Thomas Zurbuchen receives the 2023 IAF Excellence in International Cooperation Award
Thomas Zurbuchen, Professor of Space Science and Technology in the Department of Earth Sciences at ETH Zurich, was presented with the 2023 International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Excellence in International Cooperation Award.
The award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in their efforts to promote and facilitate global engagement and cooperation in the space sector.
Thomas Zurbuchen
After studying physics and mathematics, Thomas Zurbuchen received his doctorate in 1996 from the University of Bern. Following his move to the University of Michigan, he was appointed a full professor of space research and technology in 2008.
Thomas Zurbuchen is an internationally sought-after expert in innovation and entrepreneurship. During his time at the University of Michigan, he founded the Center for Entrepreneurship. In 2016, he became an Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at the space agency, NASA and was the longest serving person in this role until he departed in 2022. In this capacity, he cites the James Webb Space Telescope launch as one of his greatest achievements.
Since August 2023, Thomas Zurbuchen has been Professor of Space Science and Technology in the Department of Earth Sciences at ETH Zurich and head of the ETH Zurich | Space initiative.
He is planning to launch Switzerland’s first Master’s degree programme in space science and technology.