At the beginning of 2019, the operational director of the EPFL Valais-Wallis branch, Mr Marc-André Berclaz, asked me to present a report on the first four years of EPFL Valais-Wallis.
He gives me “carte blanche” and the result is a 100-page report that gets very positive feedback from both researchers and readers. The research topics covered are as follows
- “Laboratory of Molecular Simulation” is led by Professor Berend Smit. He introduces me to the two sides of molecular chemistry: theory and practice gathered in the same lab. I also meet six of his PhD students and post-docs, all very bright. Together, they build the algorithms that shape virtual materials in order to synthesise only the most promising nanoporous materials.
- At the “Laboratory of Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry” Professor Hubert Girault describes to me in a very pictorial way the activities at the liquid-air, liquid-liquid, liquid-lipid-air interfaces. Pressure differentials are constantly in play to establish a dynamic equilibrium. I understand the importance of membranes, whether in the human body or in batteries. Electrochemistry is both inspiring and stimulating .
- The “Laboratory of Materials for Renewable Energy” is a joint lab of EPFL and EMPA. Led by Professor Andreas Züttel, his lab is specialized in the storage of hydrogen in hydrides and nanostructures. Thus, his experiments facilitate the understanding of surprising activities at gas-metal interfaces. With his team, he also reduce carbon dioxide to make fuel or synthetic oils.
- “The Group for Molecular Engineering of Functional Materials” is led by Professor Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin. He plans to design perovskite solar cells that can be produced anywhere in the world.
“Laboratory for Functional Inorganic Materials“, led by Professor Wendy Queen, manufactures absorbent materials with fascinating properties. These range from the localized administration of drugs into the human body, to the absorption of carbon dioxide. Finally, one of them is designed for the absorption of fine gold particles.
- “Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy” is led by Professor Raffaella Buonsanti. In a nutshell, she and her team are synthesising nanocrystals that will catalyse chemical reactions such as the conversion of carbon dioxide. The shape of these nanocrystals is key to promoting certain functions.
- “Laboratory of Advanced Separations” is led by Professor Kumar Varoon Agrawal. In short, he designs filters and membranes. One of them is in two dimensions and graphene; it has the particularity to make the size of an atom. Thus, its filters and membranes are intended to purify and separate elements such as oxygen or hydrogen.
- “Industrial Process and Energy Systems Engineeringes” led by Professor François Maréchal, this research unit imagines the processes and energy systems of tomorrow. With his team, they design and propose decision-making tools.
- “Group of Energy Materials“ is led by Professor Jan Van Herle. Its group develops materials for solid oxide technology, a type of fuel cell that operates at temperatures between 600 and 800°C. They are useful for converting surplus solar electricity into gas and producing heat and electricity from the gas when needed.
- “Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering Brain Mind Institute“ is led by Professor Friedhelm Hummel. Together with his teams, he develops the algorithmic tools that determine the best rehabilitation program for a stroke. He is also devoted to the study of good aging and different brain waves.
- “Center of Neuroprosthetics (CNP)“ is represented in the report by the portrait of the Docteur Michaela Bassolino. Then affiliated to the chair of Professeur Olaf Blanke in Geneva, she diagnoses and accompanies patients in Sion in the integration of their body consciousness. Professor Grégoire Courtine is also present on this site with robotic suspensions to treat patients with spinal cord injuries.
- “River Ecosystems Laboratory“ is led by Professor Tom Battin, a specialist in biofilms, who focuses on bacteria in river and extreme environments. Together with his team, he deduces carbon flows that feed global climate study models.