Honorary Doctors
By awarding honorary doctorates, ETH Zurich honours individuals for their outstanding scientific work and recognises their important contribution to science, education, practical applications, and synthesis of research and practical work.
Honorary Doctors awarded at the request of the Department of Earth Sciences:
Dr. Thomas H. Zurbuchen
Dr. Thomas H. Zurbuchen was awarded an honorary doctorate of ETH Zurich in 2022 as an outstanding champion of the scientific exploration of space and, in particular, for his scientific contributions and leadership in past and future space missions.
Prof. Dr. Xavier Le Pichon
Prof. Dr. Xavier Le Pichon was awarded an honorary doctorate of ETH Zurich in 1992 in recognition of his pioneering, leading role in the substantiation of global plate tectonics and the study of the deep sea floor, as well as in the organisation of international earth science research programmes.
Honorary guests
Johannes Neher
Johannes Neher was named a permanent honorary guest of ETH Zurich in 1988 in recognition of his selfless and unselfish devotion to fundamental research regardless of the odds of success, and in appreciation of his many years of generous mentoring of several generations of earth science students.