Community Portraits

Since 2014, the MaP Award – a distinctive puzzle ball crafted from twelve different materials – has recognised the best doctoral thesis of the previous year in Materials and Processes at ETH Zurich. In a new series, we highlight past winners and their paths beyond the award.

Dr. Rafael Libanori, MaP Award Winner 2014

Dr. Rafael Libanori earned his doctorate in the Complex Materials Group at the Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, under the supervision of Prof. André Studart. His thesis, Bioinspired Composites with Controlled Alignment and Distribution of Anisotropic Reinforcing Particles, focused on the directed assembly of platelet-reinforced composites. By drawing inspiration from natural materials, he developed methods to achieve precise microstructural control in synthetic systems.

What’s your current role?

I'm a senior researcher in the Complex Materials Group. Honestly, it's my dream position because I get to do a bit of everything: teaching, research, and management. Most importantly, I can still be in the lab doing experiments myself. Recently, I've started building my own research team. We are designing material systems that can harness energy from out-of-equilibrium chemical reactions to implement life-like functions in synthetic materials. So essentially, we're trying to make synthetic materials that can behave a bit like living things, such as adapting and interacting with their environment.

Did winning the MaP Award influence your career trajectory?

Absolutely, yes. I think awards really do open doors for the next steps of our careers. I always knew I wanted to stay in academia, but I'm sure the MaP Award helped me stand out when I was applying for postdoc positions. And those postdoc experiences were essential as they made me more competitive when I applied for my current role as a senior researcher. Beyond the practical benefits, I think the award gave me a significant boost of confidence at an early stage in my career. It was an important recognition that what I was doing mattered.

What advice do you have for current doctoral students?

I would say, take ownership of your project from day one. You are the one driving your research forward. Your supervisor guides you, but it's your project. I wish I had understood this earlier, as it would have saved me some time and probably some frustration, too. The other thing I'd emphasize is cultivating the ability to see challenging situations as opportunities for growth. Research is full of obstacles and things that don't work the way you expect, but that's where the real learning process happens. How you respond to those setbacks shapes you as a scientist. And finally, stay curious and enthusiastic about your work. That is what's going to carry you through the challenging moments. It's like fuel! You need it to keep going when things get difficult.

This content was first published on LinkedIn on 24 November 2025.

“From structures to materials, I aim to bridge experiments and computation."

Arefeh Abbasi has been working as a postdoc in Prof. Laura De Lorenzis’s Computational Mechanics Group at D-MAVT since February 2024. Before, she completed her doctorate at EPFL in Prof. Pedro Reis’s Flexible Structures Laboratory.

My research

My work lies at the intersection of experimental mechanics and computational modelling. I use advanced imaging techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) to study material behaviour. In practice, this means that we subject a specimen to mechanical loading, record images during deformation, and then translate these measurements into equations that can predict material response. This inverse-design approach allows us to work backwards from experimental observations to discover the material parameters and constitutive models that best describe the material behaviour.

While my doctoral research focused on structural instabilities in elastic and magneto-elastic slender structures, my current work primarily deals with materials. I enjoy this transition from structures to materials as it builds on and complements my previous experience. Another aspect that I value in my postdoc is the opportunity to supervise and mentor students. We host several students each semester, and I greatly value mentoring them.

My MaP moment

My first contact with MaP was through the Material Strength & Durability Symposium. Later, I participated in the workshop “How to start your own lab” workshop, which was led by Prof. Max von Delius from Ulm University. It offered valuable insights into the faculty application process and helped me reflect on whether an academic career could be the right path for me. More recently, I joined the organising committee of the new MaP Soft Talks series. With my background in soft materials, this is a great opportunity to contribute to shaping discussions and connecting researchers in this field.

My future

I remain open to both academia and industry. Right now, I’m expanding my research portfolio and enjoying the academic environment. What I like about academia is the opportunity for depth, creativity, and long-term impact. Industry, on the other hand, offers a fast-paced setting where ideas can be rapidly translated into tangible technologies. I could also imagine spending time in industry before returning to academia.

This content was first published on LinkedIn on 10 November 2025.

“In theory, the robot could walk right off the print bed.”

Thomas Buchner completed his doctorate in April 2025 in the Soft Robotics Lab led by Professor Robert Katzschmann at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich. He now works as a postdoc in the same group.

My research

During my doctoral studies, I worked on making robots more versatile, functional and safe by incorporating soft materials into their design. Traditional robots are often rigid and unforgiving, but soft robots open new possibilities. By using compliant actuators and elements, these robots canmove more naturally and interact safely with their environment.

A central focus of my work was multi-material 3D printing. I developed methods to fabricate robotic structures that combine rigid and soft materials in a single printing process. This increases precision, reduces assembly effort and enables direct integration of sensors and functional elements. One example was a robotic hand with rigid bones and soft joint capsules. The hand also included pressure sensors to detect whether it had grasped an object.

My goal was to manufacture systems so complete that they functioned immediately after printing. As I often joked, in theory, the robot could walk right off the print bed.

Later in my research, I explored soft actuation systems, particularly HASEL actuators with colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany. These Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing Electrostatic actuators are composed of insulating polymer layers with oil between them. Applying an electrostatic charge causes them to contract. They offer a lightweight, responsive and energy-efficient alternative to conventional motors.

My MaP moment

I arrived in Zurich in the summer of 2020 during the pandemic. My employment contract was handed to me outside the LEE building, and most campus facilities were closed. As the first doctoral student in the group, I had few initial connections. That changed with the MaP Doctoral School. At the Big Bang launch event, I met other researchers. I later joined a storytelling workshop and most recently co-organised the MaP Distinguished Lecture Series, where we hosted talks on emerging topics in robotics. These experiences gave me both valuable opportunities and a strong sense of community.

My future

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a doctoral student. It offered the freedom to explore ideas, experiment with new approaches and build systems from the ground up. Going to work never felt like an obligation but rather a privilege. Currently, I work as a postdoctoral researcher in the same group. Whether I continue in academia, found a start-up or enter industry, I look forward to working with motivated people to develop meaningful technologies.

"Doing academic research is a great privilege"

Dr. Alessandra Lingua is a postdoc in Prof. David Kammer's Computational Mechanics of Building Materials group at D-BAUG.

My research

My research focuses on architected materials, whose mechanical properties derive primarily from the structure rather than the constituent material. Specifically, I am investigating how the topology influences the fracture behaviour of regular and irregular lattices. While most researchers in my group use numerical simulations, my approach is mainly experimental. I manufacture specimens with stereolithography, a widespread 3D-printing technique compatible with 2D and 3D lattices. I then characterise their mechanical behaviour under loading using image-based approaches. One challenge I tackle is aligning experimental data with numerical models developed by co-workers and collaborators involved in the project.

Although primarily fundamental, my research has many potential applications. They range from building insulation, energy/sound absorption, and structural protection for lightweight, high-performance components in fields such as aerospace and biomedical.

My MaP Moment

In June 2023, two days after joining ETH Zurich, I attended the MaP Strength & Durability Symposium. With about 70 attendees and four guest speakers, it was an ideal introduction to ETH's collaborative environment. I was impressed with how easy it was to connect with people across departments and even with the guest professors. The symposium fostered fruitful collaborations between our research group and professors from other institutions. In 2024, I also served on the poster jury at the MaP Graduate Symposium, where I explored diverse topics that broadened my perspective. MaP's role in fostering connections and interdisciplinary thinking is invaluable.

My Future

After completing my MSc in Aerospace Engineering in Turin, Italy, and Stuttgart, Germany, where I worked on my Master's Thesis, I started a Ph.D. in Canada, in collaboration with Safran.

At Polytechnique Montréal, I deepened my interest in composite and advanced materials for harsh environments and familiarised myself with different additive manufacturing technologies. Having the possibility to explore open questions, thinking creatively of innovative solutions, and enabling discoveries through trial and error — all while pursuing topics I am passionate about — has always felt like a privilege to me.

Looking ahead, I am open to both academic and industry roles, particularly in areas addressing sustainability challenges within aerospace. I believe it's an exciting time to be in research, and I look forward to applying my know-how wherever my path may lead.

(This portrait first appeared on LinkedIn on 6 January 2025)

“As an early-career researcher, it’s important to keep up the momentum”

Dr. Cameron Forbrigger is a postdoc in Prof. Simone Schuerle’s Medical Microsystems group at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), ETH Zürich.

My research

I work at the intersection of robotics and medicine. Our group develops microscale medical agents that can be injected for diagnosis or therapy. For example, we use bacteria that respond to magnetic fields to penetrate tumours. By generating precise magnetic fields, we control these bacteria from outside the body, making them spin and enter target tissues. We can activate the bacteria precisely where needed, triggering immune responses or delivering drugs. I focus on generating the magnetic field and studying how to activate the bacteria more efficiently. We are in the technique development stages, but we are already testing in small animals. There is still much work ahead, but the potential applications extend beyond cancer treatment. I am thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking research.

My MaP moment

I’ve been reading emails from the Competence Center for Materials and Processes (MaP) for a while, but the events never matched my schedule. In April, I finally attended my first MaP event, "Postdoc Perspectives and Picnic". It focused on mastering the faculty interview. The session provided excellent advice, and it was valuable to hear young professors share their experiences. For a future event, I’d be interested in lab management, budgeting, consumables/equipment, and conflict management. If you’re a postdoc in one of the MaP groups, I highly recommend their events!

My future

I joined Prof. Schürle's lab in March 2023. It’s been a fantastic experience working with her multidisciplinary team. ETH Zurich is an outstanding place for research. I feel so fortunate to collaborate closely on exciting projects with chemists and biologists. My role involves developing magnetic sensing and actuation systems, leveraging my expertise from my PhD at the University of Toronto under Prof. Eric Diller. Postdoc life has been a challenging learning curve, requiring me to take on more managerial responsibilities and mentorship. I’ve gained so many great skills here that have prepared me well for the next stage of my career. As an early-career researcher, it’s important to keep up the momentum. I’m currently applying for tenure-track academic positions in Canada, where I’m from.

(This article first appeared on LinkedIn on 22 August 2024.)

“I am constantly learning about new topics, and this fuels new ideas.”

Dr. Céline Labouesse is a senior researcher in Prof. Mark Tibbitt’s Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich. She initiated the Mechanobiology Seminar Series. Read about her research, her ties to ETH Zurich Competence Center for Materials and Processes (MaP), and her plans.

My research

I specialise in creating 3D scaffolds for cell culture using hydrogels. Hydrogels are polymer materials that can retain a lot of water. By growing human cells in these scaffolds, I aim to replicate tissue architecture. We use various types of polymers and experiment with different microscopic and macroscopic hydrogel properties, such as porosity, stiffness, and viscoelasticity. Typically, an experiment lasts for two to three weeks. That’s how long it takes for the cells to fully grow into the hydrogel scaffolds. Our ultimate goal is to model both healthy and diseased tissue, with a focus on skin. We plan to use these models to test how drugs affect skin cells in 3D, which is relevant for example for wound healing and skin cancer.

My MaP moment

As the organiser of the Mechanobiology Seminar Series, I find it challenging to convince students to present their research. However, the attendees always find the seminars informative and valuable. Besides learning about the latest developments in the field, they meet like-minded colleagues and learn about their expertise at these seminars. This ideally leads to new collaborations.

I would recommend organising a seminar to anyone interested in meeting new people and keeping ahead on a topic. It is rewarding and not as much work as it may seem. The MaP Executive Office assisted with booking a space, providing refreshments, and promoting the seminars. Reach out to them!

My future

I enjoy the work environment in my current group. I am lucky to work with very creative and dedicated colleagues. The enthusiasm of students for research is also contagious. The research in the group lies at the intersection of many fields, from bioengineering to materials science. This means I am constantly learning about new topics, and this fuels new ideas. For all these reasons, I hope to stay at ETH. It is a great place to do research.

(This article first appeared on LinkedIn on 5 December 2023)

Dr. Ezgi Bülbül is a Development Engineer at Mettler Toledo.

Key Stages of My Career Path

After gaining my BSc degree in Chemical Engineering in Turkey, I worked for a year as a development engineer in industry. Eager to gain international experience, I pursued an MSc in Materials Science in Germany, engaging in various research projects while earning money as a working student. My passion for research led me to ETH Zurich, where I completed my doctorate with Prof. Heuberger and Prof. Nic Spencer at ETH Zurich and at Empa St. Gallen in late 2020. Shortly after, I joined Mettler Toledo Process Analytics Division as a Process Engineer, combining my engineering background with applied research in industry. After 1.5 years, I was promoted to Development Engineer.

What I Do as a Development Engineer

My role involves developing new biosensors, conducting prestudy projects, addressing quality challenges, and finding new applications for analytical measurement technologies across industries. I work in a team of seven, mostly men, where I am the only non-Swiss team member. Fortunately, my German language skills have proven invaluable. My job is a balance between office and lab work, closely resembling my doctoral experience in terms of research and technical problem-solving.

How My Doctorate Added Value

Initially, I was keen on an academic career, but as I worked on plasma coatings for possible applications in biomaterials, I realised I was more motivated by practical applications. Thus, I focused on industry roles, where ETH Zurich’s reputation added credibility to my qualifications. My doctorate equipped me with critical skills: tackling complex problems, working independently under pressure, and setting high-quality standards. These skills are particularly useful when engaging with customers to test prototypes and understand their business needs.

Advice for Doctoral Students Considering a Career in Consulting

• Learn the local language: If you are a non-EU/EFTA citizen considering an industry transition, learning German can open doors.
• Embrace failure: Initially, failure discouraged me, but I learned to see it as a stepping stone to growth.
• Maintain work-life balance: Engaging in sports helped me stay focused and motivated.
• Network actively: Attend career events and build connections—you never know when they might help.
• Stay flexible: Industry requires adaptability. Priorities shift, and being open to change is key.
• Be open to learning: Seek knowledge across disciplines, learn from mistakes, and accept constructive criticism.

(This content first appeared on LinkedIn on 15 April 2025.)

Dr. Yingchao Meng is an Automation Chemist at Chemspeed. 

Key Stages of My Career Path

I began with a Master’s in Nuclear Science and Technology at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Then, I moved to Zurich to pursue a doctorate in the Microfluidics Group led by Professor Andrew deMello at ETH Zurich’s Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, later continuing in the same group as a postdoc.

Recognizing the challenges of securing academic positions and the limitations of research fundings, I decided to transition into industry. I started applying for jobs in January 2024, which was particularly challenging due to work permit requirements and my lack of industrial experience. However, Chemspeed recognized the value of my unique skill set, leading to my current role as an Automation Chemist.

What I Do as Automation Chemist

My work involves commissioning and testing automated systems, ranging from simple liquid/powder dosing platforms to fully autonomous reaction screening systems. I also execute a variety of workflows and chemical tests on our automated workstations for feasibility studies and present our innovative workflow solutions to customers during demos and tests. Additionally, my role includes installing automated laboratory solutions at customer sites, providing user training, and offering customer support for troubleshooting. Our customers range from universities and research institutes to global chemical and pharmaceutical corporations. My position requires regular communication with a diverse range of people.

How My Doctorate Added Value

My doctorate equipped me with strong problem-solving skills, hands-on experience in automation, and expertise in hardware and software integration—all essential for my current role as an Automation Chemist. My lab experience in designing automated microfluidic/lab-on-a-chip systems also gave me a deep understanding of automation, workflow optimization, robotics, and precision engineering. Additionally, working in an international research group enhanced my collaboration and communication skills, while ETH Zurich’s reputation provided valuable professional connections and exposure to cutting-edge technology.

Advice for Doctoral Students Considering Industry

Many doctoral candidates aspire to academic careers, such as a professorship, when they begin their doctorate. However, it is essential to stay open to opportunities in industry. In hindsight, I wish I had pursued internships and learned German during my studies, as proficiency in the local language significantly broadens job prospects.

(This content was first published on LinkedIn on 20 March 2025.)

Dr. Ella Dehghani is a Strategy and Business Development Advisor and advocate for women’s health.

Key Stages of My Career Path

I completed my doctorate at ETH Zurich’s Department of Materials under Prof. Nicholas Spencer, where I worked across multiple scientific disciplines and published ten papers. Faced with the decision between lab work and business, I chose business.

I started in life sciences consulting at Ernst & Young (EY), where I worked alongside seven other female PhDs—an empowering start. My career then took me from medical device consulting in the US to launching a practice in Japan. I later moved into strategic roles at Roche, GSK, and Veeva. After years of high-intensity projects, I’ve shifted focus to strategy, startup mentorship, and healthcare advocacy, particularly supporting female-led ventures.

What I Do as a Strategy and Business Development Advisor

Currently, I advise early-stage startups across Switzerland, the UK, and Ireland, helping with business analysis, product strategy, and fundraising. I also work on bridging the gap between science and business to ensure breakthrough innovations make it to market efficiently. In parallel, I collaborate with organisations like the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) to drive discussions on regulatory gaps and gender inclusion in healthcare.

How My Doctorate Added Value

Earning a doctorate builds more than technical expertise—it develops resilience, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex topics clearly. My supervisor once told me, “If you can’t explain your research to your grandmother, you don’t understand it well enough.” That advice has been invaluable in consulting, where translating complex science into practical business strategies is essential.

Advice for Doctoral Students Considering a Career in Consulting

Be open to stepping outside your comfort zone. Business problems are often more structured than research problems—there’s usually precedent and available data. The challenge is applying an analytical mindset to new contexts. Consulting forces you to develop new skills quickly. The learning curve is steep but worthwhile. And remember—it’s easier to teach a scientist business than to teach a businessperson science.

For doctoral students weighing their next move—whether in academia, industry, or startups—my advice is simple: be bold, stay curious, and recognise the value of what you bring to the table.

(This content first appeared on LinkedIn on 20 March 2025.)

Dr. Kilian Dietrich is a Senior Cybersecurity and Privacy Consultant.

Key Stages of My Career Path

My academic journey began with a Bachelor's and Master's in Physics at the University of Stuttgart. I later pursued a doctorate in Materials Science at ETH Zurich, conducting research in Lucio Isa’s group on soft matter. Through my role as a lab security officer I became interested in safety and operational efficiency.

After completing my doctorate, I shifted to Information Security, joining the AWK Group to work on digitalisation projects. Eventually, I co-founded Cyberfy Consulting, driven by a desire to redefine consulting with modern values and innovative approaches. Today, I combine technical expertise with entrepreneurial leadership, helping organisations navigate the complexities of cybersecurity.

What I Do as Cybersecurity and Privacy Consultant

At Cyberfy, I guide organisations in protecting their digital assets and enhancing their security posture. My work spans conducting research, hosting workshops, designing architectures, creating processes, and performing assessments. I engage across the full lifecycle—from ideation to implementation—balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution.

Additionally, I oversee our own marketing and communications team, managing creative projects, social media, and event sponsorships. My passion for photography has been invaluable in building an authentic brand identity. As a shareholder, I’m deeply involved in shaping the company’s strategic direction, ensuring sustainable growth and a collaborative work culture.

How My Doctorate Added Value

My doctorate at ETH Zurich equipped me with four key skills that remain critical in my career:

• Research and Study – Diving deeply into complex topics prepared me for the continuously evolving and fast-paced field of cybersecurity.
• Hands-On Experimental Work – An end-to-end mindset, honed through experiments, helps me tackle cybersecurity challenges holistically.
• Scripting and Automation – Coding provided a foundation for understanding technical implementations.
• Communication Skills – Synthesising and presenting complex information continues to be essential in consulting and client engagements.

These competencies have been invaluable in bridging academia and industry.

Advice for Doctoral Students

Follow your curiosity and leverage your passion. Hard work, genuine interest, and a little bit of humour will help you to pull through.

For those considering industry: the skills gained during a doctorate can transfer to diverse roles, including entrepreneurship. Take time to explore your options and align your career with your values and interests, the rest will fall into place. 

(This content first appeared on LinkedIn on 27 January 2025.)

Dr. Christian Goldhahn is a Senior Specialist in Footwear Materials Innovation at On.

Key Stages of My Career Path

I started my academic journey with a BSc in Chemistry and an MSc in Polymer Science at the University of Bayreuth. Afterwards, I followed my MSc thesis supervisor to ETH Zurich, joining Ingo Burgert’s Wood Material Science group for a doctorate. My research focused on developing functional materials from wood by chemically modifying it with biopolymers. Collaborating in a highly interdisciplinary team broadened my perspective, even as it presented occasional challenges in bridging diverse expertise and communication styles.

After earning my doctorate and a year as a postdoctoral researcher at Empa, I realised an academic career wasn’t for me. Frequent relocations weren’t compatible with my priorities, particularly my young family. Instead, I transitioned to industry, starting with Kuori, a start-up focused on polymer materials. I was part of the management board and built a strong R&D team.

What I Do as a Materials Innovation Specialist

A fortunate opportunity brought me to the Materials Innovation team at On a year ago. We develop new and optimize existing materials for the “bottom unit” of our shoes, improving performance and/or sustainability. Beyond materials development, I build up On’s research infrastructure and expand partnerships with suppliers, universities, and start-ups. For more complex projects, I work closely with cross-disciplinary teams of designers, manufacturers, and engineers. Networking is a key aspect of my role, and I’ve had the privilege of connecting with many professionals in Switzerland’s plastics industry.

How My Doctorate Added Value

My doctorate shaped me both professionally and personally. It taught me to manage projects effectively, communicate clearly, and present complex ideas in a way others can understand. I developed a structured approach to problem-solving and learned to value scientific rigour, from interpreting data to paying attention to detail.

The concepts I studied during my doctorate still inform my work today. Without my doctorate, I wouldn’t be in the position I hold now, and my company benefits greatly from the expertise I gained during that time.

Advice for Doctoral Students Considering a Career in Research & Development

My advice to doctoral students is to reflect early on what you truly want and where your interests lie. Take the time to assess whether pursuing a doctorate aligns with your goals, especially in your first year, and don’t be afraid to change direction if needed. I’ve seen too many people struggle through four years, unsure if it’s the right path, simply because they lacked the courage to reconsider.

(This content first appeared on LinkedIn on 12 December 2024.)

Dr. Philippe Knüsel is a European and Swiss patent attorney whose practice focuses on medical technology at Hepp Wenger Ryffel AG.

Key Stages of My Career Path

I began my journey at ETH Zurich, where I completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Materials Sciences. Initially, I was focused on a technical career, but during my civil service in a prison, I had my first exposure to the legal field. That experience sparked my interest in law. Later, while completing my doctorate in mechanical engineering (Optical Materials Engineering, D-MAVT), I realised I wanted a career beyond academia and saw patent law as a field that blended science with the structure of law. So, I entered a three-year patent attorney training programme, combining practical work with self-study.

What I Do as a Patent Attorney

Today, I work closely with inventors to help them protect and enforce their intellectual property rights. My role involves understanding the inventive aspects of their work, advising them on international patent strategies, and handling legal disputes around intellectual property. From discussing patent budgets to defending against patent infringements, I bring together scientific knowledge and legal expertise to help clients safeguard their innovations.

How My Doctorate Added Value

My doctorate gave me the skills to dive into complex topics independently and stay focused under pressure—qualities that are crucial in patent law. The experience can also add credibility, particularly with technical clients, who value the expertise and commitment a doctoral background represents.

Advice for Doctoral Students Considering Patent Law

If you’re thinking about patent law, I’d say keep an open mind and focus on developing a broad skill set rather than specialising too early. Patent law is ideal if you enjoy structured, rule-based problem-solving and are dedicated to helping others defend their work. If you’re someone who loves advocating for clients, this career can be a fulfilling place where science and law meet.

(This text first appeared on LinkedIn on 11 November 2024.)