Funding talent for science, industry and society
Günther Dissertori
Rector
Vanessa Wood
Vice President for Knowledge Transfer and Corporate Relations
Many thanks!
A scholarship is an act of trust. It shows that an institution believes in a young person and their potential. A committee – be it a commission or a panel of expert – has taken the time to review a candidate’s talent and projects and concluded that they stand out and are worthy of support. We’ve heard on many occasions that a scholarship or a Pioneer Fellowship is a true confidence booster. This alone adds to its value.
But for our students to receive the support they need to excel, we need people beyond the university to believe in them too. That’s why we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our generous donors. You play a vital role at key moments in a talented young person’s journey – whether through your contributions to our Excellence or needs-based scholarship programmes, or through your support of young entrepreneurship.
In the following stories, you’ll see just how far your impact reaches: from personalised cancer treatments for children to more sustainable agriculture and first-class young researchers in quantum science. As a donor, one of the most rewarding aspects of championing young talent at ETH is not only reading about them but engaging with them in person too. Join us at our “Meet the Talent” event where donors and recipients can celebrate what they have achieved together and plan their next groundbreaking endeavours.
The right mix
Former Excellence Scholar Arianna Arpagaus is developing personalised therapies for children with leukaemia at the research centre of the University Children’s Hospital Zurich – patient-focused, precise and driven by dedication. read more
Combatting weeds with high-tech
Robotics is the solution to some of agriculture’s biggest challenges: such is the conviction of Aurel Neff, co-founder of ETH spin-off Caterra. We spoke to the entrepreneur, whose aim for 2026 is to lease out a total of forty robots. read more
Current Pioneer Fellows
Between building site and campus
For Samuel Arm, working on construction sites was not enough. He wanted to help shape them too – hence his decision to study architecture. An ETH scholarship cleared some, though not all, of the obstacles from his path. read more
The engineer reawakens
As a donor to the ETH Foundation and advisor to ETH spin-offs, Victor Bassili follows the latest technological developments with avid interest. Supporting the next generation of researchers brings his own eight years at the university full circle. read more
Many thanks!
Supporting talented students with Excellence Scholarships, ETH Scholarships and Pioneer Fellowships is only possible thanks to the commitment of private individuals and partners. To all of you we extend our sincerest thanks. Together, you are giving brilliant minds with bold ideas the wings to fly.
“Cryptography is my passion. I want to use my expertise to develop new cybersecurity solutions and am deeply grateful to the donors who have supported me along this journey with a scholarship.”
Georgette Weingärtner, Excellence Scholar in Computer Science
Subscribe to the impact report?
We will be happy to send you the reports on talents at ETH Zurich by e-mail.