Dr Alexander Eigenbrod obtained his master’s degree in physics from the University of Lausanne, and continued his studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), where he received his doctorate in astrophysics in December 2008. He is the recipient of the EPFL Thesis Award 2010. His work has involved a number of international collaborations, notably with the European Southern Observatory who provided observational time on the Very Large Telescope. Dr. Eigenbrod currently holds a position in a Swiss bank.