This year’s theme, RETHINKING DESIGN was certainly no exception. From materials that will transform our future to ice skating robots and from 3D molecular drug design to 4D printed robots that self-propel the exhibits capture the attention of everyone who visits whether they be heads of state or young people from the local schools.
Greetings from Davos
by ETH Global Team, 24.01.2019
View from the ETH Zurich Pavilion in Davos.
Arriving in Davos during the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting marks the start of an inspiring week-long adventure. For the third consecutive year, our small team at ETH Global has orchestrated a pavilion in Davos to highlight ETH Zurich’s research, technology, and innovative prowess.
Skaterbots take to the ice
Each year, ETH takes over the hockey club in Davos and in our opinion – there is no better view than from our pavilion. The pavilion overlooks the ice rink – where each morning speed skaters glide over the ETH Zurich logo embedded in the ice and the mountains sparkle like fresh whipped meringue. Some members of the team wish they could just enjoy the fresh powder on the ski slopes for a few hours.
Almost anything can happen in Davos - we heard that HRH the Duke of Cambridge was in town earlier this week, yesterday one of us spotted Al Gore on the Promenade. Others on the team remain hopeful that with two days to go perhaps, George Clooney or Matt Damon might drop by.
In any case, we have enjoyed engaging discussions on the importance ethics, on man’s relationship to machines, and the broader definition of design with our own “stars” and friends like Microsoft, the World Economic Forum – JEDI, Nature, the European Research Council, and Australian National University to name, but a few.
Impressions from the RETHINKING DESIGN Exhibition
SAM the robotic hand – just one example from the RETHINKING DESIGN exhibition.
Design poised to reshape the construction industry.
Sample material that transforms in warm water.
4D design incorporates the element of time with materials that transform according to temperature.
Swimming robots.
ETH Alumni engage with new HoloLens technology to study molecules for drug design.
Functional funicular floor system saves 70% in materials.
Tactile exhibition of materials that are shaping our future.
Pure magnesium helps bones to heal and then dissolves, Copyright AE - ETH.
4D design incorporates the element of time with materials that transform according to temperature.
Last night, musician Jean-Michel Jarre and Brian May, legendary guitarist from Queen (via Skype) joined us for the Starmus event.
This morning we discussed the university’s role in producing talent for industry with Times Higher Education and tonight we look forward to networking with Google and the ETH Board.
This morning we discussed the university’s role in producing talent for industry with Times Higher Education and tonight we look forward to networking with Google and the ETH Board.
ETH President Joël Mesot and Garik Israelian, Starmus compare Jean-Michel Jarre playlists.
Who knew that Brian May, from the band Queen, had a PhD in Astrophysics?
Members of the ETH community are also involved in some of the official World Economic Forum events such as Megacities for Tomorrow and an IdeasLab on Privacy and Protection in Cyberspace.
It is a frenetic pace, but we love it!
About the author
ETH Global is the international office of ETH Zurich. It fosters international relations and partnerships in research and education and enhances the institution’s visibility.
All photos by ETH Zurich / Andreas Eggenberger