Dr. Andreas Rigling

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Andreas Rigling is an Adjunct Professor at ETH Zurich specializing in Forest Growth and Global Change. He has a substantial background in dendroecology, having earned his Ph.D. from the University of Basel following an apprenticeship in forestry. Rigling has spent 29 years at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, where he led the research unit focused on Forest Dynamics and served on the institute's board of directors for 13 years. In 2022, he transitioned to ETH Zurich, where his research centers on the resilience of forest ecosystems in the face of climate change, the impacts of biotic and abiotic stressors, natural disturbances, and the legacy effects of past land use on contemporary forests. He is committed to developing integrated forest management practices that balance multiple ecosystem services and promote biodiversity, showcasing his dedication to the sustainability and health of forest environments.

Research Interests

Forest Ecosystems Climate Change Resilience Biotic and Abiotic Stressors Natural Disturbances Integrated Forest Management Biodiversity Promotion

Experience

Adjunct Professor

2022-01-01 — Present

ETH Zurich • Zürich, Switzerland

Leading research group on Forest Growth and Global Change.

Adjunct Professor

2016-01-01 — 2022-01-01

ETH Zurich • Zürich, Switzerland

Focused on Forest Dynamics.

Member Board of Directors

2009-01-01 — 2022-01-01

Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL • Zürich, Switzerland

Oversaw strategic direction and governance.

Head Research Unit Forest Dynamics

2006-01-01 — 2022-01-01

Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL • Zürich, Switzerland

Directed research initiatives related to forest dynamics.

Project Leader

2000-01-01 — 2006-01-01

Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL • Zürich, Switzerland

Managed project on tree-forest-climate interactions.

Scientist

1993-01-01 — 2000-01-01

Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL • Zürich, Switzerland

Conducted soil monitoring research.

Awards

#

Mercator Fellow

2025-01-01
#

Scientific Image Competition Distinction

2020-01-01
#

td-Award

2013-01-01
#

Honorary Professor

2011-01-01
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ETH Medal

1993-01-01

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.