A privilege to support students

What were your most exciting projects at ETH Zurich?

This is not an easy question, because, of course, a lot has happened during that time. In the area of basic research, the world's first demonstration of Direct Numerical Simulation for turbulent engine flows was a very special moment. In this way we obtained a complete picture of the underlying complex physics, and based thereupon, we can now develop improved simulation models for industrial products. With regard to the application of our research, I would single out the plant we developed for decentralized power/heat generation in the 200 KWel class. With this, we produced electricity and heat with "zero" pollutant emissions for the first time.

And then, there were outstanding interdisciplinary projects. For example, I had a chance to establish the Energy Science Center at ETH Zurich with other colleagues and to head the Swiss Competence Center of Energy Research (SCCER) Mobility, in which 200 researchers at universities and universities of applied sciences collaborated and which encompasses the MAS/CAS "Mobility of the Future".

Which moment from your working life will you always remember?

More than 20 years ago, we had a conference in Toulouse and a group of us went to play billiards in the evening. There I met a colleague for the first time, whom I had known so far only from his publications. During the game, we immersed ourselves in a stimulating conversation and discussed questions about transient heat transfer in boundary layers under temporal pressure gradients and with reaction-induced heat sources. It was the beginning of a productive and exciting friendship.

What will you miss most after your retirement?

The fascinating exchange with highly motivated undergraduate and doctoral students. It was and is a privilege for me to be able to accompany and support them on their way.

What should young scientists definitely do?

If you want to work in science, you should be fascinated by your research and be determined to persevere. After all, research means being prepared to accept setbacks time and again, to learn from this experience and to carry on accordingly. It's also important to pause and take time to reflect and ask yourself how your research contributes to the ”greater good”.

What are your upcoming plans?

First of all, I will take time to clear my head. Then I'll decide what I want to do with my ideas in the future.

What should not be missing from your desk in the future?

A picture of a Cycladic rock under the Aegean light.