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Only a few pure elements present a stable magnetization at room temperature (Fe, Co, Ni). Most metals, however, are nonmagnetic. Yet, it is still possible to induce a finite magnetization in otherwise nonmagnetic metals by virtue of a rather exotic phenomenon called the "spin Hall effect". A team of the Magnetism and Interfaces group has succeeded to directly measure the current-induced spin accumulation in bare Pt and W conductors using a very sensitive Kerr effect microscope.

Emeritus Professor Ulrich W. Suter was conferred the Honorary Citizen Award of Singapore by the President of Singapore, Mr Tony Tan, for his contributions to developing Singapore into a vibrant research and development hub.

Researchers from the Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials (Prof. Eric Dufresne) have directly measured how solid surface tension varies with applied strain on soft solids.

Fifty students from ETH Zurich and other Swiss universities want to revolutionise transport. For a race set up by Elon Musk, they have developed a zero emission capsule that could in future transport people and goods through a vacuum tube at almost the speed of sound. Kaj Pletscher, Student of Materials Sciences, is member and COO of the Swissloop society.

Switzerland is the U23 world champion in the lightweight quadruple sculls. Matthias Fernandez, a student of Materials Sciences, is a member of the winning team. Congratulations!