[SETI Institute]. The question of how life originated and whether it exists elsewhere in the universe has fascinated humanity for centuries. Now, ETH Zurich and the SETI Institute in California are joining forces to seek answers. The two institutions have agreed on a strategic partnership and signed a corresponding agreement.<\/p>\n
At the heart of the collaboration is a new assistant professorship, to be called \u2018Earth and Planetary Evolution\u2019, which will be based in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich. The professorship will play a key role at ETH\u2019s Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life (COPL).<\/p>\n
A shared interest in one of science\u2019s great questions<\/p>\n
Both the SETI Institute and COPL are investigating how life arises and how widespread it might be in the universe. The new ETH professorship, advertised on August 28, 2026, is intended to strengthen this research and establish closer links between complementary scientific disciplines. Topics may include biosignatures \u2013 measurable indications of life \u2013 habitability and habitable environments, as well as the co-evolution of life and the environment on Earth and on planets outside our solar system.<\/p>\n
Through the professorship and the associated research activities, ETH Zurich aims to bring together complementary approaches from Earth and planetary sciences and related fields, opening up new perspectives on the origin and evolution of life.<\/p>\n
New interdisciplinary and international connections<\/p>\n
The SETI Institute will provide start-up funding for the professorship over a ten-year period, with a total contribution of 8.5 million US dollars. The contribution will support the establishment phase of the ETH professorship and associated research activities, including a research scientist and postdoctoral research positions.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of today\u2019s major scientific questions can only be answered through collaboration,\u201d said ETH President Jo\u00ebl Mesot. \u201cBy teaming up with the SETI Institute, we are gaining a renowned partner that enhances our academic expertise and fosters new interdisciplinary and international connections.\u201d<\/p>\n
For COPL, which was founded in 2022, the partnership opens up new opportunities, says the center\u2019s director, Nobel Laureate in Physics Didier Queloz. \u201cThe partnership with the SETI Institute is an exciting opportunity to build a strong and enduring connection between our institutions. It leverages our complementary expertise and a shared ambition to address one of science\u2019s most fundamental questions: the origin and prevalence of life in the Universe.\u201d<\/p>\n
First international research partnership of its kind<\/p>\n
For the SETI Institute, this marks the first international research partnership of its kind. \u201cOur collaboration with ETH Zurich represents a new chapter for us \u2013 one in which the search for life beyond Earth is recognized as a truly global endeavor,\u201d said SETI Institute President and CEO Bill Diamond. \u201cBy supporting research capacity at one of Europe\u2019s premier technical universities, we are not simply expanding our research internationally but also helping to create a new model for international scientific collaboration.<\/p>\n
Together we are building enduring scientific capacity and opening new avenues for research into one of humanity\u2019s most profound questions,\u201d adds Diamond.<\/p>\n
Mesot also emphasises the importance of international collaboration. The partnership will enable ETH Zurich to expand its network beyond Europe and work more closely with a long-established, renowned institution. \u201cWe are always looking for outstanding partners, and the SETI Institute is such a partner,\u201d said Mesot. \u201cWe are very much looking forward to this collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n
Diamond added: \u201cInternational collaboration in the sciences creates powerful synergies through the integration of diverse perspectives, which can accelerate discovery and enhance understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
About the SETI Institute<\/p>\n
Founded in 1984 in Mountain View, California, USA, the SETI Institute<\/a> is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary research and education organisation whose mission is to lead humanity\u2019s quest to understand the origin and prevalence of life and intelligence in the Universe and to share that knowledge with the world. SETI\u2019s research encompasses the physical and biological sciences and leverages expertise in data analytics, machine learning and advanced signal detection technologies. The SETI Institute is a distinguished research partner for industry, academia and government agencies, including NASA and NSF.<\/p>\n Contact information About ETH Zurich<\/p>\n
Rebecca McDonald
Director of Communications
SETI Institute
rmcdonald@seti.org<\/a><\/p>\n