The Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology have announced the appointment of several new professors at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) as of March 7, 2026. These appointments reflect a commitment to advancing research and education in critical scientific fields, from physics to life sciences.
New Appointments at EPFL
Dr. Tomas Aidukas has been appointed as Assistant Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences. Previously a postdoctoral researcher at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), his expertise lies in computational imaging, focusing on ptychographic techniques. Aidukas aims to enhance the physical and computational limits of microscopy, contributing to high-resolution optical and X-ray imaging. He joins EPFL with a highly competitive Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Starting Grant for his project, NEXUS-3D, which will explore advanced X-ray microscopy methods in collaboration with PSI.
In the realm of computer science, Kenneth Holstein has been appointed as Tenure Track Assistant Professor within the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. Currently an Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University in the USA, Holstein’s research focuses on the complementarity between human intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI). His work addresses societal and economic challenges, aiming to bridge gaps between human and AI capabilities.
Promotions Recognizing Excellence
EPFL also recognized the contributions of existing faculty members through several promotions. Volkan Cevher, previously an Associate Professor, is now a Full Professor of Electrical Engineering. His research has significantly advanced the mathematical foundations of machine learning and AI, particularly in optimization processes. Cevher has established an internationally recognized research program and has received multiple prestigious awards, including both an ERC Starting Grant and an ERC Consolidator Grant.
Another notable promotion is that of Bruno Correia, who has been elevated to Full Professor of Bioengineering. His work blends structural biology with AI, leading to innovations in molecular interactions and functional proteins. Correia’s research has not only resulted in patents but has also fostered significant industrial collaborations.
Moreover, Jacques Fellay and Elisa Oricchio have both been promoted to Full Professors of Life Sciences. Fellay’s research spans genomics and infectious diseases, utilizing a genome-to-genome approach to analyze genetic variations among hosts and pathogens. His bioinformatics tools have enhanced the research capabilities of the scientific community. Oricchio focuses on cancer epigenetics, working to connect genomic organization with cancer treatment, and leads the TumorShare initiative to assist in clinical decision-making.
Lastly, Mathias Payer has been appointed as Full Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems. Recognized as a leading researcher in information systems security, his work addresses large-scale software vulnerabilities and contributes to the development of new methodological standards in cybersecurity.
These appointments and promotions not only enhance EPFL’s academic stature but also signify the institution’s strategic focus on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. As these professors begin their new roles, they are expected to drive significant advancements in their respective fields, benefitting both the academic community and society at large.
