We Are ETH

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.

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.

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.

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.

For ETH Zurich alumna Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi, integrating small sustainability practices intoour 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, shewas able to seize the opportunities that came her way. That notably led her to heading thetechnology and sustainability part of Dow’s partnership with the Olympic Games, which laidthe 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 ourdisposal, when we have only one.In this episode, Nicoletta tells us how her journey in sustainability began – and why makingthe topic real for people can help integrate sustainability into our daily lives.This is her story.

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 May1968, when a student revolt became a general strike that ground the Frencheconomy to a halt. She speaks with host Susan Kish about campaigning to getwomen the vote in Switzerland, her architecture experiences at ETH Zurich and asan urban planner in London and Bern, and how swimming in Switzerland created theCharles River Conservancy in Massachusetts, an NGO she founded, striving to makethe Charles River and its parks a well-maintained network of natural urban places forthe local community.It’s hard to believe that women only got the vote in Switzerland in 1971. Renata vonTscharner, retired President of the Charles River Conservancy, shares candidinsights based on her unique experiences campaigning for the vote. Through theinspiring story of her colourful life, she highlights the importance of swimming inrivers, and learning to play the accordion.Be sure to listen until the end for a musical surprise…