Leadership Lab - Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, President, EPFL

In this episode of the Leadership Lab series, Susanna Kempe, CEO of the Laidlaw Foundation, speaks with Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, President of EPFL, about global citizenship, authentic leadership, and the courage it takes to make decisions for the common good. As the first woman to lead EPFL, Fontcuberta i Morral brings clarity and warmth to the conversation. A materials scientist and former entrepreneur, she has served on national research bodies and policy commissions, experiences she credits with sharpening her ability to connect science, society, and impact. At EPFL she champions gender parity and mentorship through initiatives like the Wish Foundation, while encouraging scholars to embrace languages, cultures, and collaboration as core leadership tools. Reflecting on courageous leadership, Fontcuberta i Morral shares, “The best decisions come when I remove myself from the equation and act for the common good.” She speaks candidly about naming injustice, accepting personal cost when necessary, and holding high standards with real encouragement so that people can do their best work. This conversation explores practical ways to build inclusive teams, communicate science in approachable ways, and weave ethics into everyday learning. It looks ahead to the challenges scholars will face from climate extremes to material scarcity and invites them to dare more, jump into the cold water, and keep an optimistic spirit grounded in shared values and interdisciplinary collaboration. ——————— 00:21 We talk a lot with our Scholars about leadership being a journey, not a destination. Where did it all begin for you? 01:23 You’ve lived in many different countries. How have those diverse cultural experiences shaped your approach to leadership? 02:17 What were the biggest cultural disconnects or learnings you've had, particularly in positions of leadership? 06:20 What advice would you give Laidlaw Scholars who are travelling to a new country and immersing themselves in a different culture for the first time? 08:10 Can you tell us more about the Wish Foundation you founded? 10:02 What do you think are some of the most effective strategies for encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM? 12:15 People say you are an amazing mentor. How do you balance clearly communicating your high standards and, at the same time, being very encouraging? 13:30 How would you describe your leadership style? 14:28 Which traits do you think are important for being a successful leader? 15:25 This year's Laidlaw Scholars Conference theme is 'Brave', and what it means to be a courageous leader. What does courageous leadership mean to you? 19:30 What advice would you give to our Laidlaw Scholars when it comes to facing their fears? 20:51 Do you think public trust in science and scientists has declined in recent years? 22:52 How can we make sciences more approachable and accessible to the public? 23:40 You serve on several committees. What have you learned from those experiences, and how did you come to be involved in them? 26:19 As AI evolves so rapidly, how can we ensure that ethical frameworks keep pace? 28:00 Do you believe ethics should be integrated into every academic discipline? 28:36 From a research perspective, how do shifts in political priorities affect your work? 31:43 What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing our Scholars over the next 20 years? 32:53 You are the first female President of EPFL in 169 years, how does that feel? 34:30 Universities around the world are facing funding pressures and being asked to do more with less. How is that challenge affecting EPFL? 36:01 Why is it so important for different disciplines to work together? 36:58 What advice would you give to your younger self? 37:35 What would you like to ask our next guest?