Funding talent for science, industry and society
Günther Dissertori
Rector,
ETH President from January 2027
Effy Vayena
Vice President for Knowledge Transfer and Corporate Relations
Many thanks!
Your valuable support enables talented individuals to realise their potential – regardless of background or financial means and based solely on merit. For this, we extend our sincere thanks.
The following stories illustrate the impact your funding makes. It tells the story of a former Excellence Scholar now working on postquantum cryptography at Migros, contributing to the security of digital infrastructures that affect us all. It highlights an ETH scholarship holder studying for a Master’s in molecular mechanisms of disease, advancing his understanding of disease processes with the freedom to focus fully on his studies. It introduces a young entrepreneur who is developing ways to recover rare earth elements from electronic waste, combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility and geopolitical vision. And we meet a couple whose philanthropic commitment seeks to strengthen education at ETH and open up opportunities for future generations. Each of these stories exemplifies the transformative power of private philanthropy at ETH Zurich – bringing to life what would not otherwise exist. They show how trust translates into tangible results: in science, industry and society – and in individual lives.
Thank you for helping to enable excellence, foster entrepreneurial spirit and break down social barriers. Your contribution is well invested – in people, ideas and solutions that will shape our shared future.
On guard where Switzerland shops
From ETH to Migros: discover the scenarios that Marc Himmelberger, a former Excellence Scholar in computer science, is anticipating at Switzerland’s largest employer. read more
Bridging biology, data and society
From rural Brazil to ETH Zurich: supported by a need-based Scholarship, Gianluca Ikeda Ferretti is conducting research on how evolution and genes shape our health. His aim is to build bridges between science and society. read more
Making education a foundation for the future
Irène and Gerd Burla look back on a rich and varied life, one that has also been marked by a personal loss. They support ETH because of the pivotal role the university played in the lives of both Gerd Burla and their daughter. read more
Current Pioneer Fellows
Recycling rare resources
Found in smartphones and electric vehicles, rare earth elements are essential when it comes to both digitalisation and the energy transition. Yet their extraction is geopolitically sensitive and environmentally costly. At ETH Zurich, chemists Marie Perrin and Victor Mougel have developed an efficient process to extract these metals from electronic waste. read more
Ten years of exciting ideas and bold projects
What began in 2016 with just two student projects has grown into a flagship initiative for project-based learning – one that now reaches far beyond ETH Zurich. The many success stories linked to the Student Project House owe a great deal to the generosity of its donors. read more
Many thanks!
Supporting talented students with Excellence Scholarships, ETH need-based Scholarships and Pioneer Fellowships is only possible thanks to the commitment of private individuals and partners.
To all of you – more than 9,000 donors – we extend our sincerest thanks. Together, you are giving brilliant minds with bold ideas the wings to fly.
An overview of our donors and partners
“The challenges of our time – from the energy transition to mobility – call for people who combine technical expertise with economic vision. That’s exactly what my studies at ETH gave me. I haven’t forgotten that it was a scholarship that enabled me to take this path – which is why I now support the programme myself.”
Hannah Knüsel-Cassard
Team Lead Traction Power Technical Development SBB, former Excellence Scholar
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