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 (Download code-of-conduct (PDF, 479 KB)).
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 page TWIST – Towards more Women in Science & Technology, external page All 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 diversity@bsse.ethz.ch 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