Former NASA science chief Thomas Zurbuchen wins Prix Suisse

Former NASA science director Thomas Zurbuchen received the Prix Suisse 2026 in Bern on Saturday, SRF reported. The annual award recognises an outstanding figure in business, science, sport or culture.

Federal Councillor Martin Pfister delivered the tribute to Zurbuchen, who was born in the Bernese Oberland. In 2023, Zurbuchen took charge of ETH Zurich Space as a professor of space science and technology. He was NASA’s science director from 2016 to 2022 and is now moving to US aerospace company Blue Origin.

ETH Zurich said the award recognised both Zurbuchen’s scientific achievements and his role as an example for a new generation of Swiss researchers.