Equality and Diversity
"We support students and employees in issues around diversity and promote gender equality and women in leadership positions at the SoE."
Dr. Joanna Weng, Lecturer and Diversity Officer, ZHAW School of Engineering
We value diversity among our students and we promote gender equality.
We strongly believe that diversity is a prerequisite for the success and innovative power of a company. We therefore strive to treat all our students and employees equally and fairly, regardless of gender, age, disability, origin, religion, or sexual orientation.
Gender Equality
We advocate for gender equality and for a better balance of studying, work, and family responsibilities. A member of Advance – Gender Equality in Business, we support continuing education for women and are committed to equal opportunities and equal pay. One of our goals is equal representation of women among lecturers, research associates and in leading positions. Employees benefit from our various mentoring programmes for women. Moreover, we are part of the Swiss TecLadies network and offer programmes for girls with an interest in tech in the framework of our promotion of young talent in STEM scheme.
“The School of Engineering supports young employees regardless of their gender. I had barely completed my first day at work when I was offered a place in the “Women in Leading Positions” mentoring programme.”
Dr. Michaela Nusser, Lecturer and Team Leader, Institute of Mechanical Systems
“I consider the diverse cultural and specialist backgrounds to be a great asset for my work. The thematic discourse between employees takes place without reservation and in a climate of mutual appreciation.”
Professor Dr. Maike Scherrer, Lecturer and Head of Research Area, Institute of Sustainable Development
“International teams are the rule in our research projects. Everybody involved benefits from their peers’ wealth of knowledge and learns to interact with other cultures.”
Professor Dr. Marc Rennhard, Head of Department Information Technology, Electrical Engineering and Mechatronics
Origin and Language
We consider cultural diversity to be an asset. Our workforce encompasses employees from some fifty nations collaborating in research and academic programmes as well as in support roles and academic affairs units.
Generations
We greatly value working together in mixed-age teams, where those involved bring in a diverse set of knowledge and experience. We support employees regardless of age and offer them numerous opportunities to participate in continuing education programmes. Good working conditions, flexitime and an institutional health management are all tailored to the needs of diverse generations.
“As a physicist and data scientist, I have always worked in a male-dominated environment. Even though there are women in all positions and roles today, there is still a lot to do. I do hope that, when their time comes, my children will be able to choose a career free of bias and regardless of gender.”
and regardless of gender.” Dr. Lilach Goren Huber, Research Associate, Institute of Data Analysis and Process Design
“I strongly benefit from the experience and the environment of the Institute of Mechatronic Systems. My supervisors assign tasks based on our specialist skills and knowledge. I never got the impression that male and female researchers are treated differently.”
Maryam Rezayati, Research Associate and PhD student, Institute of Mechatronic Systems
Accessibility
We promote the equality of opportunity for people with special needs. As a “barrier-free” university, we are committed to removing obstacles that may prevent access to specific study programmes or professional careers.
