Equality and Diversity
The ETH-Department of Biosystems Science is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunities and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity. This is in line with ETH Zurich’s guiding principles for diversity and equality, which emphasize that a collection of students and staff members of different ages, genders, cultures, or religions adds remarkable value to the sum of all individuals. D-BSSE is committed to follow ETH Zurich’s guidelines for best practices in achieving an environment of mutual respect (code-of-conduct).
Diversity is an omnipresent and valued feature at D-BSSE. An anonymous poll conducted in fall 2021 by the Scientific Staff Association VMB confirms the presence of a wide spread of nationalities, languages, cultures and religions at the department.
Diversity & community building
Activities specifically organized to facilitate community building and networking across all levels and groups at the D-BSSE and with relevant institutions, and to sensibilize members of the department for diversity and inclusion include:
- events organised by the department leadership such as biannual retreats, Townhalls and Digital Campus events but also the D-BSSE 2030 initiative and cultural discussions in 2021 welcoming all members of the department and often including a socializing aspect;
- annual PhD days;
- German classes, the welcome guide for onboarding staff members and students, weekend trips, afternoon pints etc. organised by the different D-BSSE initiatives;
- interinstitutional leisure events such as the annual science football tournament etc. – just to name a few.
Gender equality
In line with the Gender Action Plan of ETH Zurich, D-BSSE promotes equal opportunities in research and teaching, the prevention of sexual harassment and discrimination and proper life/work balance. Activities specifically addressing equality as well as wellbeing at the department include:
- career events organised by the department (such as Bio*graphy Breakfast) and D-BSSE initiatives (e.g. D-BSSE meets industry, the Biotech Alumni group, external pageTWIST – Towards more Women in Science & Technology, external pageAll Institutes Career Events);
- establishment of points-of-contacts and procedures in case of conflicts, discrimination, feelings of unease etc. – both on the level of department leadership and on the level of Scientific Staff Association VMB (Persons of Trust);
- information events ‘with family at ETH Zurich’ and maintenance of a family room; livestreams of ‘health seminars’ offered to ETH members etc. – just to name a few.
Welcoming ideas and new activities
If you have ideas as to what needs our attention or improvement, or if you would like to get involved, please use our email or contact directly one of the members of the D-BSSE Equality and Diversity Working Group (in alphabetical order):
- Bethany Allen
- Carolin Arndt
- Adrian Bunzel
- Andrea Huber Brösamle
- Petra Dittrich
- Aurelia Galliot
- Johanna Haffner
- Tanja Stadler
- Roman Vetter