Materials Alumni

The Materials Alumni was founded in 1999 to bring together the growing family of former students of materials science/materials and provide networking opportunities between graduates of all ages. We were amongst the founding members of the ETH Alumni association in 2001. Our numbers have grown steadily and we now count in excess of 600 members.

The words alumni or alumnae come from the Latin alere, which means to nourish or nurture. And that is exactly what we aim to do as our studies at university and the people we meet there shape the rest of our lives. So we want to promote contact between graduates of all ages, current students, the department and industry. We also want to perpetuate the great team spirit that exists in our department beyond the time we spend there and demonstrate through our events that networking isn’t just about careers but can be fun and informative too.

Reunion

Twice a year, we meet for an interesting talk on a topic linked to materials sciences (sometimes of great relevance, other times less so) and to maintain contacts over drinks afterwards. Examples of topics covered over the last few years include industrialised additive manufacturing, sustainably produced outdoor clothing, battery materials of the future and beer, brewed by materials scientists.

Company visits

Every year we organise one or two trips to interesting companies or other inspiring visits. For example, we have visited FluidSolids, Tropenhaus Frutigen, Climeworks, PSI and SuSoS.

Culture, fun & sporting events

We don't limit ourselves to the brainy stuff but also regularly organise cultural, culinary and sporting events, such as the legendary pub quiz with SMW (students association of materials science), trips to museums, the annual fondue night and visits to a zip wire park.

Materials Alumni Award

At the department’s master party, we recognise one graduate who has made a major contribution to the social life of the department during their time at ETH, be it as a party organiser or in the SMW.

Graduate brunch & master party

Roughly six months after the master party, we invite our most recent members to join us for a tasty brunch. We also provide some sponsorship for the master party.

Newsletter

Our newsletter provides information about upcoming events organised by Materials Alumni and other materials-focused institutions.

Other activities

Whenever there is an opportunity to get involved with the SMW, the SAM (Scientific Staff Association at the Department of Materials) or the department, we’ll be there. We also provide students with contacts and help our members organise an annual get-together.

Members of the Materials Alumni are automatically members of ETH Alumni. You can register for membership here.