We Are ETH

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

Marine biologist and ETH alumna Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt shares her journey from rainforest activism to coral reef regeneration. As co-founder and co-CEO of RRREEFS, she is pioneering a novel approach to rebuilding lost reef ecosystems—using 3D-printed clay structures inspired by architecture, biology, and fluid dynamics. In conversation with host Susan Kish, Ulrike explains how coral reefs protect coastlines, why reef loss is accelerating, and how interdisciplinary collaboration at ETH Zurich sparked her mission. She speaks candidly about the challenges of scaling impact, the importance of transparency in climate work, and the need to rethink financial models for regeneration. From dive training on Elba to launching one of the world’s most innovative reef restoration startups, Ulrike’s story is a powerful testament to curiosity, purpose, and the power of science to heal ocean ecosystems.books mentioned in the episode:Bernhard Kegel - Graschapters:(00:32) Meet Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt and RRREEFS(01:27) The Meaning Behind RRREEFS(02:09) Corporate Values and Mission(03:32) Challenges and Goals in Coral Reef Restoration(06:00) Understanding Coral Bleaching(09:55) Dr. Pfreundt's Journey into Marine Science(12:49) Innovative Approaches to Reef Restoration(16:26) Interdisciplinary Collaboration at ETH(22:16) Final Thoughts and Reflections(27:32) Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

In this episode, host Susan Kish speaks with Professor Margarita Chli, a leading figure in robotic vision and autonomous systems. As the head of the Vision for Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich and the University of Cyprus, Professor Chli discusses how her research enables drones to perceive and navigate complex environments. She delves into the challenges of developing vision systems for autonomous drones, the potential applications in areas like wildfire management and search and rescue, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing these technologies. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of dual-use technologies and the role of curiosity in scientific discovery. This episode offers insights into the cutting-edge work at the intersection of robotics, AI, and real-world applications.Chapters(00:26) Meet Professor Margarita Chli(01:07) Understanding Vision in Robotics(03:24) Challenges in Robotic Vision(05:38) Swarm Robotics and Communication(10:56) Hardware vs. Software in Robotics(13:47) Drones in Warfare and Humanitarian Efforts(17:54) The Future of Robotics and AI(19:48) Personal Insights and Curiosities

In this follow-up episode, Benjamin Bollmann, CEO of Swissnex Brazil, delves into Brazil’s prominent role in global climate initiatives, particularly with the upcoming COP30 in the Amazon. He explains how Swissnex is working to foster international cooperation, focusing on the intersection of scientific research, local knowledge, and sustainable development. Benjamin also highlights Brazil’s potential as a leader in green energy and bio-economy, while emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to address climate challenges. Drawing comparisons between innovation ecosystems across Boston, Silicon Valley, Zurich, and São Paulo, he discusses how different approaches contribute to advancing sustainability solutions. This episode offers a grounded perspective on how countries like Brazil are positioning themselves within the global dialogue on climate action. Chapters:(01:36) Brazil on the World Stage(02:13) Swissnex Brazil and COP30(03:18) The Göldi Museum and Swiss Legacy(06:01) Innovation Ecosystems Around the World(07:55) Comparing Boston and Silicon Valley(11:54) Personal Insights and Reflections(18:23) Closing Thoughts and Farewellbooks mentioned in the episode:Facing Gaia – Eight Lectures on the New Climatic Regime (Bruno Latour)Lina Bo Bardi 100 – Brazil's Alternative Path to ModernismAmazonia by Marcio Souza

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.