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| Investing in the future |
Dear member of our department,
Some of our students are embarking on a new chapter in their lives, as they graduate from our department this month. Congratulations to our 164 recent graduates, out of whom 114 were honored at the Master’s Graduation Ceremony in the Audi Max two weeks ago. It was an event full of smiles and emotion, as our students shared this special occasion with friends and family.
While some students are leaving our department, new ones are arriving – and in ever greater numbers. But that doesn’t happen automatically. That’s why it’s so important that we collectively engage in outreach activities to spark interest and passion for Computer Science amongst young people.
This month we’ve had three school classes visit us to find out what’s it like to study Computer Science and what kind of research we pursue. As a study by KOF at ETH Zurich has shown, participating in STEM events increases the likelihood that pupils will go on to study such a subject. This is why it’s worthwhile that we put all the effort that we do into these events. A big thank you goes to all the members of our department who continue to dedicate some of their time to give potential students these insights into our discipline.
Some of these students will end up studying in our department. And in a few years from now, some of them will walk proudly across the Audi Max stage to receive our congratulations.
I hope you enjoy the latest edition of our newsletter!
Best regards,
Kenny Paterson
Department Head
Title image: Aaron Asteria performs at the Master's Graduation Ceremony on 18 October 2024.
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| Faculty and staff |
We extend a warm welcome to all new staff members who have joined our department in the last month. We look forward to working with you.
Our new staff
To the staff who are leaving us, we wish you the best of luck in your future careers and hope to work with you again someday. |
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New leadership for the Institute of Theoretical Computer Science
A new head and deputy head have been chosen for the Institute of Theoretical Computer Science: David Steurer and Rasmus Kyng will hold their respective roles from the beginning of October 2024 until 30 September 2027. David Steurer previously served as deputy head and will take over from Angelika Steger. All the best with your new tasks, David and Rasmus! |
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Welcome,
Helmut Pottmann
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| We are delighted to welcome Prof. Helmut Pottmann from the TU Vienna as a visiting professor. Hosted by Prof. Olga Sorkine Hornung, he will be with us from 1 October to 30 November 2024. During his stay, he will conduct research and teach a block course on "Discrete Geometry for Computational Design and Fabrication". Enjoy your stay! |
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Welcome,
Nadja Taras
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| Nadja joined the Department Administration Group as an administrative assistant. With over three years of experience at D-MTEC, we are excited about the expertise she brings to the team. We hope you have had a successful start and that you will also have many interesting experiences in our department, Nadja! |
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Welcome,
Samuel Gruetter
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| Sam joined Professor Mothy Roscoe's Network and Operating Systems Group as a postdoc after completing his doctorate at MIT. His research interests are in systems and the application of formal methods to systems research. It's great to have you on board and we hope you enjoy your time at ETH Zurich, Sam! |
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Farewell,
Thomas Gross
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| Emeritus professor Thomas Gross continued to be responsible for the lecture "Introduction to Programming" and is now fully retired. In this interview, he talks about the developments in his field of research over the last thirty years. Thank you very much, Thomas, for your outstanding commitment to our department! |
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Farewell,
Peter Koschitz
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| Since 2001 Peter Koschitz has been working as a Coordinator and Controller in the Department Administration Group. He is now embarking on his well-deserved retirement. We thank you for your countless invaluable contributions to our department and wish you all the best for the future, Peter! |
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Farewell,
Lijie Xu
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| Senior researcher Lijie leaves D-INFK and heads back to Beijing to continue his research. He worked in Prof. Gustavo Alonso's Information and Communication Systems Research Group, focusing on the intersection of databases and AI. We wish you all the best for the future and all of your planned endeavours, Lijie! |
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| New co-presidency for VMI |
| At the VMI General Assembly on 15 October 2024, Nabil Abubaker and Alexandre Binninger were appointed as the new co-presidents of the organisation. The position was previously held by Felix Linker. Thank you for all of your contributions, Felix – and we wish Nabil and Alexandre every success in this new challenge! |
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| Stories of the month |
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How law-abiding is AI? ETH researchers put it to the test
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| Professor Martin Vechev
The EU AI Act is designed to ensure that AI is transparent and trustworthy. For the first time, computer scientists, including D-INFK faculty and alumni, have translated the Act into measurable technical requirements for AI. In doing so, they have shown how well today's AI models already comply with the legal requirements. |
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"Don’t become complacent about what you already know"
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| Master's student Kiril Vasilev
When Kiril Vasilev started his Master's in Data Science at D-INFK, he was surprised by the intensity of the workload. In the latest instalment of the "Student Stories" series, he tells us how he adapted to this demanding new routine and what he appreciates the most about studying at ETH Zurich. |
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ETH Zurich and EPFL enhance collaboration to boost AI in Switzerland
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| ETH AI Center
ETH Zurich and EPFL are intensifying their collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). To this end, they have founded the Swiss National AI Institute (SNAI), which will draw on their broad scientific expertise to address the challenges of AI. Also involved: D-INFK faculty members Ana Klimovic and Andreas Krause. |
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| Prizes and awards |
Congratulations to our faculty, researchers and students who have won prizes, awards and fellowships for their work. We are proud of you and thank you for asserting our reputation.
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Menna El-Assady honoured with Significant New Researcher Award
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| Professor Menna El-Assady has been awarded the 2024 Visualization Significant New Researcher Award at the IEEE VIS Conference. The prize honours her ground-breaking work at the intersection of visualization and machine learning. Great achievement, Menna!
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David Basin wins Dandelion Award 2024
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| The Dandelion Award is regularly given to ETH professors who have shown outstanding commitment to promoting entrepreneurship at ETH Zurich and beyond. This year, Professor David Basin was honored for his achievements. Congratulations, David! |
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| Meet this year's ESOP scholars |
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| This year, ten students from our department have been awarded an Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) scholarship. The endowment allows them to develop to their full potential and to focus on their studies and research. Congratulations! |
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| Upcoming events |
Tech Interview Workshop, 7 November 2024, 16:30-18:30 (CV-checking sessions 9:00-14:00), Food&Lab in CAB building
In collaboration with Optiver, CSNOW is organising a workshop, in which a tech interview is being simulated. Together with a recruiter and a software engineer, you’ll break down a real interview scenario, brainstorm answers, and learn how to approach questions like a pro. In addition to the main event, you will have the chance to get a one-on-one CV-checking session with a recruiter in the morning. The workshop is open to everyone and will be followed by an apéro!
Sign-up here
Distinguished Colloquium on Geometric Discretization and Optimization for Computational Design and Fabrication, 18 November 2024, 16:15-17:15, CAB G 61
In this talk, Visiting Professor Helmut Pottmann illustrates the importance of geometry in the design and fabrication of freeform shapes. He further elaborates on the fruitful interplay of theory and applications in this area.
More information here
Save-the-Date Glühwein-Apéro, 16 December 2024, 17:00-19:00, in front of the CAB building
As the Autumn Semester comes to an end and the Christmas holidays approach, we would like to to celebrate with you over an aperitif. The invitation will be sent out in November along with the link for registration. We look forward to celebrating with you!
View gallery from previous edition
Save-the-Date Informatiktage, 29 March 2025, CAB building
D-INFK is once again participating as a partner at the Informatiktage. The carefully curated programme offers something for everyone – from curious beginners to experienced experts. The event lasts the whole week and on Saturday is Open Day. ETH IT Services and the ETH AI Center are once again on board. Don't miss it!
View gallery from previous edition
Save-the-Date, D-INFK Staff Party 2025, 26 May 2025
We are thrilled to announce the next annual staff party! Mark your calendars for Monday, 26 May 2025, and join us for an evening of celebration, fun, and delicious food and drinks. More details will follow.
View gallery from previous edition (Password: StaffParty2024)
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| Past events |
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School visit Freies Gymnasium Zürich
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| On 30 September we welcomed 15 students from the Freie Gymnasium Zürich as part of their MINT Week. Henry Raymond from the Game Technology Center gave an engaging impulse talk. Master's student Dominic Wüest then provided an overview of the Computer Science study programme. April Wang and her team concluded the day with a workshop on programming. |
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Master's Graduation Ceremony
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| Congratulations to our 164 graduates! On 18 October, 114 students gathered in the Audi Max, surrounded by their loved ones, to celebrate this milestone in their career. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail reception where graduates were able to pose for photographs in graduation gowns. Our department's gallery is filled to the brim with photos and you can also watch a video recording from this very special evening. |
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VMI welcome event
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The welcome event for new scientific staff took place on 9 October in the ETH main building. It included introductions to VMI services and separate presentations for doctoral students (Prof. Markus Püschel) and postdocs (Prof. Kenny Paterson). The subsequent aperitif in the Dozentenfoyer offered ample networking opportunities. Thank you Sverrir, Nabil, and the VMI Board for your important work! |
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| Tips of the month |
Respect – Reflect – Respond
The Respect initiative aims at promoting value-based cooperation at ETH Zurich. This semester's schedule includes practical tips, workshops and expert discussions on topics such as resilience and conflict management. A keynote on 31 October will kick off this semester's programme, focusing on the importance of psychological safety for teams to perform at their best. |
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Find Raspi!
Our Cray supercomputer exhibit on the CAB E floor is missing its little sidekick – a Raspberry Pi 1 model B+! This 10-year-old Pi isn't exactly cutting edge, and it is useless to you, but it completes our exhibit. If you have "borrowed" it, please screw it back on the sign in a discreet way, or leave it in front of CAB E 48 (ISG office).
Tip: This coming Halloween is a great opportunity to legally sneak around the CAB in disguise and anonymously return Raspi;-). For costume ideas, check out the "Giggles & Glimpses" section! |
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| Open positions and opportunities |
Professor or Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Computer Science – Systems for Data Science
D-INFK invites applications for this position with a focus on systems for machine learning, computer systems, cloud computing, and systems for data science. Applicants should be strongly rooted in computer science and have internationally recognized expertise in their field.
Learn more
Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Theoretical Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science is looking for an Assistant Professor, with a focus on Theoretical Computer Science, including automated and interactive theorem proving, logic, SAT, SMT, and semantics.Successful candidates are expected to establish and lead a strong research program.
Learn more
ETH AI Center Fellowship programmes
Apply now for the ETH AI Center Fellowship programmes 2025 for advancements in the interdisciplinary AI and machine learning field. Applications are open and the deadline is November 19, 2024.
Learn more
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Student Summer Research Fellowship 2025
The application window for next year's SSRF programme will open on 11 November 2024. Students from all around the world get the chance to pursue for two months their own research projects at ETH Zurich and experience Switzerland. Spread the word about this unique opportunity and tell your colleagues and friends! |
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VIS job mailing list
Are you a student interested in open positions, full-time or part-time, and internships? Then the job mailing list by the Association of Computer Science Students (VIS) is for you. |
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| This is a spontaneous, light-hearted and fun segment, where we can share bits and pieces that we see along the way. We are also open to suggestions and submissions from our community! |
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| Costume ideas for programmers |
It's Halloween and this means there is ample opportunity to choose a costume and celebrate the spooky season. But what to wear as computer scientist? Fear not (even though it's Halloween), we got you covered. You could dress up as Clippy, the infamous "helper" that will scare a lot of Microsoft Word users. Or how about as your favorite internet browser? Some of them might be more popular at Halloween parties than others. If you want to dress up as something even more abstract, you could go as a Cloud service. You might be able to store all of the candy that your friends don't want to carry around themselves. Happy Halloween!
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Bachelor's Graduation Ceremony by VIS
On Friday, 25 October the Association of Computer Science Students (VIS) hosted the second instalment of the Bachelor's Graduation Ceremony. The event, which took place in a packed Audi Max, marked a significant milestone for the graduates and included inspiring words from faculty and students. |
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