Thomas Zurbuchen

Thomas Hansueli Zurbuchen (born 1968) is a Swiss-American astrophysicist. From October 2016 until the end of 2022, he was the longest continually running Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA. Prior to this, he was Professor of Space Science and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan, where he helped found the Center for Entrepreneurship.

Currently, Thomas Zurbuchen is a full professor at ETH Zürich where he leads the ETH Zürich | Space initiative He also does advisory engagements and keynote speaking.

In 2021 an asteroid was named after Zurbuchen.

Personal life and education Zurbuchen was born and grew up in Switzerland as the child of a Free Church preacher. He attended both high school and university against the wishes of his parents.

Career

Zurbuchen moved to the United States two weeks after completing his PhD. He joined the University of Michigan as a research associate, and was made professor in 2008. His scientific research focuses on solar and heliospheric physics, experimental space research, and space systems; he is also well known for his personal work on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Zurbuchen served as team leader for the development of one of the scientific instruments aboard NASA's Messenger spacecraft to Mercury, the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer. He chaired the National Academy of Sciences committee that produced a report in 2016 on Cubesats.

From October 2016 the Knowledge Project, (German) Chefgespräch, and (German) Alles Gesagt.

As of January 2023, Zurbuchen works as an international speaker. Since August 2023, Zurbuchen is director of ETH Zurich Space and holds a full professorship there. Schindler Group, Member of the Board of Directors (since 2024) Voyager Space, Member of the advisory board (since 2024) McKinley Apartments, Member of the Board of Directors

Awards 1996-1997: Swiss National Science Foundation's Young Researcher Award 2001: Research Scientist Excellence Award, University of Michigan, College of Engineering 2004: National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Presidential Early Career for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Award 2005: University of Michigan College of Engineering 2005 Service Excellence Award 2018: Heinrich-Greinacher-Prize of the University of Bern 2020: von Kármán Lecture in Astronautics Award AIAA 2020: NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal 2021: US Presidential Rank Award 2021: Honorary doctorate degree (Dr. of Science) of Northern Michigan University. 2022: NASA Distinguished Service Medal 2022: Space Transport Association Leadership Award 2022: Member of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) 2022: Wernher von Braun Distinguished Science Award. 2022: Honorary doctorate degree (Dr. h. c.) of the ETH Zurich 2023: Innovator of the Year, Wirtschaftswoche 2023: Honorary doctorate degree (Doctorate of Science) of Rochester Institute of Technology 2023: Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) 2023: Excellence in international cooperation award, International Astronautical Federation 2023: Honorary doctorate degree (Dr. of Science) of University of Michigan 2024: Aerosuisse Award 2024: Nelson W. Spencer Lecturer Award 2025: von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) 2025: Stratton Prize for outstanding career achievements in fostering intercultural understanding between Switzerland and the United States 2026: AIAA Public Service Award 2026: Prix Suisse 2026 laureate, for exceptional contributions to Switzerland

Popular culture Zurbuchen is referenced in the King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard song The Last Oasis.