July 2021

Led by Professor Paolo Burlando, the EU-funded project DAFNE has developed a methodology for avoiding conflicts of use in transboundary rivers. The model-​based procedure allows for participatory planning and cooperative management of water resources. The aim is now for the DAFNE methodology to be implemented in other regions of the world.

There is a great need for action in the seismic retrofitting of existing structures in Switzerland. The new Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Seismic Evaluation and Retrofitting at D-BAUG, starting in September 2021, offers the most comprehensive continuing education and training in this field. The CAS Programme is addressed at engineers, architects, building owners and public authorities. Construction professionals from more than 20 Swiss companies will be participating.

Previous measurements have systematically underestimated the velocity of turbulent gas-liquid flows. The observed deviations may have far-reaching implications for engineering applications as well as for the understanding of coastal and riverine environments. This reports a recent D-BAUG study in the journal Nature Communications. In collaboration with international partners researchers have now developed a correction scheme for such measurements.

Every year, outstanding doctoral theses are recognized with the ETH Medal. In 2021, six young D-BAUG researchers were honored with this award. The medals were awarded during the Doctoral Awards Ceremony by Rector Sarah Springmann. Congratulations!

At the end of June, another fleet of miniature satellites traveled into space with a positioning module developed by Professor Markus Rothacher. The speciality of the technology is that it weighs only 100 grams and consumes one-twentieth of the power of a conventional positioning module. The ultimate aim is to enable a more precise monitoring of the Earth system – from a distance of around 500-600 kilometers. In an interview, Professor Rothacher offers insights into his team's latest space mission.

The TV science show Nano visited the construction hall and interviewed Professor Andrea Frangi about "Project Pi" - one of the world's higest timber buildings whose construction is due to start in Zug in 2022. A fascinating report about sustainable and climate-friendly building and much more!

For more than 150 years, ETH engineers have been shaping modern bridge design in Switzerland as well as abroad. Explora spoke with D-BAUG experts Walter Kaufmann and Eleni Chatzi about the development of the discipline. Learn more about the history of bridge design and how it has been shaped by technology, engineering, innovation and aesthetics. Professor Kaufmann and Professor Chazi also adress the question of bridge maintenance and monitoring for which they use modern methods.

How is artificial intelligence changing industry and production? Today and in the future? These are the questions addressed in the current edition of the AI+X event series, organized by the ETH AI Center and the Strategic Foresight Hub in the Office of the President. To kick off the three-part series, the Spotlight video featuring AI expert Olga Fink has now been released. The Professor of Intelligent Maintenance Systems uses Deep Learning and algorithms for the improvement of industrial assets.