Welcome, Professor Eva Heinen
Eva Heinen has been Professor of Transportation and Mobility Planning in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich since July 2024. Her interdisciplinary research looks at mobility and transportation at the intersection of sustainable development, spatial planning and health. We asked her what currently drives her in research and teaching.
Professor Heinen, welcome to ETH Zurich! What are your current research interests?
In general, I am interested in how the built and social environment impact or travel behaviour (if we travel, how we travel, when we travel), and how transport impacts our environment, including the social and built environment. I put a lot emphasis on the research design, and strongly feel that we need more longitudinal and experimental research in this area to improve our understanding and ultimately make decisions based on evidence. Recently, I have been working on topics related to micromobility, car dependency, shopping behaviour, and trade-offs in residential choice.
What can you tell us about the impact of your research on society?
Where to start? I think the field of transport and mobility, especially my focus on individuals and planning has so many links to society. Almost everyone will have an opinion about investments in public transport, expanding the highway system, or giving more priority to cycling in cities.
Where were you working before you came to ETH?
I worked at the TU Dortmund just before I came to the ETH. Prior to that I worked in the UK for almost 10 years. First at the University of Cambridge, Medical Research Council - Epidemiology, and then eight years at the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds.
Which courses will you be teaching at ETH?
I will be teaching in the MSC REIS, and the courses will focus on transport and mobility planning, such as the course "Transport Planning Methods". I will also be active in the Bachelor’s programme, with my main course being "Verkehr 1".
What are your impressions of Switzerland and ETH Zurich after three months?
I am generally impressed by how well organised things are. Things work how they should and it is so easy to get around – I love it! I have started at ETH in the summer, so most of my experience has been the out-of-term time. I am looking forward to the great collaborations that are possible, and the many interesting events and colloquia that ETH has to offer.
What do you do when you have a few minutes to spare?
I am not sure if I am allowed to say this, but I actually enjoy doing nothing. We are always busy, and we often forget to take rest or take it easy. These moments, whether it is at home, outside in nature, or in the city are the most pleasant. Especially in cities, I enjoy just observing people how they going about their lives and notice how similar and different we all are at the same time.
Do you have a general philosophy or motto that you try to live by?
I think I have two perhaps contradictory mottos. On the one hand, I think it is important to set goals and be very persistent in achieving them. However, I also strongly believe that we should not forget to enjoy life. Maybe work hard and play hard captures it well.
What advice would you give to students who are just starting out in (civil) engineering?
I would encourage students to be open and challenge ideas and habits by stepping out of their comfort zone. I think it is the right time to try things that might not be so appealing at first glance in order to fully explore their skills and preferences.
Eva Heinen (*1981) is Full Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. She is also Deputy Head of the Institute for Transport Planning and Systems. She joined ETH Zurich in the summer of 2024 following previous professorial, research and teaching appointments at TU Dortmund, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and University of Leeds, among others. Eva Heinen’s interdisciplinary research looks at mobility and transportation at the intersection of sustainable development, transport planning, spatial planning, and health. Her research on non-motorised traffic led to the establishment of an interest group at the World Conference on Transport Research Society (WCTRS).