

We Are ETH
ETH Zurich
We Are ETH is a podcast series featuring stories from Alumni of ETH Zurich around the globe. Hosted by ETH Circle Member and Entrepreneur Susan Kish, We Are ETH brings you conversations with the people who have taken their ETH experience out into the world and turned it into a company, a career, and a way of life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 19, 2025 • 27min
Reinventing Haifa for the 21st Century: Einat Kalisch-Rotem’s Urban Vision
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

Jun 5, 2025 • 26min
Capturing Carbon at Scale: Jan Wurzbacher on Engineering Climate Solutions
Dr. Jan Wurzbacher, an ETH alumnus and co-founder of Climeworks, shares his journey in creating large-scale carbon capture solutions. He discusses the innovative technology behind CO₂ extraction and the remarkable growth of Climeworks from concept to reality. Jan highlights the essential collaboration between engineering and climate science and reflects on the challenges of scaling up these technologies to meet global targets. He also emphasizes the critical role of policy support and public trust in pioneering effective climate action.

May 22, 2025 • 28min
Where Architecture Meets Marine Biology: Ulrike Pfreundt on Coral Restoration
Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt, a marine biologist and ETH alumna, shares her innovative journey in coral reef restoration as co-founder of RRREEFS. She discusses using 3D-printed clay structures for rebuilding lost ecosystems and highlights the urgency of addressing coral bleaching amid climate change. Ulrike reflects on her transition from nature activism to marine science, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration's role in her mission. She candidly addresses challenges in scaling impact and the need for new financial models to support regenerative practices.

May 8, 2025 • 23min
Teaching Drones to See with Margarita Chli
Margarita Chli, Head of the Vision for Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich and the University of Cyprus, shares her groundbreaking work in teaching drones to perceive their surroundings. She discusses the challenges of robotic vision and the fascinating applications in areas like wildfire management and search and rescue. The conversation also highlights the ethical implications of dual-use technologies and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Margarita emphasizes how curiosity fuels scientific discovery and the evolving role of AI in robotics.

Apr 24, 2025 • 19min
From the Amazon to the World: Forging Global Climate Solutions – Benjamin Bollmann
In this engaging discussion, Benjamin Bollmann, CEO of Swissnex Brazil, dives into Brazil's rising influence in global climate initiatives, especially with COP30 looming in the Amazon. He shares insights on how Swissnex fosters international cooperation to merge scientific research and local knowledge. The conversation covers Brazil's potential in green energy and bio-economy, as well as comparisons between the innovation ecosystems of São Paulo, Boston, and Silicon Valley, highlighting their unique contributions to sustainability.

Apr 3, 2025 • 21min
From ETH Zurich to São Paulo: Leading Innovation Ecosystems – Benjamin Bollmann
Benjamin Bollmann, CEO of Swissnex Brazil and a tech-savvy neuroscientist with roots in ETH Zurich and MIT, reveals his fascinating journey from skateboarding to science. He shares insights on adapting to São Paulo's vibrant culture and its intricate real estate. Benjamin discusses the stark contrasts in global innovation ecosystems, highlighting Zurich's research-driven methods against Silicon Valley's digital innovation. He also elaborates on Swissnex's role in enhancing global partnerships for Swiss startups, creating pathways for scientific collaboration.

Mar 20, 2025 • 24min
Reimagining Architecture with Traditional Craft and Modern Design with Guillaume Othenin-Girard
Guillaume Othenin-Girard is an ETH Zurich alumnus, assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong, and co-founder of the Architectural Land Initiative. He delves into how architecture bridges history and social impact, sharing his experiences working on a Dezeen Award-winning project in Peru that emphasizes community and sustainability. He also discusses the challenges of teaching design during the pandemic, the significance of traditional construction methods, and the importance of interdisciplinary learning in shaping future architects.

Mar 6, 2025 • 26min
Unraveling Marine Mysteries of Walking Fish and Vanishing Sharks – Fabienne Ziadi Künzli
Fabienne Ziadi Künzli, a Swiss fish ecologist and ETH Zurich alumna, shares her journey from academia to studying marine ecosystems in Okinawa. She discusses fascinating mudskippers—fish that can walk on land—and innovative techniques that reveal secrets of fish anatomy. Fabienne highlights the dire situation of sharks, emphasizing their importance in ocean health amid threats like climate change and overfishing. She reflects on her educational experiences at ETH Zurich and her commitment to reshaping public perceptions of marine conservation.

Feb 20, 2025 • 27min
How Does Quantum Computing Work? – Fabio Scafirimuto
In this engaging conversation, Fabio Scafirimuto, the Education & Workforce Lead for IBM Quantum in EMEA and an ETH alum, demystifies quantum computing. He explains fundamental concepts like qubits and superposition, alongside the mysteries of entanglement. Fabio reflects on the challenges of making quantum tech accessible and discusses exciting career prospects in this innovative field. Additionally, he shares his personal journey from ETH Zurich to IBM and reveals his passions beyond physics, including a love for animals and the night sky.

Feb 6, 2025 • 35min
Transforming Space Travel with Nutrient Recycling – Grace Crain-Wright
Grace Crain-Wright, a plant ecologist and STEM educator, discusses her groundbreaking work on nutrient recycling for sustainable space travel as part of the European Space Agency’s MELiSSA project. She shares insights into the challenges of using human waste to nourish plants in space and highlights the potential benefits for Earth gardening. Grace also reflects on her journey in research and emphasizes the importance of STEM education through the GLOBE program, fostering curiosity and connection among future scientists.