ETH Zurich Rector Günther Dissertoric eremoniously opened this year’s ETH Day.On the 168th anniversary of ETH Zurich, Rector Günther Dissertori set out his vision for further improvements in teaching. ETH President Joël Mesot and SNB Chair Thomas Jordan spoke about how ETH contributes to a strong Switzerland and what it needs to continue its mission in the future.
Engaged students
Of course, the students also had a chance to express themselves on ETH Day. Young researchers from the Department of Biology provided insights into selected projects, and Julia Bogdan, President of the student association VSETH, praised the unique networks that students can establish at ETH. However, she also commented on the high degree of performance pressure at the university, which can have a negative impact on students’ mental health.
As every year, the ETH Day opened with the traditional entrance of the Rectors. Bogdan finished her speech by awarding the Golden Owl to particularly dedicated lecturers on behalf of the students. Nicola Zamboni from the Department of Biology was also honoured with the Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching. This is the highest award for teaching at ETH.
In his opening speech on ETH Day, Rector Günther Dissertori looked back on three highlights of 2023: the development of the Student Project House, the International Chemistry Olympiad and the exchange with society in general - for example through the ’Open Your Eyes’ festival.In his speech, ETH President Joël Mesot talked about how universities are helping our societies become more resilient in a world of polycrises.One of the highlights of the ETH Day was the musical performance by the Zurich Academic Orchestra under the direction of Lukas Meister and with alphorn soloist Arkady Shilkloper.At the ETH Day, y
Two honorary councillors appointed
On ETH Day, ETH Zurich also traditionally awards the title of honorary councillor to individuals who either promote key scientific activities and fields of work at ETH Zurich, or support the university as a whole. This year Wera Hotz Kowner, the first woman to complete a degree in electrical engineering at ETH Zurich, was named an honorary councillor in recognition of her outstanding services in the promotion of young talent. Franz von Meyenburg received the honour for his visionary promotion of Zurich as a centre of academia and medicine, and for strengthening the interplay between medicine and technology in the service of society.
