D-BAUG - Departement Bau, Umwelt und Geomatik - ETH Zürich

Doctoral studies
every cloud has a silver lining and, slowly but surely, my
research progressed. After about two years of research
work, a small light finally appeared at the end of the tunnel
encircling my PhD studies: the motivation to complete
my studies and prepare my dissertation. During the
entire period, the Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry
provided me with an excellent environment to
conduct my research work, not only in terms of its infrastructure,
but also thanks to the scientific competence
of the professors and staff working at the Institute.
In those four years spent at the Institute, I learned to experience
and appreciate scientific exchange between research
groups in an international environment. The
various seminars, conferences and congresses were welcome
highlights in the everyday life of a scientist. Besides
being exposed to new thinking and perception
processes, I also got to know new cultures by participating
at conferences in Graz, Vilnius, Fulda and Tallinn. I
especially remember the ISPRS Congress (ISPRS – International
Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing)
in Peking which took place in summer 2008 shortly
Fig. 4: Research project surveying in an extraordinary setting on the Jungfraujoch (2007).
20 ▪ D-BAUG Annual Report 2009
before the Olympic Games. Naturally, the Olympic spirit penetrated
the scientific lectures and reflected itself in both
the content and the diverse levels of the contributions.
In autumn 2008, I concluded my PhD studies by handing
in my dissertation, the defence of which was my last official
exam at ETH Zurich. I had to, or rather could, present
my results obtained over a research period of four years
to a large audience. Primarily, I had to defend my results
by answering the assessors’ critical questions and presenting
convincing counter-arguments.
In retrospect, and considering the experience I gained at
work immediately after my doctorate, I would definitely
register again for PhD studies. The scientific and cultural
diversity, the collegiality and the optimal research environment
are, in my opinion, unique at ETH Zurich. My
motto, “Never again study – work, here I come!”, is certainly
part of history, and I am more convinced than ever
that taking up PhD studies at ETH Zurich provides optimal
qualifications for life and work.