Diversity – core issue for all Swiss universities
Diversity plays a crucial role in enhancing excellence within Swiss research and teaching. Promoting equal opportunities and embracing diversity in all its forms is a core issue for all Swiss universities. This commitment is reflected across teaching, research, and institutional structures, with universities actively working to ensure equality in all areas. To achieve this, they implement a range of initiatives, integrated into comprehensive Action Plans and strategies focused on gender and diversity, to drive structural transformation.
Programmes are coordinated by swissuniversities
Since 2000, Switzerland has run programmes aimed at promoting gender equality in higher education, which have expanded over time to address broader issues of inclusion. These efforts are now coordinated by the Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities swissuniversities. The programmes support individual institutions in advancing diversity across multiple dimensions - such as socio-economic status, cultural background, age, and disabilities - fostering a more inclusive academic environment.
Specific information for incoming researchers
- about initiatives and offers supporting diversity and gender equality can be found on the websites of the individual universities.
- Universities also offer targeted services for dual career couples with their dual career services.
- An overview of funding instruments and supplementary measures introduced by the Swiss National Science Foundation and aiming to achieve gender equality can be found here.
- Information for students with disabilities is available on the website www.swissuniability.ch.