Serving as ETH President “still deeply fulfilling”

Mr Mesot, it¡¯s only halfway through your second term as ETH President, but you¡¯re already talking about your departure in two years. Why is that?
I decided some time ago that I will not pursue a third term in office. By announcing this decision well in advance, I wanted to provide clarity for my colleagues on the Executive Board, all ETH members, the ETH Board and the Federal Council. In addition, I was specifically asked whether I would like to serve for another four years, meaning I had to answer this question one way or another. My main concern is that the ETH Board and the Federal Council have sufficient time to find the best candidate to take over the role.

Why have you ruled out serving a third term?
There are two main reasons. By the end of 2026, it will have been a total of 18 years during which I have worked in a leadership position of this kind, first as Director of the PSI and then as President of ETH Zurich. I¡¯ve been able to provide significant momentum and create substantial change at both institutions, which has brought me great satisfaction and continues to do so. And while I¡¯m still executing my duties with complete dedication, it¡¯s appropriate for the next generation to take the wheel after such an extended period. The second reason is purely private in nature. As ETH President, I have limitations on how much time I can spend with my family. I want to change that toward the end of my career and spend more time at home.

Have you decided to focus on anything in particular during your last two years as ETH President?
I firmly believe that ETH Zurich needs to serve society¡¯s needs. Therefore, I will continue to work until the end to ensure that our university develops solutions for the challenges we are facing. At the same time, I will do everything politically possible to ensure that ETH Zurich continues to enjoy conditions that allow it to remain among the international elite.

Any concrete points in addition to this overall commitment?
Successfully establishing our teaching and research centre in Heilbronn is a very important goal for me. This is a unique opportunity for us to further strengthen our leading position in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. I would also like to continue advancing the Space Initiative, which was launched just over two years ago, and position ETH as the European hub for space research and education. The Coalition for Green Energy and Storage is also a hugely important issue for me. We want to continue advancing storage and transport for renewable energy carriers, which contributes to a climate-neutral and flexible energy system in Switzerland.

Do you have any concerns about being a lame duck after announcing your departure so far in advance?
You only become a lame duck if your own team is playing against you, which is not the case here. Every day I can sense how my colleagues on the Executive Board, in the academic departments and in central administration support me as President and give their full commitment to the success of our university. This motivates me to give my all until the end of next year ¨C both for ETH and also for Switzerland as a whole. I still find my position as ETH President deeply fulfilling and consider it a privilege.

Will you be helping with the search to find a successor?
No, I¡¯m going to completely stay out of the selection process for my successor. This is a job for the ETH Board and the Federal Council. I know, however, that we have fantastic colleagues who could take on this position within ETH, whether on the Executive Board, in the academic departments, or from various committees.

Do you already have plans for January 2027?
At the moment I¡¯m still fully active in my role as President, so I haven¡¯t yet planned that far ahead. What¡¯s clear is that I will be able to spend more time with my family. Beyond that I¡¯m not giving it any further thought ¨C my focus is solely on the task at hand.