Insights into research, academic programmes and university operations 2023
Highlights from research
Researchers identify the key to the natural production of plant pigments
How exactly flowers produce their colours has long been something of a mystery. A team of ZHAW researchers has now made a crucial discovery, making it possible to imitate this process and use it for industrial production.
Ready for the language technologies of tomorrow
Artificial intelligence and new language technologies are presenting schools with great challenges. Through its IUED@school programme, the ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics is facing concerns head-on.
A silver lining on the European horizon
Researchers at the ZHAW have been participating in the EU’s Research and Innovation Framework Programme Horizon Europe with remarkable success.
Debit cards are the preferred payment method in Switzerland
There are various forms to pay for a product or a service, be it cash, card or smartphone app. The Swiss Payment Monitor by the ZHAW has been examining the payment behaviour of Swiss people twice a year since 2018.
ZHAW researchers are contributing to a one-of-a-kind research facility
Researchers from the ZHAW School of Engineering and scientists from across Europe are building the world’s most powerful neutron source.
Digital learning materials enable individualised learning
The ZHAW School of Health Sciences has developed digital learning materials to support clinical assessment. Nursing and midwifery students can use the tools regardless of time and location.
Setting the stage for Swiss architects and designers
The research project SAFFA 1958, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), examines the second Swiss Exhibition for Women’s Work considering the history of architecture, urban planning and design.
Sports and playing are more popular than video games
The MIKE study conducted by the ZHAW and the Youth and Media Platform regularly records how children spend their free time and use media. The results show that non-media activities remain significant.
Using pictures to boost cooperation on climate change research
Several research groups at the ZHAW are working on issues related to climate change. The bottom-up ClimateChange@ZHAW initiative aims to bundle these efforts.
First-ever figures on hate crime in Switzerland
More than three out of 100 Swiss people have experienced crime motivated by prejudice. A new study sheds light on this type of crime in Switzerland for the first time.
Demonstrating the benefits of digitalisation in healthcare
The latest edition of the ZHAW’s Digital Health Report shows that to advance digitalisation in healthcare, people’s fears must first be allayed and user-friendliness needs to be improved.
First analysis of Swiss soils for the harmful PFAS chemicals
The ZHAW was involved in a soil analysis which revealed the widespread presence of PFAS. Sometimes referred to as forever chemicals, these harmful chemicals can have a negative effect on human health.
Digitalisation projects with partner universities and partner companies
Researchers from the ZHAW have been working on projects in the DIZH innovation programme with partner universities and partner companies since 2021. The first projects were successfully completed in 2023.
Highlights from academic programmes
Growing as an entrepreneurial university
Students, employees and external parties worked together to develop ideas for transforming the ZHAW into a leading entrepreneurial university.
The ZHAW is shaping the future of education
Practice-oriented education in the digital age not only entails teaching what’s relevant but also reshaping access to and recognition of education.
Five-year anniversary for the doctorate in health professions
Earning a PhD as a midwife or physiotherapist? Students of the ZHAW have been able to do this for five years now, thanks to a cooperation with the University of Zurich.
Launch of centre for quality assurance for Zurich’s daycare centres
In 2023, the ZHAW launched a centre for quality assurance for Zurich daycare centres. The centre offers a modular programme for continuing education and process support.
International workshops broaden students’ horizons
International Summer and Winter Schools run by the ZHAW make it possible to learn from and with one another. Some of the topics include health and social work and architecture.
Highlights from the campus
More space for the ZHAW in Winterthur
The ZHAW expects student numbers to continue to rise. This is why its Winterthur premises are to be expanded to Teuchelweiherplatz and the Lind area.
The ZHAW’s climate duel saved 2.5 tons of CO2 emissions
Employees and students at the ZHAW took part in a playful competition that reduced greenhouse gas emissions while raising awareness of climate issues.
globAL night prepares students for a semester abroad
A semester abroad comes with various challenges, many of which were addressed at the 2023 globAL night. The event was organised for the first time by students at the ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics.