How ETH Zurich plans to develop

Since ETH Zurich was founded, its mission has been to serve society. The university fulfils this mission by educating the next generation of critical and creative thinkers and engaged citizens. However, it also creates knowledge and develops new technologies to meet global challenges. In doing so, it works closely with partners from science, business and society – in Switzerland and around the world.

Priorities and strategic focus areas

But what does that mean on an everyday basis? Where does the university plan to set its priorities over the coming years? And what specific objectives will it pursue? Answers to these questions can be found in the recently published Institutional Priorities 2025–2036 and the Development Plan 2025–2028.

Orientated towards the longer term, the Institutional Priorities are intended to provide direction within ETH Zurich and in particular to act as a valuable guide for decision-makers (see article Where should our university be headed?).

The Development Plan is geared towards the period of the federal education, research and innovation policy (ERI period). Based on the university’s value creation model, the plan sets out concrete aims and measures for ETH Zurich’s core activities – teaching, research, knowledge transfer and dialogue with the community – and the factors underlying its success. It therefore serves as the basis for the formal agreement on objectives between ETH Zurich and the ETH Board.

Enhancing learning experiences, deepening dialogue

In the area of teaching, the aim is to enhance the learning experience for students despite rising student numbers. Teaching activities at ETH Zurich are to be overhauled. The examination system and the academic calendar will be simplified, and the workload will be more balanced for everyone involved. In all of these endeavours, ETH Zurich is committed to using state-of-the-art technical solutions and greater digitalisation. Interdisciplinary skills will also be further promoted, including through project-based learning.

ETH Zurich wants to continue offering an excellent environment for researchers. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, such as the building for quantum physics, ETH Zurich wants to assert its leading role in fundamental and applied science. The topic-based Technology Platforms, Centres and Initiatives are to be optimised, and their profiles are to be sharpened. Particular efforts will be made to promote the thematic areas of Environment & Resources, Health & Wellbeing and Responsible Digital Transformations. Open Science and ethical research practices will be reinforced.

With regard to knowledge and technology transfer, the university is keen to create an environment that facilitates collaboration with companies, public bodies and non-profit organisations. ETH Zurich wants to deepen dialogue with the public, its alumni, political decision-makers, authorities, industry and science, and it wants to play an active role at the interface between science and politics. The university will maintain and expand its global network.

Employees are the key to success

In addition to the core activities, the Development Plan addresses key factors in ETH Zurich’s success. First and foremost are its employees – including both the scientists and the technical/administrative personnel. Great importance is attached to the recruitment and development of staff, and first-class infrastructure is identified as a key factor in the university’s success in attracting and retaining leading researchers and talent.

This success is also underpinned by academic autonomy, comprehensive participation rights, and governance based on a strong sense of responsibility. The culture of mutual support, trust and responsibility is to be further reinforced.

Lastly, the university also sees its strong local, national and international networking with diverse interest groups, as well as its campus locations in Switzerland and abroad, as key factors in its success.

Sustainability remains a central issue that is relevant to all areas by virtue of the “ETH Net Zero” programme.