Diversity & Inclusion

An important goal of NCCR SPIN is to advance diversity and inclusion. We want to create an inclusive environment in which we can harness the talents of all researchers. We recognize that discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexuality and age are real, systemic barriers and we are committed to exercising the fundamental right of equality within the NCCR SPIN framework.

For questions about NCCR SPIN and Diversity & Inclusion, please contact our Head of Equal Opportunities, Jelena Klinovaja.

Diversity & Inclusion News

  • INSPIRE Potentials – SPIN Master's Fellowship

    A challenging master research project is an important steppingstone on which to develop an ambitious research career. The INSPIRE Potentials – SPIN Master's Fellowships targets excellent female Master students pursuing a MSc degree at their home institution who would like to perform their Master's thesis research projects in one of the research groups of NCCR SPIN. The next Deadline for Applications is December 1, 2022.

  • Flexibility Grants: Pursue your career while raising a family

    The SNSF and NCCR SPIN Flexibility Grants are aimed at postdocs and doctoral students who must look after children at an important stage in their career.

    The SNSF Flexibility grant offers researchers two options to balance their professional and private lives: it can provide funding to help cover the external childcare costs charged to the researcher and/or to help finance the salary of a support person, allowing the grantee to reduce their work quota.

    The NCCR SPIN Flexibility grant provides financial help for cases not covered by the SNSF grant.

  • A researcher in my class: NCCR Women to schools

    The NCCRs unite to offer teachers the opportunity to invite one of their researchers to their classroom during the 2022/2023 school year. These women are working in fields ranging from engineering to linguistics, architecture, chemistry, robotics, neuroscience, quantum physics or microbiology.

  • #NCCRWomen Video Campaign

    To celebrate the 50th anniversary of women obtaining the right to vote in Switzerland, the National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) have joined forces and introduce you to some women working in Swiss research institutes. Follow the campaign on YouTube and Instagram and the hashtag #NCCRWomen and meet women who work in research in Switzerland.  

  • International Day of Women and Girls in Science

    February 11 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science: In 2021, five women and role models who work in the SPIN network tell you why they chose a career in science, what they love about their work, which obstacles women in science face to this day and which joint efforts of men and women alike are necessary for a future with equality in science.

Diversity programs across the NCCR SPIN Institutions

University of Basel

  • Promoting diverse careers at the University of Basel

    Whether you need mentoring, financial help to raise a familly while studying or help in the development of your academic career, many programs are available to support your career development at the University of Basel.

  • Family and work: Stay on Track

    The "stay on track" funding line is aimed at highly qualified postdocs and postdoctoral researchers in the first phase of motherhood.

  • Women in science: Antelope

    In this career program, highly qualified female postdoctoral fellows and excellent advanced female doctoral students from all faculties are supported in the systematic planning and development of their academic careers and prepared for future leadership and management tasks.

EPFL

  • Family and work-life balance

    EPFL offers a broad spectrum of solutions to facilitate working while being a parent. From childcare solutions to financial support, networking and work flexibility, take a look at the possibilities that are currently in place in your working environment.

  • Women in science

    EPFL is committed to increase the number of women that take up a science career by offering grants and networking opportunities.

  • Career development

    Check out mentoring, coaching and training workshops opportunities to help you develop your career and solve practical difficulties related to the organisation of academic life and your scientific career.

  • Projects related to inclusion

    EPFL initiated many projects to improve inclusivity and promote mutual respect within the university.

ETHZ

  • Scholarships, funding and awards for equal opportunities

    Find out which grant can help you in your career! ETHZ put up a page where all available grants related to equal opportunities available at the university are listed. They include scholarships, awards and funding for women and work-life balance.

  • Reconciling Family Life and Work/Studies

    ETH Zurich supports work/life balance by proposing grants, services and opportunities that can be found here.

  • Events on inclusivity

    ETHZ regularly fosters events on topics related to inclusivity, work-life balance, empowerment and career development. You can stay updated on upcoming events by subscribing to their Linkedin channel.

  • Pre-application Assistance program

    The Pre-Application Assistance Program (PAAP) is a student-led initiative designed for underrepresented groups that aims to increase diversity in incoming cohorts of graduate students. Apply to PAAP and a current (or recent) graduate of one of ETH Zurich's MSc programs will provide feedback on your application materials.

IBM Research Zurich

  • An inclusive work environment

    IBM Zurich is committed to make their work environment inclusive. Read more about their Diversity and Inclusion policies.