Highlights

A new computer process developed by researchers led by Gisbert Schneider and Kenneth Atz makes it possible to generate active pharmaceutical ingredients quickly and easily based on a protein’s three-​dimensional surface. The new process could revolutionise drug research.

Nowadays, finding successful women scientists is not hard. However, there are still cases where women scientists encounter obstacles that their male colleagues may not, raising the question of where women in STEM stand today. A small exhibition at the Chemistry | Biology | Pharmacy Information Center celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 explores the landscape of women in STEM, showcases literature, and highlights some stories. The exhibition is open until March 22, 2024.

Artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure are massively accelerating the development of new chemical catalysts. With these tools, researchers led by Paco Laveille (Swiss Cat+, D-CHAB) are developing catalysts for efficiently and cost-​effectively synthesising the energy source methanol from CO₂.

Dr. Erich Meister has been at ETH Zurich for 40 years. For 35 of those, he has successfully further developed the PC practical course and always put a lot of energy into teaching – whether to train students or curious kids at open lab days. Now he is retiring and handing over the reins to Dr. Takuya Segawa. In an interview with Nonô Saramago (editor of Exsikkator), he talks about his times at ETH, chances, programming languages, calligraphy and paradise. We say thank you with a video. 

Protein-​like aggregates known as amyloids can bind to molecules of genetic material. It is possible that these two types of molecules stabilised each other during the development of life – and that this might even have paved the way for the genetic code.

A new AI model developed by researchers led by Gisbert Schneider can not only predict where a pharmaceutically active molecule can be chemically modified, but also how best to do it. This makes it possible to identify new pharmaceutical ingredients more quickly and improve existing ones in a targeted manner.

Researchers led by Professor Ursula Quitterer (IPW) have now shown that a previously unknown protein plays a key role in a congenital malformation of the heart. Their findings point the way towards new treatment options.         

Professor Helma Wennemers has been teaching at D-CHAB for twelve years with unwavering enthusiasm – be it specialized lectures or introductory lectures in organic chemistry. For her performance, the ETH Zurich Student Association (VSETH) has honored her with the Golden Owl 2023. In this interview, she speaks about her experiences and role models and reveals the value of traditional teaching methods.

As natural catalysts, enzymes are highly efficient at speeding up complex chemical reactions. Victor Mougel and his team aim to mimic this ability. They are the first to synthesize a complete series of iron-sulfur cubane redox clusters with all oxidation states, revealing how the clusters’ environment affects redox potential and reactivity. They also proved the clusters' effectiveness in developing efficient CO₂ reduction catalysts. Mougel receives the Ruzicka Prize 2023 on Nov. 23.

The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program (ESOP) of ETH Zurich promotes outstanding students every year. They are among the best and receive support from the donors of ETH Foundation for their Master's studies so that they can fully concentrate on education and research. In the D-​CHAB this year, five students received the scholarship. Get to know Magdalena Lederbauer, Valerie Pascetta, Ramon Hügli, Jasmin Frei und Lisa Sherman.