February 2022

Sounds provide important information about how well a machine is running. ETH researchers have now developed a new machine learning method that automatically detects whether a machine is "healthy" or requires maintenance.

Wanting to keep plastics in circulation is currently en vogue. According to Magdalena Klotz, however, high collection rates are of little use if recyclate only replaces virgin material to a limited extent. On the ETH Zukunftsblog, the PhD candidate from the Ecological Systems Design research group explains how the potential for environmentally beneficial plastic recycling could be improved.

Used tennis balls could protect buildings from earthquakes: This shows the experimental feasibility study by Professor Michalis Vassiliou and team, who explored the potential of reusing cement-filled tennis balls as seismic isolators. The D-BAUG researchers tested balls that were able to roll smoothly under vertical loads similar to what isolation systems might experience under one-story houses. Their new isolation method might provide an inexpensive alternative for low-income countries.

To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we take a look back at a year shaped by strong women. Although there’s still a long way to go in achieving a gender balance in research and education, ETH Zurich has no shortage of female role models.

Catherine De Wolf has been Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Circular Engineering for Architecture at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich since September 2021. In this short interview, she talks about her research and teaching and explains why building projects also play an important role in her private life.

In the second round of the Engineering Humanitarian Aid initiative, six more projects at ETH Zurich and EPFL were approved. D-BAUG succeeded with two project proposals, thus leading the Zurich chapter – the other grants go to Lausanne. The department will contribute expertise in infrastructure management and remote monitoring in conflict-affected settings.