“Education strengthens democracy”
Approximately 600 guests celebrated ETH Zurich's 170th anniversary on Saturday. Federal Councillor Beat Jans, Rector Günther Dissertori and ETH President Jo?l Mesot emphasised the importance for academia of an open Switzerland, informed individuals and the courage to embrace uncertainty.?
Many guests turned out to celebrate ETH Zurich’s 170th anniversary, with approximately 600 individuals from the worlds of academia, business and politics gathering in the Main Building on Saturday, 22 November.
The keynote speaker was Beat Jans, Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police. He recalled that since its foundation in 1855, ETH Zurich has had a mandate to train skilled professionals and has always been characterised by values such as freedom, the common good, diversity and scientific rigour. Although these values are under pressure today, international cooperation, mobility and dialogue remain of crucial importance.
“We must now focus on what makes us strong,” said Jans, emphasising the critical role played by an open and connected Switzerland in the success of ETH Zurich, adding that there is a need for an ETH that works on the basis of facts and firmly counters disinformation. Research into climate, artificial intelligence, cyber security and social risks strengthens the country’s sovereignty. Universities are the source of the raw materials that Switzerland really needs, driven by curiosity, cooperation and openness.
Education as a compass in uncertain times
In his speech, Günther Dissertori, Rector of ETH Zurich, emphasised the importance of teaching students to deal with uncertainty. He stated that uncertainty was just as essential to learning as it was to major discoveries. Dissertori illustrated this statement by referencing the birth of quantum mechanics 100 years ago, which shook the scientific world. “It was a departure in thinking that opened the door to rapid technological development.” Uncertainty always presents an opportunity for major insights. Research and education require an open society that allows for the necessary freedom, however, noted Dissertori.
In his address, ETH President Jo?l Mesot stressed the need for guidance in navigating a complex, rapidly changing world, especially as internationally recognised rules and values are diminishing in significance. Educational institutions such as ETH Zurich reinforce not only prosperity, said Mesot, but also democracy, because they promote enlightened citizens.
“Science does not have a monopoly on the truth, nor does it have answers to all the questions. But the answers it does provide are based on facts and are the result of a transparent thought process,” explained the ETH President. However, for science to have an impact on society, it must also engage in dialogue with society. Mesot also referred to the recently established Einstein School for Public Policy, through which ETH Zurich aims to enhance the connection between science, technology and politics.
Impressions from ETH Day 2025
Four honorary doctorates awarded
ETH Zurich awards individuals honorary doctorates in recognition of their outstanding scientific work and to honour their significant achievements in science, teaching and practice. This year, four honorary doctorates were awarded:
Mercouri Kanatzidis is a professor of chemistry and received an honorary doctorate for his ground-breaking advances in solid-state chemistry and for the development of new, innovative materials and their effective application in practice.
Alexandra Navrotsky was also awarded an honorary doctorate for her outstanding contributions to solid-state chemistry, mineralogy and materials science. The professor is a world-leading authority in the field of thermodynamics of complex materials and is one of the most innovative and influential researchers at the intersection of geophysics and materials science.
The work of George Sterman, a professor of physics, lay crucial foundations for the application of quantum field theory to high-energy physics experiments. He was awarded an honorary doctorate for his pioneering theoretical research in particle physics.
Conceptual artist Mierle Laderman Ukeles broke down the boundaries between art and labour way back in 1969 with her Manifesto for Maintenance Art. She was awarded an honorary doctorate for her pioneering work and internationally recognised contributions to care, maintenance, feminism and sustainability in art, architecture and urban planning.
Two honorary councillors appointed for their dedication
In 2025, ETH Zurich once again honoured two individuals who promote key areas of scientific work at ETH Zurich or support the university as a whole:
Heinz M. Buhofer received the honorary council title for his extraordinary commitment to research, innovation and young entrepreneurship.
Hanspeter F?ssler received the honour in particular for his commitment to promoting dialogue with industry and as a supporter and mentor of numerous ETH spin-offs. He studied mechanical engineering at ETH Zurich and laid important foundations for the robotics research at ETH that is now successful worldwide.
No university without its students
In his address, Clemens Walter, President of VSETH, pointed out that doubling tuition fees would make it more difficult for young people from low-income households to attend ETH Zurich. Walter emphasised that if ETH were no longer accessible to all talented students, it would have a long-term impact on the university's quality.
He went on to highlight the importance of dedicated teachers. On behalf of students, he honoured teachers who go the extra mile to ensure excellence in teaching. Taras Gerya from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences received the Alumni Award for Best Teaching, donated for the first time in 2025 by the ETH Alumni Association.
This year, VSETH once again honoured one exceptionally committed teacher in each department with the Golden Owl for their excellent teaching. For the first time, a Green Owl was awarded for outstanding efforts by a lecturer who adopted a special approach to promoting sustainable thinking in their teaching at ETH. In 2025, this prize was awarded to Athina Anastasaki, a professor in the Department of Materials Science.
Two students from the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences provided insights into their doctoral theses this year. Their work is focused on the perception of artificial intelligence (AI) in society, including questions such as how AI-generated works of art are evaluated and how social robots are accepted by teachers and students.