Student Projects

ETH Zurich uses SiROP to publish and search scientific projects. For more information visit sirop.org.

Identifying the causes of patellar instability

Patello-femoral joint (PFJ) instability is one of the most common knee problems in children and adolescents. In this project in collaboration with the University Children’s Hospital Basel, we aim to uncover the key factors contributing to PFJ instability and validate joint kinematics using a dynamic fluoroscope system.

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Patello-femoral joint instability, knee pain, joint kinematics, dynamic fluoroscope system

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Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-05-06 , Earliest start: 2026-05-01 , Latest end: 2026-12-31

Applications limited to ETH Zurich , University of Zurich , University of Fribourg , University of Geneva , University of Berne , Berner Fachhochschule , Zurich University of Applied Sciences , University of Basel , University of St. Gallen , University of Lucerne , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Université de Neuchâtel , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen , Ludwig Maximilians Universiy Munich , Max Planck Society , Technische Universität München , Technische Universität Hamburg , RWTH Aachen University , TU Dresden , TU Berlin , TU Darmstadt , Ulm University , University of Cologne , University of Hamburg , University of Konstanz , University of Erlangen-Nuremberg , Universtity of Bayreuth , Imperial College London , UCL - University College London , University of Cambridge , University of Aberdeen , National Institute for Medical Research , University of Manchester , University of Leeds , University of Nottingham , University of Oxford , Delft University of Technology , Maastricht Science Programme , Radboud University Nijmegen , CNRS - Centre national de la recherche scientifique , Harvard , IDEA League , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Politecnico di Milano , Princeton University , Stanford University , Technical University of Denmark , The Australian National University , The University of Edinburgh , University of Copenhagen , University of Toronto , University of Queensland , The University of Melbourne , Yale University , Uppsala Universitet , University College Dublin , Université de Strasbourg

Organization Neuromuscular Biomechanics

Hosts Gwerder Michelle

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Personalised musculoskeletal modelling for clinical decision making

This project aims to improve the accuracy of gait analysis–based surgical decision-making by integrating biplane X-ray data with motion capture to reduce errors from marker placement and bone deformities. It focuses on developing personalized musculoskeletal models and validating knee calibration methods, using clinical data and potentially advancing automated marker detection tools.

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Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-05-06 , Earliest start: 2026-05-03 , Latest end: 2027-08-31

Applications limited to ETH Zurich , University of Basel

Organization Taylor Group / Dual-Plane Fluoroscope

Hosts Gwerder Michelle

Topics Medical and Health Sciences

Unraveling the Link Between Meniscal Extrusion and Tibiofemoral Contact Stability: A Multi-Parametric Analysis of Dynamic Trajectories and Cumulative Compressive Burden

Meniscal extrusion is a critical precursor to knee osteoarthritis, yet its specific impact on dynamic contact stability remains poorly understood. This project utilizes high-precision dual-fluoroscopy to investigate the correlation between meniscal lateral displacement and tibial compartment contact mechanics. We propose a comprehensive evaluation framework combining kinematic stability metrics (e.g., Excursion, Instantaneous Jitter, Convex Hull Area) with a novel Cumulative Compressive Deformation (CCD) index. By quantifying how meniscal failure exacerbates contact wandering and cumulative stress, this study aims to identify early biomechanical markers of cartilage degeneration.

Keywords

Meniscal Extrusion; Contact Stability; Cumulative Compressive Deformation (CCD); Dual-Fluoroscopy; Osteoarthritis.

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-05-05 , Earliest start: 2026-03-05 , Latest end: 2026-09-30

Organization Knee Joint Articular Contact Kinematics

Hosts Jiang Ziang

Topics Medical and Health Sciences

Biomechanical Efficacy of Orthotic Footwear Interventions in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Multi-Modal Analysis of Static Loading and Dynamic Contact Mechanics

This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of three footwear conditions, including Control, Lateral Wedge Insoles (LWI), and Variable Stiffness Shoes (VSS), on the medial tibiofemoral compartment. By integrating high-speed dual-fluoroscopy with force plate kinetics, we analyze joint mechanics across static (unloaded vs. loaded) and dynamic states (gait cycle). Specifically, we investigate whether reductions in the external Knee Adduction Moment (KAM) at 1st and 2nd peaks translate into tangible improvements in internal contact patterns, such as medial Joint Space Width (JSW) recovery and contact location shifts. This project aims to cross-validate kinetic surrogates with in vivo kinematic ground truth to determine the optimal intervention strategy.

Keywords

Knee Osteoarthritis; Conservative Treatment; Kinetics; Dual-Fluoroscopy; Joint Space Width (JSW); Contact Location.

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-05-05 , Earliest start: 2026-03-05 , Latest end: 2026-09-30

Organization Knee Joint Articular Contact Kinematics

Hosts Jiang Ziang

Topics Medical and Health Sciences

Generation of decellularized extracellular matrix derived from adipose tissue

In this project, the student will utilize tissue engineering and biomaterials techniques to generate and characterize decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) derived from adipose tissue. Our lab is interested in developing biologically relevant hydrogel systems that recapitulate native tissue microenvironments for use in 3D tissue models.

Keywords

tissue engineering, decellularized extracellular matrix, hydrogel

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2026-04-29 , Earliest start: 2026-06-01 , Latest end: 2027-01-01

Organization Maerz Laboratory / Musculoskeletal Bioengineering

Hosts Bevc Kajetana

Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology

Spatial Proteomics of Mechanically-Driven Bone Healing

Bone healing is profoundly influenced by its mechanical environment. Advances in spatial proteomics now allow us to map protein expression within intact tissue and directly relate it to local biomechanical cues. The Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics is developing a new line of research within spatial mechanomics (DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp8496), integrating spatially resolved proteomic data with in silico models of the mechanical environment at fracture sites. This approach enables us to investigate, at cellular resolution, how mechanical forces shape protein-level signalling during bone repair.

Keywords

Bone, Mechanobiology, Spatial Proteomics, Protein Expression, Aging, Sex Differences, Mechanical Loading, Finite Element Modelling, Image Analysis

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-04-28 , Earliest start: 2025-12-01 , Latest end: 2026-12-31

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Mathavan Neashan

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology

From Skin to Bone: Validating a Skin-Marker Based 6DOF Knee Motion Capture Pipeline Using Biplanar Video-Radiography

Skin marker-based motion capture is widely used to measure knee kinematics during gait, but soft-tissue artefacts limit its accuracy. This project validates MiKneeSoTA, a pipeline minimising these artefacts, against ground-truth bone motion from dynamic biplanar video-radiography. The REFRAME approach is additionally implemented to reconcile the two systems' reference frames. Together, these steps assess the viability of a fully marker-based 6DOF tibiofemoral kinematics pipeline.

Keywords

gait analysis; joint kinematics, knee; motion capture

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-04-20 , Earliest start: 2026-05-18

Organization Clinical Movement Biomechanics

Hosts Ortigas Vasquez Ariana

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Biomechanical Investigation of a Self-Lubricating Hip Prosthesis in the Presence of an Articulating Femoral Head

Current joint replacements cannot replicate the natural weeping lubrication mechanism found in cartilage, resulting in a typical implant lifespan of about 15–20 years due to friction and wear, often leading to revision surgery, particularly in younger patients. Inspired by the load-induced self-pressurization behavior of articular cartilage, we aim to design and develop a novel self-lubricating hip prosthesis that mimics this physiological lubrication mechanism. We have developed a self-lubricating hip prosthesis model in COMSOL Multiphysics that integrates three coupled multiphysics phenomena: Fluid–Structure Interaction, Free and Porous Media Flow, and Poroelasticity. In this semester project, the computational model will be extended by incorporating the femoral head to represent the physiological articulating joint configuration more realistically. The study will investigate how the presence of the femoral head influences fluid pressure distribution, fluid transport, and lubrication behavior within the prosthesis under physiological loading conditions. In addition, the effect of the non-Newtonian rheological behavior of synovial fluid on the lubrication response of the system will be examined. Students with a background in mechanical engineering, particularly in fluid dynamics, are encouraged to apply. Prior experience with COMSOL Multiphysics is beneficial but not mandatory.

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Semester Project

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Published since: 2026-04-09 , Earliest start: 2026-05-01 , Latest end: 2026-08-01

Organization Musculoskeletal Biomechanics

Hosts Mosayebi Mahdieh

Topics Engineering and Technology

NAD+ metabolism in fibroblast inflammation and fibrosis

This project is focused on the metabolic changes in synovial fibroblasts during the development of inflammation and fibrosis during osteoarthritis.

Keywords

NAD, osteoarthritis, fibroblast, cell culture, molecular biology

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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2026-03-18 , Earliest start: 2026-05-01 , Latest end: 2027-05-31

Organization Maerz Laboratory / Musculoskeletal Bioengineering

Hosts DeJulius Carlisle

Topics Biology

Biomechanical Investigation into the Loading-Response Mechanisms and Factors Underlying Non-Response to Variable Stiffness Shoes in Knee Osteoarthritis

Lateral Wedge Insoles (LWI) are a common intervention for medial Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) but suffer from a high non-response rate (25-50%) and potential ankle instability risks. Variable Stiffness Shoes (VSS) offer a novel approach by inducing dynamic Center of Pressure (COP) shifts via gradient sole modulus. However, the internal joint mechanisms determining patient responsiveness to VSS remain unclear. This study utilizes high-precision dual-fluoroscopy combined with motion capture to investigate the root causes of "non-response," hypothesizing that subtalar joint stiffness and Foot Progression Angle (FPA) mismatch are critical limiting factors. We aim to quantify the dynamic minimum Joint Space Width (mJSW) recovery and compare the ankle safety profile of VSS against LWI, providing a theoretical basis for personalized orthotic design.

Keywords

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA); Variable Stiffness Shoes (VSS); Lateral Wedge Insole (LWI); Non-responder; Subtalar Joint Stiffness; Dual-Fluoroscopy; Dynamic Joint Space Width (mJSW); Foot Progression Angle (FPA); Ankle Stability.

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-03-05 , Earliest start: 2026-03-05 , Latest end: 2026-09-30

Organization Knee Joint Articular Contact Kinematics

Hosts Jiang Ziang

Topics Medical and Health Sciences

Praktikum in Sport & Exercise Biomechanics (OYM, Cham)

Im Bereich Sport & Exercise Biomechanics suchen wir Unterstützung bei der Durchführung und Auswertung von wissenschaftlichen Messungen im Bewegungsanaly-selabor (Motion Capture und Kraftmessplatten).

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Published since: 2026-02-27 , Earliest start: 2026-04-01 , Latest end: 2026-12-31

Organization Taylor Group / Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics

Hosts Zemp Roland, Dr.

Topics Medical and Health Sciences

Investigating trabecularization in response to intermittent parathyroid hormone therapy and mechanical loading during postmenopausal osteoporosis

The student project will investigate the bone response to intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) therapy after estrogen depletion with a specific focus on its capacity to induce trabecularization. The quantitative analysis of experimental in vivo micro-computed tomography scans will lead to new insights into the mechanisms of trabecularization and to define the contribution of mechanical stimulation in this process. The results are expected to advance mechanistic understanding of anabolic PTH therapy and inform the development of future patient-specific treatment strategies.

Keywords

Osteoporosis, parathyroid hormone therapy, mechanical loading, trabecular bone, python programming, R statistical evaluation

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-02-24 , Earliest start: 2026-06-01 , Latest end: 2027-03-31

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Schulte Friederike

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Automation and optimization of a melt electrowriting sytem for layered osteochondral scaffold fabrication

We are looking for a motivated master’s student to work on the automation and optimization of a melt electrowriting (MEW) system, with the aim of enabling the reproducible fabrication of layered scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering. The project combines machine-level development with biofabrication and scaffold design, focusing on improving process control and extending MEW toward mechanically integrated cartilage–bone constructs.

Keywords

Melt electrowriting (MEW) ; Biofabrication ; Osteochondral Scaffolds; Articular Cartilage; Subchondral Bone; Additive Manufacturing; Tissue Engineering; Scaffold Design

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2026-02-13 , Earliest start: 2026-02-23 , Latest end: 2026-08-28

Organization Tissue Mechanobiology

Hosts Amicone Alessio , Pizorn Jaka

Topics Engineering and Technology

How Sensory Neurons Shape Joint Function and Pain

Joint disorders and joint pain affect millions of people across all ages, yet the neuronal mechanisms that link joint mechanics to dysfunction and pain remain poorly understood. In this project, the student will explore how sensory neurons detect mechanical forces in musculoskeletal tissues and how altered sensing contributes to joint pathology and pain. The project integrates in vivo imaging, mouse genetics, and molecular profiling to study sensory neuron function during mechanical stimulation and disease. Working at the interface of neuroscience and biomechanics, the student will contribute to uncovering fundamental principles of joint somatosensation. This project is ideal for motivated students interested in sensory neuroscience, mechanobiology, and joint disorders, and offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge experimental approaches, merging biomechanics and neuroscience.

Keywords

Sensory neurons, Joint pain, Mechanosensation, In vivo imaging, Mouse genetics, Neuroscience, Biomechanics

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-01-27 , Earliest start: 2026-01-01 , Latest end: 2026-11-01

Organization Snedeker Group / Laboratory for Orthopaedic Biomechanics

Hosts Passini Fabian

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Design and Development of a Bioelectronic Sensing Platform for Living Systems

This master’s thesis addresses the design and development of a bioelectronic sensing platform for the monitoring of three-dimensional biological constructs. The work focuses on electrical interfaces and hardware architectures to achieve stable, reproducible measurements in engineered tissue systems over extended periods.

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Bioelectronics, multi-electrode systems, engineered tissues, monitoring dynamics, experimental bioengineering

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Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-01-26 , Earliest start: 2026-02-16 , Latest end: 2026-11-30

Applications limited to EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , ETH Zurich

Organization Qin Group / Biomaterials Engineering

Hosts Agrawal Prajwal

Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Exploring the Mechanoregulation of Bone Regeneration

In over 100 years, the remarkable ability of bone to adapt to its mechanical environment has been a source of scientific fascination. Bone regeneration has been shown to be highly dependent on the mechanical environment at the fracture site. It has been demonstrated that mechanical stimuli can either accelerate or impede regeneration. Despite the fundamental importance of the mechanical environment in influencing bone regeneration, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are complex and poorly understood.

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Bone, Mechanobiology, Spatial transcriptomics, Gene expression, Finite element modelling, Image processing

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2026-01-19 , Earliest start: 2026-01-19 , Latest end: 2026-08-31

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Mathavan Neashan

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

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