François Bussy, 56, has left his position as Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment. He is now taking over as Vice Rector for research.
"I am deeply attached to this institution. After all the opportunities it has offered me, first as a student and then in research, it’s time for me to devote my energy to it in return."
Does he have a particular aim in mind? "I don’t have a specific agenda. But my primary role as Vice Rector for research is to motivate people and encourage them to develop their ideas. As my predecessor Philippe Moreillon used to say, we are facilitators."
Among other things, François Bussy will be able to draw on his experience as someone who has worked in the field to prompt as many people as possible to submit funding requests to organisations such as the SNSF. "It’s within the reach of every researcher. And projects are evaluated by independent scientists from outside the university, which is essential."