the cityIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/trees-need-water-to-cool-the-city.html2025-09-11T05:59:00ZUrban trees are often seen as natural allies in fighting summer heat waves. But how much they actually help to cool their surroundings depends heavily on how moist the soil is. This is the main finding of a new study, led by environmental engineers at ETH Zurich and Eawag, which investigated several urban neighbourhoods in Zurich.Return of the Respect Programme in the Autumn SemesterVPPLhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/return-of-the-respect-programme-in-the-autumn-semester.html2025-09-09T09:32:00ZOnce again in the upcoming Autumn Semester, ETH Zurich is running its Respect Programme and sending out a clear signal in support of constructive and values-based collaboration. Through hands-on workshops and inspiring and engaging talks, ETH members will again have the opportunity to develop their conflict management skills.Organic waste materials – a path to more climate-friendly concrete?Editorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/09/organic-waste-materials-a-path-to-more-climate-friendly-concrete.html2025-09-05T06:00:00ZAt ETH Zurich, postdoctoral researcher Mareike Thiedeitz is exploring how biogenic waste could not only replace cement but also help concrete store carbon. Besides researching material properties, her work also focuses on how such solutions can create ecological, social, and economic value in emerging economies.KEEP IT CO₂OL – Tech to the rescue?https://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/08/keep-it-cool-tech-to-the-rescue.html2025-08-28T06:00:00ZAt ETH Zurich, researchers are developing technologies aimed at enabling a good life for all – from flying with solar fuel and driving on renewable energy to producing meat from cell cultures instead of factory farming. The new exhibition KEEP IT CO₂OL – Tech to the rescue? opens a dialogue between science, politics, industry and society. Seven research groups from the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering have contributed to the exhibition.ETH Zurich launches pioneering construction research projectAndres Herzog, freelance Authorhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/08/eth-zuerich-startet-pionierhaftes-forschungsprojekt-am-bau.html2025-08-27T07:00:00ZThe HIL building on the Hönggerberg campus is set to become a living lab. Now in need of renovation, the building will be remodelled and extended, with completion pencilled in for 2035. Professorships at ETH Zurich will engage with the project directly to research techniques and designs with the aim of advancing sustainable redevelopment and retrofitting methods.AI, open access and more in the new course programme from the ETH LibraryBettina Etzel, ETH Libraryhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/08/ai-open-access-and-more-in-the-new-course-programme-from-the-eth-library.html2025-08-26T10:30:00ZJust in time for the start of the new autumn semester, the ETH Library is again offering free courses for study, research and teaching.Hönggerberg campus becomes more sustainable above and below groundReal Estate Management departmenthttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/08/hoenggerberg-campus-becomes-more-sustainable-above-and-below-ground.html2025-08-14T07:39:00ZETH Zurich is also relying on geothermal probe fields to achieve its climate targets. An existing geothermal probe field on the Hönggerberg campus was expanded in recent months and went into operation in July. Further fields are to follow in order to become even more sustainable.Falling ice drives glacial retreat in GreenlandEditorial teamhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/08/falling-ice-drives-glacial-retreat-in-greenland.html2025-08-13T15:00:00ZThe Greenland ice sheet is melting at an increasing rate, a process accelerated by glacier calving, in which huge chunks of ice break free and crash into the sea, generating large waves that push warmer water to the surface. A new study now shows that this mechanism is amplifying glacial melt.Deglaciation – surveying the icehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/08/deglaciation-surveying-the-ice.html2025-08-12T06:00:00ZGlaciers are melting – and they have been melting for a long time. For over 150 years, scientists have tracked their retreat. In a captivating journey through time, the ETH Library and ETH Zurich’s glaciologists unveil the evolution of glaciology: from bold Alpine expeditions and early Ice Age theories to cutting-edge surveying technologies and urgent questions about our planet’s future.Building intelligent infrastructureIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/08/building-intelligent-infrastructure.html2025-08-05T06:00:00ZFrom pioneering self-aware infrastructure to mentoring the next generation of engineers, Eleni Chatzi is at the forefront of civil engineering’s digital transformation. On the occasion of her promotion to full professor, she discusses her vision for the field, the challenges she faced as ETH Zurich’s youngest assistant professor, and the lessons that continue to shape her research and teaching.Walter Kaufmann honoured by fibEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/walter-kaufmann-honoured-by-fib.html2025-07-21T05:42:00ZWalter Kaufmann, Professor of Structural Engineering (Concrete Structures and Bridge Design) at ETH Zurich, has been designated a fib Fellow and was awarded the fib Medal of Merit. The medal recognises his outstanding contributions to structural concrete and the fib – the International Federation for Structural Concrete. Congratulations!In Memoriam: Jakob Maurer (1929–2025)https://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/in-memoriam-jakob-maurer-1929-2025.html2025-07-20T09:00:00ZETH Zurich bids farewell to Prof Dr Jakob Maurer. He passed away on 30 May 2025 in his 96th year of life. Jakob Maurer joined ETH Zurich in 1966 as an assistant professor and worked as full professor of spatial planning methodology from 1977 until his retirement in 1997. As head of the interdisciplinary postgraduate programme in spatial planning for many years, he greatly contributed to the high esteem of the spatial planning training both in Switzerland and abroad.What makes a city truly “smart” in the face of crisis?Iris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/what-makes-a-city-truly-smar-in-the-face-of-crisis.html2025-07-18T07:00:00ZIn a world where cities face increasingly complex crises – from pandemics to natural disasters – researchers at ETH Singapore’s Future Resilient Systems (FRS) programme are rethinking how urban systems respond. In a new video, they explain how technologies like AI, eye tracking, and sentiment analysis are being harnessed to capture public reactions and identify stress points in real time to help city leaders act faster and more effectively.Awards for excellent doctoral thesesIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/awards-for-excellent-doctoral-theses.html2025-07-15T07:30:00ZThis year, six doctoral students from the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering are honoured for their outstanding achievements: four of them receive ETH medals, two the Culmann Prize. Big congrats!Two new "Professors of Practice"Editorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/two-new-professor-of-practice.html2025-07-14T06:26:00ZThe ETH Board has appointed several professors at the request of ETH President Joël Mesot, including two "Professors of Practice" for the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering.
"ETH Swiss GeoLab will put us among the world's leaders in Earth observation"Roland Baumann and Christoph Elhardt, Corporate Communicationshttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/eth-swiss-geo-lab-will-put-us-among-the-worlds-leaders-in-earth-observation.html2025-07-08T08:58:00ZThe Jörg G. Bucherer-Foundation's donation of 100 million Swiss francs will enable ETH Zurich to establish a new competence centre for Earth observation. ETH President Joël Mesot explains how the partnership came about and how it will benefit ETH Swiss GeoLab.The Jörg G. Bucherer-Foundation donates 100 million Swiss francs to ETH Zurich for Earth observation centreChristoph Elhardt, Corporate Communicationshttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/joerg-g-bucherer-foundation-donates-100-million.html2025-07-08T08:30:00ZETH Zurich will receive 10 million Swiss francs a year from the Jörg G. Bucherer-Foundation for the next ten years. The university will use the funds to establish a competence centre for Earth observation with global appeal and a physical presence in the Canton of Lucerne. The Canton of Lucerne is to support the project as infrastructure partner.New models improve predictions of snow, rock and ice avalanchesEditorial teamhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/neue-simulationen-verbessern-die-prognose-von-schnee-eis-und-gesteinslawinen1.html2025-07-07T07:00:00ZA new 3D simulation tool developed by ETH and SLF researchers now allows for significantly more accurate predictions of complex alpine mass movements, supporting alpine risk management.“Vertical extensions of buildings are becoming a key option for urban redevelopment”Florian Meyerhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/06/aufstockungen-werden-zu-einer-echten-option-der-staedtischen-innentwicklung.html2025-06-24T07:00:00ZWhy are more new housing units being constructed in Geneva each year, while Zurich is seeing a decline? Why are older residential buildings in Basel, Geneva and Lausanne being vertically extended, while they are being demolished and replaced in Zurich? ETH researchers provide new answers to the role of housing construction and its social impact.Shaping a Resilient Future: SBE25 Begins in ZurichEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/06/shaping-a-resilient-future-sbe25-begins-in-zurich.html2025-06-24T06:30:00ZThis week marks the opening of SBE25 – Sustainable Built Environment Conference, hosted in Zurich from 25 to 27 June 2025 under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow: Systems Thinking in the Built Environment.” The event brings together more than 400 participants from across the globe to explore how holistic thinking can unlock a just and climate-resilient future for our built environment.
D-BAUG opens its doors to secondary school studentsLinda Benzhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/06/dbaug-opens-its-doors-to-secondary-school-students.html2025-06-23T10:45:00ZBy taking part in the ETH Study Weeks 2025, the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG) at ETH Zurich reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and raising awareness of its study programmes. Of the 134 pupils who were distributed across seven different disciplines, 22 applied to participate in the Civil Engineering programme, while 16 chose Environmental Engineering.
Venice Biennale: Golden Lion for climate-resilient architectureIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/06/venice-biennale-golden-lion-for-climate-resilient-architecture.html2025-06-19T05:29:00ZThe Golden Lion for the best national contribution at the 2025 Architecture Biennale in Venice was awarded to the Bahrain Pavilion – a project focused on heat-adapted architecture with original contributions from Professor Alexander Puzrin. In total, five projects involving the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich are on display at the Venice Biennale. They illustrate how research and technology can pave new ways for sustainable construction.Updated: What ETH glacier researchers know about the collapse of the Birch GlacierFlorian Meyerhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/06/eth-gletscherforschende-zum-abbruch-des-birchgletschers.html2025-06-04T10:00:00Z2025-06-04T10:00:00ZOn Wednesday, May 28th, the Birch Glacier collapsed under the weight of rock and debris from rockfalls on the Kleine Nesthorn. Following an on-site inspection, ETH Zurich researchers explain the background to the collapse that buried the village Blatten in an updated fact sheet.Save twice the ice by limiting global warmingEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/klimaziel-von-1-5-celsius-schuetzt-doppelt-so-viel-gletschereis.html2025-05-29T18:00:00ZA new study with ETH Zurich, finds that if global warming exceeds the Paris Climate Agreement targets, the non-polar glacier mass will diminish significantly. However, if warming is limited to 1.5°C, at least 54 per cent could be preserved—more than twice as much ice as in a 2.7°C scenario.Why slower-sinking microorganisms are bad news for the climatehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/why-slower-sinking-microorganisms-are-bad-news-for-the-climate.html2025-05-28T06:30:00ZOrganic particles that settle on the seabed ensure CO2 stays locked. However, natural gel-like substances slow down this process. Such microscale mechanisms play a crucial role in enhancing climate predictions.D-BAUG Annual Report 2024 is online!Iris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/d-baug-annual-report-2024-online.html2025-05-27T14:31:00ZWith ten institutes, over 600 staff members, and around 1,000 scientific publications each year, the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering is actively engaged in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. The 2024 Annual Report highlights key achievements in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer. It also includes information about our donors and partners, along with current facts and figures.How bacteria swim without food – and why it matters for the climateEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/how-bacteria-swim-without-food-and-why-it-matters-for-the-climate.html2025-05-26T09:00:00ZMarine bacteria control how much CO2 is stored in the oceans, by swimming after and degrading sinking particles that would otherwise remain stored in the ocean for millennia. Researchers have discovered that some bacteria can swim for several days without food while searching for these particles, losing body weight in the process. Understanding how marine bacteria do this may lead to a better prediction of marine carbon storage capacity and climate mitigation.Old water, new insightsSamuel Schlaeflihttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/old-water-new-insights.html2025-05-26T05:00:00ZFive years ago, an experiment began at ETH Hönggerberg: researchers set up an outdoor laboratory in the forest near the campus. They used sensors positioned in trees, the soil and in a stream to study water dynamics and the “old water paradox”. ETH News accompanied the head of the experiment, Marius Floriancic.Steps towards more sustainable and smart parquet flooringKarin Kellyhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/steps-towards-more-sustainable-and-smart-parquet-flooring.html2025-05-22T08:17:00ZWhat if wooden parquet floors were not only aesthetically pleasing, but also equipped with sensors in the future? In a project funded by Innosuisse, researchers at ETH Zurich and the Bauwerk Group demonstrated what modern and sustainable parquet floors could look like.From confectioners to robots – Tor Alva in Mulegns is unveiledVanessa Bleichhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/zuckerbaeckern-und-robotern-weisse-turm-von-mulegns-ist-eroeffnet.html2025-05-20T14:00:00ZTor Alva was officially inaugurated in Mulegns today in the presence of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and President of ETH Zurich Joël Mesot. The almost 30-metre-high, gleaming white tower is the world’s tallest 3D-printed building.“The lack of vision has led transport policy down a dead end.”Florian Meyerhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/the-lack-of-vision-has-led-transport-policy-down-a-dead-end.html2025-05-20T06:00:00ZCities can expand their bike lane networks significantly without causing additional congestion on the roads. That is the conclusion reached by the ETH research project E-Bike City. Project lead and transport researcher Kay Axhausen explains the implications for traffic, the environment and costs.The Antarctic water puzzle – how flooding contributes to ice meltBenedikt Vogelhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/antarktische-wasserraetsel-wie-fluten-zur-eisschmelze-beitragen.html2025-05-12T09:00:00ZHidden beneath the Antarctic ice lies a system of lakes and watercourses. A research team, including ETH researchers, has for the first time directly observed the subglacial streams of West Antarctica. Their study shows how individual flood events influence the melting of the ice.Taming corrosionIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/05/taming-corrosion.html2025-05-02T06:30:00ZMetal corrosion has been a fact of human life for thousands of years – and still presents us with major challenges today. Ueli Angst researches how we can better understand and control this phenomenon. Two start-ups that emerged from his research group are already developing innovative solutions. On the occasion of his promotion to associate professor, we took the opportunity to ask him what currently drives him in research and teaching.Innovative sediment management in hydropowerKarin Kellyhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/04/innovative-sedimentbewirtschaftung-in-der-wasserkraft.html2025-04-24T14:04:00ZStorage hydropower plants in the Alps play a major role in the electricity supply. However, sedimentation reduces their storage capacity year after year, which can also lead to safety issues at dams. ETH researchers and power plant operators are examining the effects of diverting fine sediments via the turbines.Climate change alters Earth's rotationIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/04/climate-change-alters-earths-rotation.html2025-04-23T08:32:00ZDue to global warming, ice sheets and glaciers are melting, which is also affecting the Earth's rotational axis. In the worst-case scenario, the geographic North Pole could shift as much as 27 metres to the west by 2100, according to a new study by Dr Mostafa Kiani Shahvandi and Professor Benedikt Soja published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. For their calculations, they analysed the movement of the Earth’s poles under different climate scenarios from 1900 to 2100.Exercise, team spirit and fun – that's bike to workYvonne Singer, SGUhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/04/bewegung-teamgeist-und-freude-das-ist-bike-to-work.html2025-04-14T04:00:00ZExercise contributes significantly to our health. Those who bike to work already complete a daily fitness programme – healthy, economical and environment-friendly. That's why ETH Zurich is taking part in the bike to work Challenge: strengthen team spirit, jump on your bike in May & June and win great prizes.Setting new standards for 3D-printed concrete constructionhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/04/setting-new-standards-for-3d-printed-concrete-construction.html2025-04-11T09:54:00ZAn innovative concrete formulation combined with novel reinforcement strategies and design methods, all developed by researchers at ETH Zurich, have paved the way for the large-scale 3D printing of load-bearing components. Starting in May, these can be admired as the building blocks of the world’s tallest 3D-printed tower.Towering feat in an alpine villageStéphanie Hegelbachhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/04/globe-pionierarbeit-im-passdorf.html2025-04-04T05:00:00ZETH Zurich has fabricated the world’s tallest 3D-printed structure. With the construction of the White Tower in Mulegns, researchers hope to bring innovative technologies to commercial maturity.Reasons to feel confidentWalter Schmidhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/04/globe-wir-koennen-beruhigt-sein.html2025-04-03T05:00:00ZFrom bridges and tunnels to railways, Switzerland has always invested heavily in the upkeep of its infrastructure. But how does it keep everything operating safely and smoothly while also instilling confidence that nothing will go wrong?Horizon Grant for two Environmental EngineersEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/04/horizon-grant-for-two-environmental-engineers.html2025-04-02T07:42:00ZThe «WaldLab Forest Experimental Site» on Hönggerberg in Zurich is a key site in the international EU Horizon project CryoSCOPE, which started in February 2025. CryoSCOPE investigates the interplay between atmospheric, cryospheric, and hydrologic systems across various landscapes, including the Swiss Alps, Finnish Lapland, Svalbard, and the Himalayas. A key focus is on quantifying hydrologic partitioning, so how precipitation is distributed into streamflow, groundwater, and evapotranspiration.Urban environmental challenges: Tackling the extremesIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/03/urban-environmental-challenges-tackling-the-extremes.html2025-03-31T11:00:00ZJoão P. Leitão develops innovative urban water management solutions to help cities tackle the challenges posed by climate change. Increasing temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events present major challenges to urban infrastructure. On the occasion of his appointment as Adjunct Professor, we asked what currently drives him in research and teaching.DuraMon raises 1.6 million francsIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/03/duramon-raises-1-million-francs.html2025-03-28T09:21:00ZThe ETH Spin-off DuraMon has raised 1.6 million francs in a seed round extension to advance its cutting-edge sensor technology for corrosion monitoring in concrete infrastructure. Backed by key investors such as QBIT Capital and Sika, the company plans to streamline operations, scale its technology, and expand across Europe – setting the stage for its next growth phase.“Switzerland’s glaciers could vanish completely by 2100”Christoph Elhardthttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/03/die-schweizer-gletscher-koennten-bis-2100-ganz-verschwinden.html2025-03-21T06:00:00ZSwitzerland’s glaciers are in increasingly poor shape. If greenhouse gas emissions are not cut drastically soon, they could cease to exist by 2100 – so says ETH Professor Daniel Farinotti in this ETH News interview to mark the first World Day for Glaciers.Maps as instruments of powerProf. Lorenz Hurnihttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/03/zukunftsblog-Karten-als-instrument-der-macht.html2025-03-17T06:00:00ZLorenz Hurni considers what constitutes maps and why they are also instruments of power – and reveals how the Swiss World Atlas deals with disputed names and unilateral name changes.ETH Zurich ranked 2nd worldwide in Civil & Structural EngineeringIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/03/eth-zurich-ranked-2nd-worldwide-in-civil-and-structural-engineering.html2025-03-12T09:00:00ZThe Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich is one of the best in the world: in the latest QS World University Rankings 2025, ETH is ranked second in Civil & Structural Engineering, marking a steady rise from 9th place in 2021.Professorship of Hydrology: New appointment and retirementEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/03/professorship-of-hydrology-new-appointment-and-retirement.html2025-03-07T07:26:00ZAt the meeting on 5 and 6 March 2025, the ETH Board appointed numerous professors at the request of ETH President Joël Mesot, including Paola Passalacqua for the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. She succeeds Professor Paolo Burlando, who will retire at the end of July 2025.International Women's Dayhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/03/international-womens-day.html2025-03-05T12:21:00ZFor more than 100 years, International Women's Day has been celebrated on March 8. The day is intended to celebrate the achievements of the women's rights movement to date, to draw attention to existing discrimination and inequalities, and to encourage people to work for gender justice, including at ETH Zurich.“Studying together makes everything more manageable”Nicole Davidsonhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/02/gemeinsam-studiert-ist-der-aufwand-halbiert.html2025-02-25T06:00:00ZWhat’s life like as a student at ETH Zurich? In the latest episode of the “Student Stories” video series, Marcel Walter provides us with a glimpse into his life as a civil engineering student.Artificial intelligence helps with the design and maintenance of bridgesBarbara Vonarburghttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/02/kuenstliche-intelligenz-hilft-beim-entwurf-und-erhalt-von-bruecken.html2025-02-24T06:00:00ZTo extend the lifespan of existing railway bridges and conserve resources, ETH researchers are working with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) to develop new prediction models using machine learning algorithms. An AI assistant also helps civil engineers with the design of new bridges.Shaping the Living Environment of TomorrowLinda Benzhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/02/shaping-the-living-environment-of-tomorrow.html2025-02-19T17:30:00ZETH Zurich Master’s programme in Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems provides a strong academic and interdisciplinary foundation in urban planning, mobility, and infrastructure management. Combining expert-led lectures with hands-on projects, it enables students to develop practical and sustainable solutions to real-world challenges. It prepares graduates for careers in spatial, mobility, or infrastructure planning, as highlighted in a newly released video on the degree programme.The next stage in the revolutionWalter Schmidhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/02/the-next-stage-in-the-revolution.html2025-02-18T06:00:00ZFounded with a view to boosting the lifespan and reliability of wind turbines, the ETH spin-off RTDT is now improving the devices’ electricity production and performance – all with the help of an intelligent plaster for rotor blades.Eco-friendly and ‘fast’ concrete put to the testKarin Kellyhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/02/eco-friendly-and-fast-concrete-put-to-the-test.html2025-02-17T08:00:00ZA construction industry without concrete seems impossible. However, due to the huge volumes of concrete production globally, its massive carbon footprint makes it a major environmental concern. D-BAUG researcher Arnesh Das and his team have developed a solution, which is now being tested with an industrial partner.Designing e-bike-friendly cities: Cycle lanes with minimal traffic impactEditorial Officehttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/02/designing-e-bike-friendly-cities-cycle-lanes-with-minimal-traffic-impact.html2025-02-10T07:00:00ZWhile cycling infrastructure promotes sustainability, health, and increased bike adoption, its implementation often sparks controversy due to the need to repurpose car lanes, parking spaces, or public transport routes. With a novel optimization approach that carefully balances the trade-off between bike and car travel times, bike lanes can be allocated such that they have minimal impact on other travel modes – paving the way for a more widely accepted (e-)bike city.Protecting our groundwaterIris Mickeinhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/01/protecting-our-groundwater.html2025-01-30T07:00:00ZJoaquin Jiménez-Martínez combines experimental work with advanced modeling to explore how water moves and interacts with its environment. With expertise spanning from micrometer-scale pore processes to field-scale hydrology, his research is dedicated to understanding and protecting our underground reservoirs. On the occasion of his appointment as Adjunct Professor, we asked what currently drives him in research and teaching.What location data reveals about youNina Wiedemann, Doctoral Student D-BAUG, ETH Zurichhttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/01/blog-was-standorte-verraten.html2025-01-23T07:00:00ZLocation data allows rich insights into private details about our lives: where we live and work, how we spend our free time and what is important to us, says Nina Wiedemann. This poses a considerable security risk – even if we have nothing to hide.New method detects corrosion in reinforced concrete, even in hard-to-reach placesSantina Russohttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/01/neue-methode-entdeckt-korrosion-im-stahlbeton-auch-an-unzugaenglichen-stellen.html2025-01-22T06:00:00ZWhether tunnels or retaining walls – many Swiss reinforced concrete structures from the 1960s to the 1980s are at risk. Corrosion can make them unstable. ETH start-up Talpa Inspection has now developed a solution to localise corrosion more easily, even in hard-to-reach places.Spinning for scienceNoe Lüthihttps://baug.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/news/2025/01/durchdrehen-fuer-die-wissenschaft.html2025-01-17T09:30:00ZPlanning and building Europe’s largest capacity geotechnical centrifuge took seven years. Now, after one and a half years of operation, its official inauguration is finally being celebrated at the Hönggerberg campus. And it’s no coincidence that this is happening today.
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