We Are ETH

Join Etienne Jeoffroy, CEO of FENX, on a journey of sustainable materials innovation. Learn about the genesis of FENX's mineral foam technology, its potential to reduce building emissions, and the importance of collaboration. Discover Etienne's diverse interests, from his love of basketball to his commitment to sustainability.

Entrepreneur Daniel Naeff from ETH AI Center talks about angel investing, Switzerland's AI potential, and the new ETH Knowledge Network. They delve into balancing the benefits and risks of AI, navigating opportunities, and the value of newsletters and podcasts for AI insights.

Mariana Popescu, Assistant Professor of Digital Fabrication at TU Delft, discusses using knitting machines for construction, fabric formwork for concrete, and the Knit Candela project's impact on architecture. She explores parametric design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovations in the construction industry, highlighting eco-friendly solutions and industry impact.

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 RadioGlobe article: https://ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2023/12/globe-modern-adventurer.htmlChapters(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

Anne Scherer, co-founder of Delta Labs AG, discusses the importance of trust in human-machine interaction and the rapid development of AI. She emphasizes the need for increasing AI literacy in society and shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship. The podcast also explores the intersection of AI and creativity, offering recommendations for learning about AI.

Olivier de Weck, systems engineering expert, discusses the importance of 'ilities' in designing complex systems and the potential for Mars colonization. He compares ETH Zurich and MIT, highlighting their global impact. The episode delves into his passion for space exploration, interdisciplinary research, and love for science fiction literature.

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

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 ConclusionLinks mentionedPlanet Money: https://www.npr.org/sections/money/Code Switch: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitchImage Gallery from NASA Perseverance: https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/multimedia/images/NASA Decadal Survey: https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/decadal-surveys/

Pascal Mathis, co-founder of Get Your Guide and Wingman Ventures, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the potential for Switzerland to become the next Silicon Valley. He discusses the importance of logical thinking and problem-solving skills acquired at ETH Zurich, as well as insights into pre-seed stage investing. Pascal also offers advice for both investors and entrepreneurs.

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.