© 2025 EPFL
The Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology has announced the appointment of professors at EPFL.
New appointments at EPFL
Dr Laurent Dufour, currently Experimental Physicist at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, as Assistant Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
As part of his CONNECT project, Laurent Dufour conducts research into unanswered questions relating to the charm quark system. His aim is to reach unambiguous conclusions about the decay of charm quarks as key indicators for physics beyond the Standard Model. Data from the recently modernised LCHb experiment is used in this research. Laurent Dufour's project has been awarded an SNSF Starting Grant, which represents a major gain for EPFL and its School of Basic Sciences. This research project will further strengthen the existing link between EPFL's Institute of Physics and CERN. It will also offer students numerous opportunities to undertake sub-projects and exploratory work.
Dr Alexandra Kushnir, currently Research and Teaching Associated at EPFL, as Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Alexandra Kushnir has been working at EPFL since 2022, when she founded the Rock Physics and Geofluids Laboratory (RPGL). Her SNSF Starting Grant "FuSE-EGS: Fracture Sealing and Reactivation in Enhanced Geothermal Systems" focuses on the evolution of permeability and strength of fractured rocks subjected to rock-fluid interactions. Through this grant, she will contribute to both research and teaching in the area of geothermal energy at EPFL.
Dr Chiara Perrina, currently Scientist and Lecturer at EPFL, as Assistant Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Chiara Perrina is an astroparticle physicist who analyses data from the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE). She also works on technological developments and Monte Carlo simulations for optimising FIT, the scintillating fibre tracker of the HERD space mission. Chiara Perrina has been awarded an SNSF Starting Grant for her current research project, SPACER. Her project enables the School to make a decisive contribution to the further development of astroparticle physics. Chiara Perrina will supervise young researchers, offer a Master's course in astroparticle physics, and support EPFL's commitment to scientific progress, industrial cooperations and social relevance.
Dr Yihui Quek, currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC) as well as Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Yihui Quek's research takes place at the intersection of several fundamental areas of quantum information science, especially the theory of quantum learning, error correction in quantum computers, the investigation of noise in quantum systems, and quantum resource theory. Through her work she provides fundamental theoretical answers to some of the critical challenges of quantum physics and quantum information science. Yihui Quek is a brilliant scientist and mentor, whose interdisciplinary expertise is an ideal match with the strategy of EPFL and the Centre for Quantum Science and Engineering.
Dr Priya Ramakrishna, currently Postdoctoral Researcher at EPFL, as Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Priya Ramakrishna's research, for which she is the recipient of an SNSF Starting Grant, focuses on understanding the cellular adaptation strategies of plants to their environment. Her interdisciplinary work combines a novel high-resolution cryo-elemental imaging approach with cell biology and functional physiological analyses. This new level of observation assists our understanding of the precise mechanisms used by plants to cope with stress. Priya Ramakrishna's findings are of interest in relation to key agricultural crops, for example. Her work is a great asset to research and teaching in the areas of environmental science and environmental engineering at EPFL.
Promotion at EPFL
Professor Dusan Licina, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Civil Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Dusan Licina is an expert in indoor air quality, specializing in pollution sources, their dynamics, and their impact on human inhalation exposure. His research focuses on developing advanced strategies for environmental control in buildings, balancing indoor air quality, occupant well-being, and energy efficiency. Combining experimental laboratory and field studies with numerical and analytical modeling, he provides innovative solutions to pressing challenges in indoor environments. Thanks to his award-winning work at international level and his visionary, independent approach to establishing his own research area, Dusan Licina is an important asset to EPFL, shaping the future of healthy and sustainable buildings.
Award of the title of "Professor" at EPFL
Dr Andreas Schüler, currently Senior Scientist at EPFL, as Adjunct Professor in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Andreas Schüler's research combines materials science with new processing and manufacturing methods. He works on nanotechnologies for converting solar energy and has built one of the world's leading laboratories for conducting cutting-edge research in this field. This has enabled him to make a direct contribution to the energy transition in Switzerland and worldwide. Andreas Schüler is also highly esteemed as a lecturer and is an asset to research and teaching at EPFL.
Dr Jan Skaloud, currently Senior Scientist at EPFL, as Adjunct Professor in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Jan Skaloud teaches and conducts research on satellite positioning, inertial navigation, sensor calibration and photogrammetry, thus addressing important challenges in the field of energy security and the environment. His research has connections with industry and Swiss institutions such as the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport. The combination of academic interactions, industrial partnerships and technology transfer makes him a great asset to EPFL.
Award of the title of "Professor of Practice" at EPFL
Peter Kummer, currently Head of Infrastructure at SBB and a member of its Board of Directors, as Professor of Practice in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering at EPFL (ENAC).
Peter Kummer brings invaluable expertise in managing rail systems in the face of climate change, tackling optimization challenges under rigorous sustainability and financial constraints. At EPFL, he will leverage his extensive knowledge of corporate management and information technology to significantly enrich the teaching in the new Master's in Urban Systems and the Master's in Civil Engineering. Moreover, this appointment further strengthens EPFL's partnership with SBB and underscores its commitment to nurturing and training the next generation of engineers and innovators.
