The Rector of ETH Zurich analyzes the challenges of AI, education, and scientific synergies in a complex global scenario.

As Rector of ETH Zurich, one of the world’s most prestigious university institutions, Professor Günther Dissertori combines scientific excellence with strategic vision. He is a leading scientist in the field of particle physics and, at the same time, an institutional leader committed to guiding the university through a phase of profound technological and social transformation.

Born in 1967 in Lagundo, in South Tyrol, a historically German-speaking area, his academic path led him to Austria, where he studied in Innsbruck, and later to CERN in Geneva. He joined ETH Zurich in the early 2000s, where he embarked on a distinguished academic career, eventually becoming full professor of particle physics in 2007.

Alongside his research in fundamental physics, he distinguished himself through his constant commitment to teaching, receiving numerous awards for the quality of his academic work. These include the "Goldene Eule" awards given by the student association VSETH and the "Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching", awarded to him in 2013. These recognitions reflect an academic vision in which research and education are closely integrated. Since February 2022, he has held the role of Rector of ETH Zurich, succeeding Professor Sarah Springman. In this role, he is responsible for the academic development and educational offerings of an increasingly international and interdisciplinary institution.

His profile lies at the intersection of fundamental research and university governance, in a context marked by technological, scientific, and geopolitical transformations. In public dialogues and interventions, Günther Dissertori has repeatedly underlined how academic excellence arises from the encounter between talent, collaboration, and solid institutional conditions, while also highlighting some of the main challenges for the future of higher education: integration between disciplines, the impact of research on society, the growing role of artificial intelligence, and the need to preserve openness, academic freedom, and ethical responsibility.

What emerges is a vision of the university as a dynamic ecosystem, founded on people, collaboration, and solid institutional conditions, capable of combining scientific excellence and social responsibility.

You’ve had a distinguished career in fundamental physics research, from your early work at CERN to your long tenure as professor of particle physics at ETH Zurich and now as Rector. What initial influences shaped your decision to pursue physics at the highest level, and how has this scientific mindset influenced your leadership approach at ETH Zurich?

"Even as a child, I had a fundamental curiosity for nature and science. My school years, especially high school, strengthened this interest and encouraged me to pursue a scientific career. I was also fortunate to meet the right people at the right time, people who supported me. As a particle physicist, I learned early on that together we are stronger. This awareness has shaped my approach to leadership to this day. In the end, it’s all about people and teams. As a scientist, I was also trained in analytical thinking, the ability to quickly assess situations and act accordingly. Combining this analytical mindset with a strong focus on people is at the heart of my leadership approach."

As Rector of one of the world’s leading technical universities, how do you balance ETH Zurich’s fundamental commitment to cutting-edge research with the growing demand for interdisciplinary education and real-world impact?

"Even in the early stages of their studies, we expose students to complex problems from cutting-edge research. This gives them firsthand experience that research can cross disciplines. Later, some students can participate in focus projects. In these projects, they work in small groups on real-world problems for which there are no ready-made solutions. From robots for use on land, in water, or on the moon, to innovative propulsion systems for airplanes, racing cars, or rockets, the results are impressive. We also encourage students to develop their own ideas and found their own companies. Our Pioneer Fellowship, for example, helps entrepreneurial students and researchers turn research into market-ready spin-offs by offering them funding for one year. Furthermore, the ETH Student Project House offers students a unique space to develop their ideas. From AI-based math tutors to smart canes for the blind, it supported 616 projects in 2025 alone"

Particle physics research has led to some of the most significant scientific discoveries of the last century, including the Higgs boson. How do you view the role of fundamental research at large facilities like CERN in shaping technological innovation and social progress?

"Large, visionary projects at CERN and elsewhere are often driven by fundamental scientific questions. To answer them, we need technologies and tools that don't yet exist. This pushes engineering and technology to new frontiers. Although the initial motivation is scientific, these innovations often find application in industry and other fields. Furthermore, industry is frequently involved in the development of new technologies, which accelerates their transfer into practical use.. Furthermore, CERN is a remarkable social experiment: people from different cultures and countries work together for a common goal. Especially today, this aspect is more valuable than ever. CERN was born not only as a scientific project, but also as a peace initiative after the Second World War. Even today, large-scale fundamental research initiatives embody this mission: they build bridges and bring people together."

ETH Zurich has a global profile and a diverse international community. What are the key elements that enable a leading university to attract and retain talent across cultures, disciplines, and generations?

"The most important factor is, once again, people. Excellent people attract other excellent people. But that's not enough: solid framework conditions are also needed. In our case, adequate and stable funding from the Swiss government, which allows us to compete for talent and invest in cutting-edge facilities and excellent research infrastructure. Students are also a key resource: strong students make ETH Zurich attractive to scientists. And then there's the ETH culture: a place where people collaborate, exchange ideas across disciplinary boundaries, and feel part of a dynamic community"

In an academic and research environment marked by rapid technological changes, such as AI, quantum computing, and data science, what strategic priorities must universities adopt to remain relevant and effective?

"To remain relevant, we must continue to promote fundamental research and maintain a strong dialogue with society. Expanding scientific expertise and passing it on to new generations is our university's raison d'être. This is why we continually develop the diversity of our research and teaching activities, while maintaining a focus on three key areas: environment and resources; digital transformation; and health and well-being."

ETH Zurich places great emphasis on the quality of its teaching, and the Rector himself has received numerous awards for teaching excellence. How do you cultivate a culture in which high-quality research and excellent teaching reinforce each other?

"Once again, it all starts with excellent people. Furthermore, at ETH Zurich, research and teaching are closely intertwined. Our teaching is based on cutting-edge research. This way, students learn how research works from the very beginning."

The global landscape of research, funding, and mobility is increasingly complex, influenced by geopolitical tensions and regulatory frameworks. How should institutions like ETH respond to these challenges while maintaining open scientific exchange?

"The mission of ETH Zurich is to promote research, education, and knowledge transfer while upholding principles such as academic freedom and inclusion. ETH’s leadership has therefore decided that taking a stance on geopolitical issues is more likely to hinder than to support ETH's mission. By maintaining impartiality, the university safeguards its role as a place of open inquiry free from geopolitical entanglements. Another example is the Einstein School of Public Policy, which strengthens the connection between science, technology, and politics and helps address societal challenges. We want to support public decision-makers with solid scientific foundations. Another aspect is the security of knowledge: universities must protect sensitive technologies without unnecessarily restricting scientific openness. A solid framework is needed to safeguard the freedom of research. If we can build a coherent system with adequate protections, we can continue to exchange information freely."

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming not only science but also learning environments. How is AI expected to reshape higher education and research processes, and what ethical and governance issues will arise?

"ETH Zurich promotes a proactive approach to the use of generative AI. We emphasize responsibility, transparency, and fairness for both faculty and students. We offer targeted training to understand it, use it consciously, and critically evaluate it. Artificial intelligence is now central to nearly all degree programs. Precisely because systems are becoming more complex, understanding their mechanisms is essential. Only with a solid conceptual foundation can technological developments be supported competently and ethically. We train scientists and engineers who understand what robust AI means: reliability, safety, robustness, verifiability, and traceability."

As Rector, responsible for educational policies, admissions standards, and academic quality, how do you ensure that curricular innovation meets both student needs and the demands of society and industry?

"Curriculum innovation requires agility. We must constantly challenge the status quo. In this context, I launched PAKETH, the largest academic reform in the last twenty years, aimed at ensuring - to ensure the future fitness of our teaching.. PAKETH, effective from the fall semester of 2028, reforms the academic calendar and assessment system: It creates two nearly equal semesters with harmonized exam periods, introduces a lecture-free week in the autumn, integrates assessments into coursework, streamlines study regulations, eliminates yearly courses and examination blocks, and enables better workload planning at both the module and curriculum levels."

Looking ahead to the next decade, what scientific, educational, or social transformations will shape the future of higher education, and what role is envisioned for ETH Zurich in this transformation?
"Artificial intelligence will certainly define the future of higher education, as I have said on several occasions."

You were born and raised in South Tyrol, or Alto Adige, a culturally and linguistically unique region at the crossroads of Italian and Austrian traditions. How did this context influence your scientific career and perspective as Rector of a global institution like ETH Zurich?

"I'm deeply rooted in what I would call Alpine values: a strong sense of responsibility, a love of nature, and a certain resilience. I grew up at the crossroads of two cultures and learned early on how valuable diversity is. This helps me navigate an international organization like ETH Zurich."

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