Paola Passalacqua (*1977) is currently Full Professor at the University of Texas, Austin, USA. She was appointed Full Professor of Hydrology and River Systems Science by the ETH Board. The professorship is based at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH, but is also shared by Eawag (joint professorship). Paola Passalacqua's research lies at the interface between water management, geomorphology and hydrology. Her work covers four main areas: the structure and dynamics of river deltas, hydrological connectivity, flood risks and their increasing repercussions. She is committed to modern and research-orientated teaching. With the appointment of Paola Passalacqua, D-Baug, together with Eawag, is opening a new chapter in the field of hydrology and river system science, which is becoming increasingly important with climate change. According to Eawag Director Martin Ackermann, the plan is to build up a research group at Eawag around Paola Passalacqua and at the same time utilise synergies with other research, teaching and practice areas.