Dr. Volker Gass

Professor

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Biography

Volker Gass completed his master's degree in Microtechnology at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne in 1989 and later earned a PhD in applied Micro-Systems Technologies from the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland in 1994. He began his career as a Project Manager at Mecanex SA, a Swiss high-tech company focused on aerospace mechanisms. He played a pivotal role in the management buyout of Mecanex SA in 1995, which was subsequently acquired by the Swiss Defense Technology group RUAG in 2000. At RUAG, he led customer relations and business development for the newly formed Systems & Space Division. In 2004, he was appointed a member of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences due to his contributions in high-technology space applications. Gass graduated from RUAG's Top Leadership Course in 2007 and served as General Manager of Sales & Marketing for the Space Division. Later, he became the Director of the Swiss Space Center at EPFL, which has been renamed to Space Innovation. He has also held a visiting professorship in system engineering at MIT. Throughout his career, he has focused on strengthening Switzerland's space capabilities and has actively involved himself in various space innovation projects.

Research Interests

Experience

Director, Strategic Initiatives

2022-04-01 — Present

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne • Lausanne, Switzerland

Appointed Director of Strategic Initiatives focusing on space innovation projects.

General Manager, Sales & Marketing

— 2011-10-01

RUAG Aerospace • Switzerland

Led the Sales & Marketing organization in the Space Division.

Adjunct Professor

2012-03-01 — Present

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne • Lausanne, Switzerland

Nominated Adjunct Professor at the School of Engineering.

Visiting Professor

2021-09-01 — Present

MIT AeroAstro • Cambridge, USA

Working with Professor Oli de Weck on System Engineering and New Space Economy.

Requirements for École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field Strong foundation in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability Proficiency in programming (Python, Java, or C++)
Application Checklist
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Copy of University Degree(s)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Copy of Passport or Identity Card
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Specialization Notes

Standard requirements for Engineering and Basic Science Master's programs. Architecture requires an additional portfolio.