“We founded ETH Zurich Space in October 2022 to expand space research and teaching at ETH and to strengthen cooperation with partners from science, industry, and space agencies such as ESA and NASA. With his knowledge and global network, Thomas Zurbuchen is the perfect leader for this initiative," explains Vanessa Wood, Vice President for Knowledge Transfer and Corporate Relations. Together with her team and in collaboration with the Department of Earth Sciences, she was responsible for Thomas Zurbuchen's decision to join ETH Zurich.
Moon robots, marsquakes and Earth-like exoplanets
There is already a lot of research at ETH Zurich with a connection to space. ETH researchers are developing robots for use on the moon, searching for Earth-like exoplanets, and studying quakes on Mars. Other ETH scientists are developing technology for the space industry and sensors to gather data from space or use space data for climate and security research. Dozens of ETH Zurich students participate in building space rockets with the ARIS student association, and more than twenty ETH spin-offs have a direct connection to the space sector.
“Space research at ETH Zurich is conducted at an exceedingly high-level. I experienced this first-hand when I was Head of Research at NASA and appreciated the contributions of ETH researchers to the James Webb Space Telescope and the Mars InSight mission. But ETH Zurich’s potential is much greater in terms of science, technology, and entrepreneurship,” says Thomas Zurbuchen.
Switzerland and Europe should benefit
In his new role, he would like to elevate space research to a new level not only at ETH Zurich, but also throughout Switzerland and Europe. “The space sector is dynamic and experiencing rapid global growth. We want to ensure that Switzerland and Europe seize new opportunities, remain competitive, and increase their international visibility. Personally, I think ETH Zurich is the best place to advance these visions,” explains the former NASA Science Director.
