"There’s a tremendous diversity in terms of the kind of computer science that we do"
After two years leading the department, Professor Kenneth Paterson is returning to his primary passions: teaching and research. In this interview, he shares insights from his time at the helm and reflects on what makes D-INFK truly unique.
Professor Paterson, after two years your time as department head has come to an end. How do you feel?
I feel two ways about it: on one hand, there’s a sense of relief that my tenure is over. On the other hand, I feel a sense of unfinished business, as there are projects I didn’t have time to complete. I’ll miss the opportunity to be actively involved in pushing initiatives forward, to “be in the room”, as they say in US politics. That said, I’m excited to refocus on my research – it’ll be a lot of fun.
You mentioned leaving some things undone. What specifically?
One significant task is further defining our department’s relationship with Campus Heilbronn. Another is determining the future physical infrastructure of our department. In December, the department voted overwhelmingly to accept ETH’s proposal to relocate to a new building on Hönggerberg within the next eight to ten years, uniting the entire department in one location. While that decision marks the end of the beginning, there’s still much to do to bring the project to fruition. Lastly, I had hoped to develop a comprehensive strategy for diversity. We need a clear set of shared values for diversity, and I still hope to work on this as a member of the department’s strategy committee. But now it’s up to my successor to take the broader initiatives forward in his own way.
What surprised you most about being department head?
I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible members of the school administration were. A quick email was usually all it took to arrange a meeting within a day or two. I also appreciated the tremendous support and goodwill from our administrative team – they make the job much more manageable. Finally, I discovered how wide-ranging the role is; it demands at least half your mental bandwidth while you’re still managing a research group and teaching.
“I’m proud of the strong position our department is in today – thanks to the hard work of everybody. ”Professor Kenneth Paterson
Did the role change how you view the department?
Yes, I gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity of approaches professors take in managing their teams. Some operate like managing directors, while others collaborate closely with their doctoral students at the whiteboard. I also realized how broad our department is, with a wide variety of research areas and methodologies. There’s a tremendous diversity in terms of the kind of computer science that we do.
What was your biggest challenge as department head?
Balancing the demands of the role with running my research group and mentoring doctoral students was the toughest part. Fortunately, my research group thrived, perhaps benefiting from the independence. This was my experience as a doctoral student with my own adviser. He gave us a desk and a library card and encouraged us to go and do great research. I think that way of being supervised made me, in the end, a stronger and more independent researcher. But it might also be a tougher climb to get on top of the mountain.
Is there an achievement you're particularly proud of?
I’m proud of the strong position our department is in today – thanks to the hard work of everybody. We successfully secured a serious offer for a new building and effectively communicated our mission, values and vision for computer science at ETH Zurich. These achievements reflect the hard work of everyone in the department.
What lessons from your tenure will be useful in the future?
I’ve learned that there are exciting opportunities within an organization like ETH Zurich beyond just being a professor. Early in my career, I struggled with management roles, but I was much younger and maybe less mature back then. That’s why I approached this role with some apprehension but was relieved that no insurmountable disasters occurred. There have obviously been some challenges, but nothing that we couldn’t work on and solve together.
“Our department is incredibly international, bringing together individuals from all over the world who are dedicated to excellence.”Professor Kenneth Paterson
What did you enjoy most about being department head?
I enjoyed engaging with people and gaining a deeper understanding of both our department and ETH Zurich as a whole. I also cherished representing the department at various events, such as introducing it to graduates’ families and sharing our vision for computer science. Preparing and delivering these speeches – and seeing their impact – was particularly rewarding.
During your time as head of department, you visited a lot of student events. Did that change your perspective on students?
Yes, it helped me better understand their perspectives. There’s often a generational gap; I’m at a stage of life with a dog, a car and a mortgage, while their futures are more uncertain, especially regarding careers and global challenges like climate change. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the time management pressures students face. ETH Zurich is a demanding place to study, and encountering students at these events gave me valuable insights into their experiences.
What makes our department special?
It’s the people. Our department is incredibly international, bringing together individuals from all over the world who are dedicated to excellence. This applies not just to professors and students but to all staff members. Another strength is our culture of open, respectful dialogue among professors. Even on tough issues, we find compromises that work for everyone.
“It's important to balance everyday tasks with long-term strategic thinking. It’s easy to get bogged down in details, but maintaining a broader perspective is crucial.”Professor Kenneth Paterson
Is the department well-prepared for the future of computer science?
Yes, I believe so. Our department covers a wide range of computer science topics and has been proactive in addressing emerging areas like machine learning and artificial intelligence. While I wish we could have hired more professors to match the growing number of students, overall, we’re in good shape.
Any advice for your successor, Thomas Hofmann?
I’ve already given him a symbolic gift: a big clock, passed down by my predecessor, Timothy Roscoe, to remind him of the importance of time management. My main advice is to balance everyday tasks with long-term strategic thinking. It’s easy to get bogged down in details, but maintaining a broader perspective is crucial. Also, remember that you don’t have to solve every problem alone. There’s a strong support team and a network of former department heads who are always willing to help.