Global Lecture Series
“Where ETH meets the world.”
The Global Lecture Series brings the world’s leading minds to ETH Zurich to explore ideas that shape our global future. Through thought-provoking dialogue and diverse perspectives, we foster understanding, innovation, and impact.
To find out more about our upcoming and past events, please see the list below.
Global Lecture Series: The Search for Life in the Universe
5 March 2026 -?Are we alone in the Universe? In this ETH Global Lecture, Pete Worden, former Director of NASA’s Ames Research Center, joins ETH exoplanetary scientist Sascha Quanz to discuss the latest advances in the search for life beyond Earth and the potential implications of finding it. This conversation explores both the science driving the quest and what discovering new life could mean for humanity.
Global Lecture Series: Empowering Innovation
17 December 2025 -?What drives innovation forward? Petra Ehmann, a leading digital shaper and ETH alumna with global experience, joins Stefano Brusoni, ETH Professor and Vice Rector for Continuing Education, for a deep dive into the forces shaping tomorrow. Moderated by Chris Luebkeman, ETH Foresight Hub.
Global Lecture Series: Cross-Border Perspectives on AI Governance
13 November 2025 – Please join us as we welcome to ETH the Estonian Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta. Joining her in a timely dialogue on digitalisation and AI governance will be our newly designated Vice President for Knowledge Transfer and Corporate Relations starting in January 2026, ETH Professor Effy Vayena. This conversation will be moderated by Chris Luebkeman.
Global Lecture Series: The Energy Transition in Practice
30 October 2025 – Join us for a dynamic conversation on the future of energy, where decades of technological leadership meet economics, environmental science, and policy analysis. Featuring guest speaker Bettina Bachmann in conversation with ETH climate and energy economics expert Lint Barrage, this conversation will be moderated by Chris Luebkeman.