D-INFK news channel

In this series of interviews, we talk to three people who decided to pursue an academic career after studying computer science and are now working as professors. In the first part, Dennis Hofheinz explains why he chose this path and describes the hurdles he had to overcome.

For the past two years, Professor Zhendong Su has been the Director of Studies of our Department of Computer Science and, therefore, part of the department's executive board. In this interview, Professor Su talks about the accomplishments and challenges during his term. He also tells us what good teaching means to him, and we find out what four dreams he wants to accomplish before retirement.

Since 1996, Emo Welzl has been a professor at the Institute of Theoretical Computer Science. He has dedicated his career to developing and analysing combinatorial algorithms and discrete mathematics. Among other things, he has worked on algorithmic geometry and the analysis of geometric structures. As he will be retiring at the end of January, we look back on his career in this interview and learn how he found his way into theoretical computer science and what fascinates him about it.

For a two-​part interview, we visit our alumnus Tobias Nägeli. In this second part, Tobias gives us an insight into his former student days and tells us how he met his three co-founders. Additionally, we learn more about the skills from his studies that benefit him today as CEO.

In this interview, Professor Wang offers a brief insight into her research interests and explains why she decided to pursue an academic career. She also shares her advice for computer science students and discusses the three pedagogical principles that guide her teaching and mentoring.

For a two-part interview, we visit our alumnus Tobias Nägeli. In this first part, we learn more about the turbulent times of founding the spin-off Tinamu and how Tobias and his three co-founders managed to find the right market for their technology. We also discover the connection between starting a business and his two hobbies, marathon running and paragliding, and how a tragic accident influenced his willingness to take risks.

Research News: Professor Christian Holz and his research group have developed a new teleconferencing system called ViGather. The System enables participants across all devices – VR/XR devices and traditional laptops, tablets, or PCs – to participate in immersive 3D meetings as avatars. 

The computer science student and former president of the Association of Computer Science Students (VIS), has been leading the Student Association of ETH Zurich (VSETH) as its President since September. In this recent interview, she shares her passion for higher education politics and outlines her goals for the upcoming year.

Researchers from the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich, in collaboration with clinical care researchers at the University Hospital Basel, have developed a new treatment solution for children born with a cleft lip and palate. Learn more about the treatment and its implementation in the video.

3db Access is a pioneer in secure low-power Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, and their integrated products enable a broad range of applications, such as secure vehicle access. It was co-founded by ETH Alumni Dr Boris Danev (D-INFK), and Dr David Barras (D-ITET) and two of our faculty members, Professors Srdjan Capkun and David Basin. By joining forces, 3db Access and Infineon want to create full system solutions in the market opportunities of secured, connected devices.

Twice a year, the Network for Women in Computer Science (CSNOW) organises a one-week introductory programme called “Schnupperstudium” for secondary school girls. In this interview, three participants share their experiences and reasons for participating in the programme.

Since May 2006, Simonetta Zysset has been a cherished member of the Department of Computer Science (D-INFK), where she has been working as an administrative assistant. Over the past 17 years, she supported ten different professors in her role. As she is retiring at the end of this month, we look back at her time at ETH Zurich together.

On 6 and 7 September, over 5800 secondary school students from Switzerland and neighbouring countries visited the Information Days to explore the various Bachelor’s programmes offered by ETH Zurich. The Department of Computer Science was also present with information booths and presentations.

During the ETH Student Summer Research Fellowship (SSRF), twenty Bachelor's and Master's students from universities worldwide gained insights into everyday research at the Department of Computer Science and life in Switzerland. Four student researchers share some impressions of their stay during the past two months shortly before their return.