We Are ETH

In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish speaks with Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, a scientist and people-first leader who has guided ETH through rapid change with calm resolve and big ambition. With warmth and humility, Mesot explains how collective intelligence across departments turns ideas into impact, from the Geo Lab and next-generation space research to AI and climate technologies. He shares why ETH is speeding up translation from lab to society, how programmatic fundraising unlocks bold projects, and why close industry partnerships matter for Switzerland. They revisit lessons from COVID that strengthened autonomy and speed, and they talk about an education model that blends technical excellence with values, leadership, and communication. Mesot is generous about his team, candid about geopolitical headwinds, and clear about the legacy he hopes to leave: faster paths to impact, stronger ties with society, and a university that listens. Inspiring, pragmatic and deeply human.Chapters(00:29) A Day in the Life of ETH President(01:45) Fundraising and External Relations(03:06) Research Initiatives and Achievements(04:19) Collective Intelligence and Collaboration(05:08) COVID-19 Response and Rapid Innovation(07:10) Autonomy and Speed in Research(08:35) Legacy and Future Vision(10:28) Climate Change and Environmental Research(11:12) Educational Values and Competencies(15:20) AI and Space Research(21:27) Challenges and Opportunities Ahead(29:34) Final Thoughts and Farewell

Tobias Rees, a philosopher and anthropologist known for his research on how technology reshapes the human concept, dives into thought-provoking topics. He discusses the brain as a dynamic, renewing system instead of a fixed organ. Rees challenges traditional definitions of humanity, tracing their evolution from ancient philosophy to modern concepts of equality. He highlights how microbiomes and climate change challenge our separation from nature and explores AI as a unique entity that learns and models, blurring the line between machines and living beings.

In a riveting discussion, Estefanía Tapias, a smart-city expert and ETH Zurich alumna, shares her journey from Bogotá to the Middle East. She delves into how extreme heat influences urban design and emphasizes the importance of walkability and public transport in hot climates. Estefanía also explores the challenges and potentials of ambitious projects like Saudi Arabia's NEOM. With insights on blending technology and anthropology in urban planning, she inspires young planners to experience cities firsthand and embrace change in their work.

In this discussion, Roman Engeler, co-founder of Atla and ETH Zurich alumnus, dives into the world of autonomous AI agents. He explains the importance of 'traces' for debugging AI decisions and shares insights on how his company enhances agent reliability. Roman compares startup cultures in London, Zurich, and Palo Alto, reflecting on his journey from research to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the critical role of guardrails for safe AI deployments and offers advice for aspiring AI professionals while promoting ways for alumni to contribute back to ETH.

Remo Gisi, a computer scientist who turns algorithms into culinary systems, and Sue Tobler, a physicist-turned-culinarian blending science with plant-based dining, chat about making food as systematic play. They discuss algorithmic recipe design, texture and heat transfer informed by physics, sensory testing for flavor, and crafting memorable themed multi-course experiences.

In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish talks with Péter Fankhauser, CEO and co-founder of ANYbotics, about his journey from an ETH Zurich spinoff to leading one of the world’s most exciting robotics companies. Péter shares how his fascination with robots turned into a global business, the real-world challenges of scaling deep-tech innovation, and why combining AI with robotics is transforming industries. From oil and gas inspections to autonomous machines designed for complex and dangerous tasks, ANYbotics is showing how robots can take on work once thought impossible – while deliberately steering clear of military applications. Along the way, Péter offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: get out of the lab, listen to your customers, and embrace leadership that goes beyond engineering. This episode is a front-row seat to the future of robotics, and to the mindset that makes it possible.Books mentioned in this episode:The Hard Things About The Hard Things - Ben Horowitzhttps://www.amazon.de/Hard-Thing-About-Things-Building/dp/0062273205Build - Tony Fadellhttps://www.amazon.com/Build/dp/1787634108Chapters:(00:43) Peter Fankhauser's Journey into Robotics(01:23) The Focus Project at ETH Zurich(02:17) Building the Inverted Pendulum Robot(03:31) The Tipping Point in Robotics(04:52) Founding Anybotics and Embracing AI(06:03) Funding and Scaling Anybotics(08:23) Applications of Robotics in Industry(11:34) Ethical Considerations and Future of Robotics(19:47)Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs(22:19) Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Marco Tempest, techno‑magician and Pi Innovation Hub co‑founder, brings storytelling and rapid space experimentation. Nanja Strecker, innovation strategist and ETH Zurich Space co‑founder, focuses on space entrepreneurship and education. They discuss turning research into real missions. They explore building a space ecosystem, a new Space Systems master program, and Switzerland’s role in the lunar economy.

Emma Pooley, Olympic silver medalist, ETH Zurich PhD in geotechnical engineering, and author of Oat to Joy, talks about switching from maths to engineering and moving to Zurich. She shares starting cycling late, epic races and crashes, balancing a PhD with pro training, winter training abroad, writing her oat-focused cookbook, and shifting back into engineering work.

Einat Kalisch-Rotem, the first woman mayor of Haifa and an accomplished architect from ETH Zurich, shares her innovative urban vision. She discusses the influence of Zurich on her approach to sustainable public transport and urban inclusivity. Einat highlights her journey into politics sparked by a desire to protect Haifa’s unique social mosaic and architectural heritage. She reflects on overcoming political challenges and her plans for cultural revival and economic sustainability in the city, all while promoting a human-centered design philosophy.

Dr. Jan Wurzbacher, an ETH alumnus and co-founder of Climeworks, shares his journey in creating large-scale carbon capture solutions. He discusses the innovative technology behind CO₂ extraction and the remarkable growth of Climeworks from concept to reality. Jan highlights the essential collaboration between engineering and climate science and reflects on the challenges of scaling up these technologies to meet global targets. He also emphasizes the critical role of policy support and public trust in pioneering effective climate action.