Former NASA Director Thomas Zurbuchen Awarded Prix Suisse 2026

Former NASA science director Thomas Zurbuchen was honoured with the Prix Suisse 2026 during an award ceremony in Bern on Saturday. Federal Councillor Martin Pfister delivered the laudatory speech for the astrophysicist, who was born in the Bernese Oberland. The prize is awarded on an annual basis to recognise outstanding achievements by prominent personalities across the domains of science, business, culture, and sports.

According to a statement from ETH Zurich, the award acknowledges both Zurbuchen’s scientific career and his influence as a role model for a new generation of Swiss researchers. Zurbuchen returned to Switzerland in 2023 to accept an appointment as professor of space science and technology at ETH Zurich. In the same year, he assumed directorship of ETH Zurich Space, overseeing the university’s activities in space research and education.

Prior to his role in Zurich, Zurbuchen led the Science Mission Directorate at NASA from 2016 to 2022, managing numerous international scientific initiatives and space exploration programmes for the United States space agency. During his time at NASA, he also participated in public outreach events in Switzerland, including the "Bern im All" science festival in June 2019, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing.

Zurbuchen is now preparing to move from academic leadership back to the aerospace industry. His next career step involves joining the private American space company Blue Origin, concluding his active term as director of ETH Zurich Space.

Written by Thomas Nussbaumer thomas.nussbaumer@alpineweekly.com