Summer is a season for exploration. Some of us set off for distant destinations, others head into the mountains, discover new ideas from a deck chair, or simply take the time to reflect and recharge.

At ETH Zurich, exploration takes many forms. Through ETH Studios, students step beyond the lecture hall and into real-world environments where they tackle challenges that matter, collaborate across disciplines and cultures, and gain experiences that shape both their careers and perspectives.

This summer, travel with our ETH Ambassadors from the snowy peaks of Davos to the bustling streets of Bangkok, from Mars mission laboratories in California to hidden corners of Japan. Along the way, you will encounter scientific discovery, technological innovation, cultural exchange and personal growth.

Here are five inspiring stories to accompany your summer adventures.

1. Building a Protein Database at SIAF Davos

What happens when a computational biologist swaps the ETH campus for an alpine research institute?

Laura Nieba spent three months at the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) in Davos, building an isoform-specific database of the human proteome. Alongside her research, she attended her first international scientific conference, learned new technical skills and watched the Alps transform from winter snow to vibrant spring landscapes.

A perfect read for anyone who loves science, mountains and discovering new paths. Read the article.

2. From River Droughts to Data Clusters: Internship at SLF

Following the hidden patterns of water. Why do rivers run dry?

During her internship at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Lydia Seebauer explored this question using decades of hydrometeorological data. Her journey reveals how researchers use data science to better understand droughts and the growing challenges posed by climate change.

If your summer plans include lakes, rivers or mountain hikes, this story offers a fascinating perspective on the forces shaping the landscapes around us. Read the article.

3. Behind the Next Mars Helicopter

From ETH Zurich to the future of planetary exploration. Few internships begin with testing drones in Mars-like deserts.

Benjamin Dupont spent six months at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, helping develop autonomy software for a future Mars rotorcraft. His story provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge robotics, space exploration and the teams working to push the boundaries of what is possible.

A must-read for anyone dreaming of space, engineering and innovation. Read the article.

4. 6 Months in Bangkok to Launch AI at UNDRR

Can artificial intelligence help reduce disaster risks around the world?

At the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangkok, Bilal Bounajma became the organisation’s first data science and AI intern. Working at the intersection of technology, policy and humanitarian action, he helped lay the groundwork for future AI applications in disaster risk reduction.

This story highlights how knowledge developed at ETH can contribute to addressing global challenges. Read the article.

5. Discovering Hidden Japan

Some journeys begin with an internship and end with a completely new perspective.

Through a collaboration between ETH Zurich and the Marui Group, four students travelled across Japan, exploring how technology, sustainability and storytelling can create meaningful impact. From tea ceremonies and artisan workshops to executive presentations in Tokyo, their experience demonstrates the value of curiosity, openness and intercultural exchange.

An inspiring read for anyone planning a summer adventure abroad. Read the article.

Although these five journeys span different countries, disciplines and challenges, they share a common theme: learning happens when we step outside our comfort zones.

As you head into the summer months, we invite you to take these stories with you. They are reminders that curiosity can lead anywhere, that meaningful learning often happens far from familiar surroundings, and that the next great adventure may begin with a single opportunity.

Happy reading and enjoy your summer!

In a move that emphasises the growing international significance of quantum research, a high-level delegation from the Indian state of Karnataka, led by Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology N.S. Boseraju, recently visited ETH Zurich to explore new opportunities for collaboration in quantum technologies.

During their visit to the ETH Quantum Center, Minister Boseraju met with Professor Andreas Wallraff, Professor Jonathan Home, and Professor Klaus Ensslin, whose pioneering work in superconducting qubits and trapped ion systems places ETH Zurich among the global leaders driving the next generation of quantum computing.

“ETH Zurich represents the birthplace of modern quantum computing, where fundamental science has been transformed into working technology,” said Minister Boseraju. “Connecting Karnataka’s emerging quantum ecosystem with such world-class expertise is a privilege and an opportunity for transformative collaboration.”

The visit comes as Karnataka, home to India’s technology capital, Bengaluru, advances its vision to establish Quantum City (Q-City), a new multidisciplinary research and innovation hub for quantum technologies. The state aims to emulate ETH Zurich’s collaborative model, which connects academia, startups, and industry across Switzerland through shared research infrastructure and interdisciplinary exchange.

A Glimpse Into ETH’s Quantum Ecosystem

At ETH Zurich, the delegation explored state-of-the-art Superconducting Qubit and Trapped Ion laboratories, witnessing firsthand how ETH’s coordinated approach has enabled groundbreaking progress in quantum science and technology. These efforts are spearheaded by the ETH Quantum Center, founded in 2020 under the ETH+ Initiative on Quantum Science and Technology. The center serves as a collaborative platform uniting more than 30 research groups across disciplines, from physics and engineering to computer science and materials research.

Professor Andreas Wallraff, founding director of the Quantum Center and a world-renowned expert in superconducting quantum circuits, shared insights into ETH’s strategy for fostering innovation through both academic excellence and entrepreneurial spin-offs. One such success story is Zurich Instruments, an ETH spin-off that develops precision measurement systems used in quantum laboratories worldwide, including in India.

Inspiring Global Collaboration

Minister Boseraju’s discussions with ETH researchers focused on how Karnataka can adapt and localize ETH Zurich’s model of coordinated quantum research under the Q-City Bengaluru initiative. The envisioned hub will combine academic excellence, industrial innovation, and startup entrepreneurship to advance quantum hardware development and strengthen India’s position in the global quantum landscape.

“The collaboration between ETH Zurich and Karnataka reflects a shared vision,” said Andreas Wallraff. “Quantum technology has immense potential to shape the future of computing, communication, and sensing. By connecting leading research ecosystems, we accelerate both scientific discovery and real-world impact.”

ETH Zurich at the Forefront of Quantum Innovation

For decades, ETH Zurich has played a central role in shaping the field of quantum science, from foundational physics to real-world applications. As the home of the Quantum Engineering Master’s Programme, the ETH+ Quantum Initiative, and several leading research laboratories, ETH continues to act as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and talent development.

Professor Wallraff’s own journey exemplifies ETH’s pioneering spirit. His research has advanced our understanding of quantum electrodynamics in superconducting circuits, laying the groundwork for scalable quantum processors. Under his leadership, ETH has established one of the world’s leading infrastructures for quantum experimentation and training, enabling students, researchers, and partners to collaborate at the highest scientific level.

Towards a Shared Quantum Future

The Karnataka delegation’s visit marks a milestone in strengthening academic and innovation ties between India and Switzerland. As both regions invest in the future of quantum technology, ETH Zurich remains committed to fostering open collaboration, sharing expertise, and nurturing the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. With initiatives like Q-City in Bengaluru and the ETH Quantum Center in Zurich, a global network of quantum innovation is taking shape, one that connects continents, accelerates knowledge exchange, and drives technological transformation for a sustainable future.