News Glacier melt puts unique microbial ecosystems under threatPublished:21.03.25 — A pioneering study has revealed how climate change is impacting glacier-fed streams and the essential microbiomes they contain – which could change radically by the end of this century.New nominations and promotions at ENAC SchoolPublished:11.03.25 — The Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology has announced new appointments and promotions of professors at ENAC: Alexandra Kushnir, Andreas Schüler, Peter Kummer, Dusan Licina, Priya Ramakrishna and Jan Skaloud. Congratulations to all of them!New study improves the trustworthiness of wind power forecastsPublished:29.01.25 — By applying techniques from explainable artificial intelligence, engineers can improve users’ confidence in forecasts generated by artificial intelligence models. This approach was recently tested on wind power generation by a team that includes experts from EPFL.A citizen-science initiative evaluates the impact of tire particlesPublished:23.01.25 — Twenty volunteers spent six months learning about the scientific method through a citizen-science initiative led by EPFL. The initiative was part of a study to determine how the microplastic particles released by tire wear are affecting lakes and rivers in Vaud Canton.Harnessing proteins to clean contaminated soilPublished:21.01.25 — Scientists from EPFL work on sustainable approaches to soil remediation, like the use of naturally occurring microorganisms that can “eat” pollutants found in soil and the water table.How cryogenic microscopy could help strengthen food securityPublished:15.01.25 — A joint EPFL and University of Lausanne research team reports on a novel observation of a plant protection mechanism in response to salt stress. The study opens new avenues of research to strengthen food security. The protein that revolutionized DNA sequencingPublished:14.01.25 — DNA sequencing was revolutionized after scientists discovered a new bacterium in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, and today it’s a common research technique.Satoshi Takahama nominated as Adjunct ProfessorPublished:06.12.24 — Satoshi Takahama, currently Senior Scientist at EPFL, is nominated as Adjunct Professor in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC).In Antarctica to better understand the evolution of the ice capPublished:02.12.24 — A team of scientists from EPFL, CNRS, CEA and École polytechnique de Paris will be in Antarctica from December 2024 to mid-January 2025. As part of the AWACA project, they are installing innovative observation systems designed to predict the evolution of the ice cap over the next 100 years. Associate Professor Alexis Berne, Director of the Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory at EPFL, is on site.Scientists quantify aerosols based on sea statePublished:27.11.24 — A research team led by EPFL scientists has developed a system that provides key insight into the relationship between sea spray aerosols, sea state and atmospheric conditions. The system was mounted on an icebreaker and carried across vast regions of the Arctic to collect and analyze valuable data.A new home for Sustainability RoboticsPublished:21.11.24 — Flying robots capable of inspecting and repairing building envelopes, interacting with natural ecosystems, and monitoring climate change and biodiversity are being developed and tested at the DroneHub at Empa's NEST. This cutting-edge facility was inaugurated in partnership with Imperial College London, UK. The DroneHub will support Mirko Kovac's new Chair in Sustainable Robotics, a partnership between Empa and EPFL.Tree Phenoplasticity transcribed into a choreographyPublished:20.11.24 — Supported by EPFL Sustainability, an exhibition at the EPFL Pavilions brings together art and science based on the work of the Plant Ecology Research Laboratory (PERL). Using human bodies, one of the featured artists chose to represent how trees adapt to their environment.Catastrophically warm predictions are more plausible than we thoughtPublished:11.10.24 — EPFL researchers developed a rating system to evaluate the plausibility of climate model simulations in the IPCC’s latest report, and show that models that lead to potentially catastrophic warming are to be taken seriously.From clouds to fjords, the Arctic bears witness to climate changePublished:22.08.24 — Climate change is particularly intense in the Arctic. To assess its consequences and determine what role this region plays in global warming, two teams of scientists from EPFL have visited the area. One to gain a better understanding of the region's air composition, the other to quantify the greenhouse gases sequestered in Greenland fjords sourced by glacial water.New research shows how trees cope with extreme heatPublished:07.08.24 — Extreme heatwaves are on the rise. When do they become critical for forest trees? In the hot summer of 2023, a research team led by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) investigated this in Switzerland, southern France and Spain.Opening a window on environmental phenomenaPublished:23.07.24 — Data collected by satellites, drones, radars and microscopes provide a goldmine of information to better understand our environment. And when these data are coupled with artificial intelligence (AI), they can unlock the secrets of phenomena taking place at all levels. Scientists reveal why some people with the flu may be more contagiousPublished:26.06.24 — EPFL scientists have discovered that in indoor spaces, droplets containing the flu virus will remain infectious for longer when they also contain certain types of bacteria found in our respiratory tract. This finding provides important insight into how respiratory infections are transmitted and can enhance estimates of exposure risk.“The variety of backgrounds in my classroom is to everyone's benefit”Published:18.06.24 — Julia Schmale is just as comfortable in an EPFL lecture hall as on an icebreaker in the Arctic. This adventurous spirit – along with the specific know-how of her students – enhances her cutting-edge research.Scientists map biodiversity changes in the world's forestsPublished:31.05.24 — A group of EPFL and ETH Zurich scientists have mapped the biodiversity in forests worldwide. Their data, when combined with climate projections, reveal trends that could support ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts.Tribute to Andrii RomanenkoPublished:27.05.24 — Andrii Romanenko passed away on 23 May 2024. He was a doctoral student at the Laboratory of environmental virology (LEV) of ENAC.
