November 2024

What has been happening at Empa in the area of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?

The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping - an ideal opportunity for reflection, reading and attending events. In this issue, we have exciting updates on our programmes at Empa as well as external events and news on diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion. There's something for everyone! Enjoy reading!

Survey on our Newsletter for Equity:

We want to give our newsletter a new form and adapt the content more to your interests. That's why we need your help. The results of this survey will help us to make the newsletter even more relevant and appealing in the future.

You can find the link to the survey here: https://findmind.ch/c/FfGd-4oZ9

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Empas contribution to ‘World Mental Health Day’ on 10 October 2024

World Mental Health Day took place on 10 October. It reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health. To mark the occasion, we wrote a post on the intranet and on social media with tips on strengthening mental health in the workplace.
 

Remember: If you have any questions or problems, you can contact your line manager, Human Resources or one of the ombuds persons. 

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3rd and 4th Women meet Women Lunch

In September and October we were happy to have the 3rd and 4th Women meet Women lunch. One with Katharina Maniura, sharing important and interesting insights into her career paths and her tips for younger women on their career paths and one with Barbara Favre from We Advance, showing us their indispensable work for equity in Switzerland and enabling a very exciting exchange among the participants. 

The last lunch of the year will take place on December 12th. 

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Further News:

Kickoff of the fifth round of feM-LEAD for women interested in leadership positions
On 26 September, we welcomed the new mentees of feM-LEAD - a cross-institutional programme to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions at PSI, Empa, WSL and Eawag!

We wish all 21 mentees a good start!

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Successful start of CONNECT Round 6 - Sept 25th and 30th, 2024

With two lively and interactive kick-offs in Bern and Zurich, Round 6 of the CONNECT program started - bringing together female STEM scientists with potential employers, providing inspiration for non-academic careers, and fostering exchange in a group of highly qualified and ambitious scientists at a turning point in their careers. During the kick-offs, participants reflected on career goals, learned about the job market and how to tailor applications to specific job ads, practiced interviews, and prepared for the upcoming visits at FHNW/PIA, DETEC, Hilti, Siegfried, Logitech and Sefar and meeting Bain & Straumann during the closing event.

Looking forward to another exciting program round!

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Conclusion of FEMSPIN - Promotion of business start-ups by female scientists

Both internationally and in Switzerland, women in science are rarely involved in the commercialisation of knowledge from research and development at universities and research institutions. In the FemSpin cooperation project of Swissuniversities, various stakeholders - including PSI - worked together to promote equal opportunities in academic spin-offs, focusing on barriers and facilitators to women's entrepreneurship.
 

The result is a website with success stories and studies on entrepreneurship by women as well as a policy briefing intended to sensitise institutions, the media and politicians. Together with the University of Basel and the Impact Hub Basel, PSI organised an event on the topic of networking in the professional environment.

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St. Gallen Diversity and Inclusion Week  (DE/EN)

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Gender Intelligence Report 2024 (EN)

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„Symposium ‘Studying with autism“ (DE/FR)

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Crash Course for Dads-to-be (EN)

This crash course covers various aspects of life as a new or expectant father at home (pregnancy, birth and the first days and months at home with the child) and at work (compatibility, life-domain balance, and strength management).

Date: 29. November 2024, 18:30 – 22:00 Uhr
Location: Online / Stadtspital Triemli, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063 Zürich
Costs: CHF 0 - 210 / CHF 0 - 150
 / Registration: 29.11.2024

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FHNW job sharing study (DE)

September 2024

Dear subscribers,

We hope you all had a great Summer time and are ready for all that is to come this Autumn. In September we have interesting inputs for you once again. Enjoy!

What has been happening at Empa in the area of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?

Diversity-Wheel on Empa Day of open doors

Our Efforts on the topic Diversity, Equity & Inclusion were also visible on the day of open doors. With a "lucky Wheel" the guests had the opportunity to answer questions on the diversity at Empa and Eawag and win great prizes. 

Did you for example know, that the 3 most spoken native languages at Empa are German, Italian and Chinese? Or that the Empa employees are on average 40 years old? This and much more could the guest learn at our booth. 

Next Women meet Women lunches 

The third ‘Women meet Women’ meeting will take place on 30 September! This time at Empa St. Gallen. The regular events for women to network and exchange. Open to all Empa and Eawag employees.

At the third meeting in the series, Katharina Maniura will take part in the exchange with an interesting input from her career.

Date: 30 September 2024, 11.45-13.15h 
Location: Empa St. Gallen, Room K3-01
Registration by Thursday, 26 September 2024 to melina.spycher@empa.ch  
Food: Please bring your own food and drink. We will eat together, but no catering will be provided.

Save-the-date: The next exchange in Dübendorf will take place on Monday, 21 October 2024, 12.00-13.30h. Further information will follow.

Release of Gender Intelligence Report by Advance and HSG

On Tuesday, 17th September 16-18h, Advance and HSG are releasing the new Gender Intelligence Report with interesting insights in the topic of women in leadership positions in Switzerland. Empa is since 2021 member of the association of Advance. See more information on their website.

Further News:

Start of the new feM-LEAD round

feM-LEAD is a competitive mentoring programme aimed at women who consider taking on a leadership role in the future or want to find out whether this is an option for them. The aim is to advance the mentees' professional careers in an enriching way with personal 1:1 mentoring as well as courses and trainings, among other things, and to encourage them to explore leadership topics.

In September 2024 the next round of the feM-LEAD programme starts with 6 participants from Empa. Further information on the programme can be found here.

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Start of new round CONNECT

CONNECT encourages women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to plan and develop their career, and allows companies to interact with highly qualified women. It aims to inspire all involved people to bridge the gap between academia, industry and public sector.

The new round of CONNECT begins in September 2024, including 5 female participants from Empa. More information can be found on the CONNECT website.

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New: Course AI and inclusion at Leadcampus (K986) (German)

Generative AI systems such as ChatGPT can support our daily work. At the same time, they are susceptible to biases and the reproduction of stereotypes. In this online course, participants will learn how such biases occur and how to deal with them using various strategies in AI application practice. More information about the course can be found here.

Date: 17 / 24 September 2024, 13:00 – 14:45
Location: Online
Costs & Registration

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New: Ensa first aid course for mental health focus adults at Leadcampus (K902) (German)

Ensa first aid courses enable non-experts to approach people with mental health problems and provide support. In several parts, the basics of first aid for mental health are taught and first aid conversations are practised. The focus is not on diagnosis or therapy, but on recognising problems in the early stages, addressing them in a non-judgemental way and encouraging those affected to seek professional help. More information about the two-day course can be found here.

Date: 22 / 30 October 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 Uhr
Location: Villigen PSI, Bildungszentrum (Gebäude OSGA)
Costs & Registration

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Information:"Silver" and "Gold" for sustainable and inclusive events at ETH

Anyone organizing a more sustainable event at ETH will now be rewarded. From today on, internal silver and gold labels will be awarded to qualifying events. 

New guidelines offer clear direction for event planning and set a higher standard of sustainability for all ETH events. This includes considerations such as gender balance among keynote speakers and ensuring barrier-free access to venues and program content.

More information and the mentioned guidelines can be found here.

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Event: Knowledge at lunchtime - Shaping the new world of work with equal opportunities; Mental health and mental illness in working life (DE)

In this event, the audience will learn from Prof. Dr habil. Stefan Paulus, lecturer at the IFSAR Institute for Social Work and Spaces at the OST, will explain how pressure at work can be linked to mental health and mental illness. Thomas Egger, Co-Head Physician Psychosomatics & Psychiatry at the Gais Clinic, will shed light as a medical expert on which factors in the workplace can influence mental health. Both experts will give advice on what employers can do to strengthen the mental health of their employees.

More information about the event can be found here.

Date: 16 September, 12:30 – 13:30
Location: Online
Costs: CHF 25
Registration

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Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism (EN & DE)

In this talk, Dr. Safiya Umoja Noble will discuss her book, Algorithms of Oppression, and delve into issues ranging from marginalization and misrepresentation in commercial information platforms like Google search, to the profound power struggles that violate civil, human, and collective rights through AI and machine learning projects.

All portions of the event will be held in English, but the lecture slides will also be translated to German. More information can be found here.

Date: 27 September 2024, 15:00 – 17:30
Location: Hochschulzentrum vonRoll, Fabrikstrasse 6/8, 3012 Bern
Tickets

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Workshop for women: Bodylanguage - SVIN (DE)

Would you like to (re)act in a more self-reflective and confident way in everyday life and at work and communicate more relaxed in complex situations? This course will help you do just that. You will receive extensive awareness training in non-verbal communication and learn effective techniques that you can employ immediately.

The aims of the workshop are to be able to adapt flexibly and calmly to different situations, appear professional and remain true to yourself. More detailed information can be found here.

Date: 27 September 2024, 09:30 – 16:30 & 28 September 2024,  09:30 - 15:30
Location: CEVI Region Bern, Rabbentalstrasse 69, 3013 Bern
Costs: CHF 480
Registration: Until Sunday, 15 September

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Crash Course for Dads-to-be (EN)

This crash course covers various aspects of life as a new or expectant father at home (pregnancy, birth and the first days and months at home with the child) and at work (compatibility, life-domain balance, and strength management).

Date: 25 October 2024, 18:30 – 22:00
Location: / Stadtspital Triemli, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063 Zurich
Costs: CHF 0 - 150
Registration 

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Workshop: Inclusive leadership for the future – Fachhochschule OST (DE)

Inclusive leadership promotes positive (working) relationships, team cohesion and strengthens identification with the organisation. Employees who feel safe and satisfied at work have more energy to develop and contribute new, creative and innovative ideas. In this series of workshops, participants learn about the concept of inclusive leadership in 3 workshop units (2 x a full day / 1 x a half day), learn how to recognise their own unconscious biases and understand how these can affect their role model and leadership function.

More information and the registration form can be found here.

June 2024

Dear subscribers,

Summer is getting closer and the excitement of some vacation time is sweetend with another list of books we recommend for the sunny season. In this exciting month there are many different topics covered. Take a look at our newest edition now. And have a great PRIDE month! 

What's happening at Empa in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?

Hygiene article dispensers

Empa now has hygiene article dispensers in selected toilets at all three locations. You can find more information here.
 

Homes of Empa meets fiNEST
On May 28, fiNEST took place for the first time this year. To celebrate the World Day for Cultural Diversity for dialogue and development, employees were able to taste delicious dishes from colleagues' places of origin. There will certainly be a repeat next year.
 

Women meet women meeting

The second Women meet Women meeting took place in May. During lunch, Sara Marks talked about her career with stumbling blocks but also great support and an exciting exchange took place with the visitors. 
The next meeting will take place in August at Empa St. Gallen. Further information will follow. 
 

LGBTQIA+ Meet-Up for Empa and Eawag employees
On June 26, a meet-up for Empa and Eawag employees will take place for the first time. The meeting is aimed at LGBTQIA+ people and allies.

When: 26 June 2024, 16.00-17.30h
Where: Empa Dübendorf, NEST-Gebäude, Multifunktionsraum
Registration: Please register via this Nuudel
 

Open position: “Hochschulpraktikant*in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 80-100 %” per 1 August 2024

The Competence Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion PSI - EMPA - EAWAG provides expertise in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion and sets the focus in these areas. As part of the Equal Opportunities and Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2024, we are implementing various measures to promote equal opportunities and inclusion.

Sharing the position in your network is appreciated! The window for applications is open until 21 June 2024. Detailed information and the job description can be found on the application platform.

Further news:
 

Event: Navigating Careers with Autism (ETH Career Center / ETH Diversity) (EN)

This event explores the power of diversity in the workplace with a focus on dealing with autism in the professional world. It will provide insights into job prospects, overcoming challenges and successfully completing interviews. Aim: To recognise different strengths and weaknesses and use them effectively to successfully enter the workforce.

Date: 12 June 2024, 17:15 – 18:30
Location: Online
Registration: No registration necessary, link to the event will be shared here
 

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Lecture & panel discussion: "Fixing Academia? Towards a Culture of Collaboration" (EN)

The keynote lecture by gender expert Prof. Dr. Liisa Husu, Örebro University, focusses on the dynamics of research careers, discussing especially the role of non-events, but also the role of different gatekeepers and gatekeeping in academia. Dr Andrea Zimmermann and Dr. Sebastian Berger will join Prof. Dr. Liisa Husu on a panel to discuss how equitable scientific collaboration can be achieved. More and background information about the guest speakers can be found here.

Date: 27 June 2024, 16:00 – 18:30
Location: University of Bern, Unitobler, F-122, Muesmattstrasse, 3012 Bern
Registration
 

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Open position: Professor or Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Materials Modeling

The Department of Materials (D-MATL) is a lecturing and research unit of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich). Its mission is to bring students and leading scientists together in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment.

The window for applications is open until 30 June 2024. The job description and application portal can be found here. The job description can be found on the application platform.
 

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Event: Exchange over lunch in the Library for Equality (DE)

The Office for Gender Equality is the city's competence centre and point of contact for gender equality in the city of Zurich. This June, it is inviting everyone to the Library for Equality to find out more about its services, counseling and projects over coffee and cake, and to browse through the more than 6000 books in the library. More information can be found here.

Date: 14 June 2024, 12:00 – 13:30
Location: Bibliothek zur Gleichstellung, Stadthausquai 17, 8001 Zurich
No Registration needed
 

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Activity: City tours on women's and gender history (DE)

The Women's City Tour Zurich (FSRZ) organises exciting city tours, tours of museums, workshops and much more. The FSRZ also offers private tours, as well as digital tours and a scavenger hunt. The next city tours "Women and power - abbesses, beguines and the upheavals of the Reformation" and “Accused, tortured, executed. The persecution of witches in Zurich” are scheduled for mid- and end of June.

Date: 15 June 2024, 16:15 - 17:45  / 29 June 2024, 16:15 - 17:45
Location: Münsterhof at the fountain/ Limmatquai 56
Registration: City Tour Power / City Tour Persecution of witches
 

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University of Bern: Inclusive Perspectives – The podcast (DE)

In the weekly podcast episodes, students from the University of Bern and experts from various academic disciplines including ethics, law, sports science and history offer a wide range of insights into the rights of people with disabilities.

New episodes will be released every Wednesday during the Disability Rights Action Days from 15 May to 15 June. The previous and regularly published new podcast episodes can be found here.
 

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Lecture: "The gender equality commitment of male professors and lecturers at Swiss universities and ETH’s" at UZH (DE)

What do men have to do with gender equality? Quite a lot, because leaders are crucial when it comes to change. In the "Leaders for Equality" survey, which was conducted at all Swiss universities and ETH's, male professors and lecturers were asked about their commitment to gender equality issues. At the event, Prof. Dr. Julia Nentwich from the University of St. Gallen, one of the authors of the study, will present the results and offer an opportunity to discuss the findings.

More information about the event can be found here.

Date: 24 June 2024, 16:15 – 18:00
Location: University of Zurich, Kleine Aula, RAA G-01, Rämistrasse 59, 8001 Zürich
Registration

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Webinar: "LGBTQIA+ Minority Stress" with Dr. Raphaël Bize (EN)

This year, the 4 research institutes of the ETH Domain are holding a webinar with guest speaker Dr. Raphaël Bize (unisanté). The goal is to raise awareness on “LGBTQIA+ minority stress” by discussing its causes as well as its preventative factors to gain a collective understanding on what to consider while supporting our LGBTQIA+ colleagues at PSI, Empa, Eawag and WSL.

More information can be found on the intranethome news page.

Date: 27 June 2024, 10:00 – 11:00
Location: Online
Registration: For employees of PSI, Empa, Eawag, WSL only

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Event: "We women are in high demand in the industry" (DE)

What do future and experienced female STEM professionals expect from their working environment? What conditions would they like to see in a new world of work? The IGD Institute for Gender and Diversity at OST asked these and other questions in various surveys as part of the research project "Meeting the female skills shortage in the STEM sector with New Work". The first research results will be presented at this event with the opportunity for discussion. More information about the event can be found here.

Date: 18 June 2024, 13:00 – 16:00
Location: Bühler AG, Gupfenstrasse 5, 9240 Uzwil
Registration 
 

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Online Tool: like2be – Which job suits who? (DE, FR, IT)

The electronic game like2be enables young people to playfully broaden their horizons in the career choice process. By experimenting with different life plans and career biographies, young people not only learn about a variety of new professions and training opportunities, but also experience how diverse (career) biographies can be. The educational game helps young people to develop a reflective relationship with their own career aspirations. The tool can be accessed here for free.
 

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Information: Measures to promote equal opportunities in the ETH Domain

The ETH Board has taken note of the report on the measures to promote equal opportunities within the institutions of the ETH Domain. It is satisfied with the progress of implementation. In 2023, the institutions of the ETH Domain utilised CHF 23 million as part of the ETH Board's gender strategy. The institutions used these funds to increase the proportion of women in management positions and in new professorship appointments.

Excerpt from the press release of the Federal Government from 23 May 2024 with news updates regarding the ETH Domain.
 

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Online event: “Knowledge at midday: Diversity - Shaping the new world of work with equal opportunities” (DE)

In her input, Dr Ursula Meyerhofer Fahlbusch gives an outlook into the future of which CVs and career paths people can aspire to, which models are available and what companies gain from people with diverse careers. Peter Frischknecht, Deputy Managing Director of the Switzerland Innovation Park East in St.Gallen, offers an exciting insight into how diverse a career can be with his own professional bachkground. After training as a farmer and studying theology, his career path led him to Empa, where he worked in the Knowledge and Technology Transfer department, supporting start-ups among other things.

Date: 17 June 2024, 12:30 – 13:30
Location: Online
Costs & Registration
 

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Podcast recommendation: Up & Down Syndrom (DE)

In “Up & Down Syndrome”, Rachel Spirig, journalist and mother of a child with down syndrome, and her guests provide an insight into the life with trisomy 21. Over the course of 10 episodes, you will find out about what affects people with down syndrome in regard to: schooling, work life, love and much more. You can find the podcast on Spotify here.
 

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Project “Zürich schaut hin”: Course civil courage against sexism, homophobia and trans-hostility (DE)

Harassment with words, unwanted touching, hostile comments: For many people, such experiences are part of everyday life. What can you do as an observer in such a situation? In this course, you will learn together with actors how you can react and what is important in these situations.

Date: 24 August 2024, 09:00 – 13:00
Location: Jugendkulturhaus Dynamo, Wasserwerkstrasse 21, 8006 Zürich
Costs & Registration

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Event: Setting the financial course for women (DE)

At this event, Janina Schöbi and Andrea Remund will talk about the various aspects of pension provision, financial education and important facts about the three-pillar concept of pension provision. Participants will learn what part-time work means for pension provision and what they need to bear in mind when interrupting their career, for example when taking family leave. The overarching goal at the end of the event is not only to have a deeper understanding of pension provision, but also a clear plan for one's own financial future.

Date: 21 August 2024, 18:00 – 21:00
Location: Laupenstrasse 5A, 3008 Bern
Registration
 

Finally summer, finally sun, beach and books again! We have put together some reading recommendations for you here:

April 2024

Dear subscribers,

March and April have been busy months in regard of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Events, programmes, workshops, days to celebrate and more. Take a look and see what is happening and what is coming the following weeks. 

What has been happening at Empa in the area of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?

“True Stories - What's too close?” - Platform and publication

In the joint initiative of the 4 ETH research institutes for the “National Sexual Harassment Awareness Day” (SHAD), you were invited to share your experiences with transgressive behavior between 11 March and 5 April 2024. Since 22 April until Mid-May the experiences of employees of the four RIs are published here: “True Stories - What's too close?”.

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SHAD event from 25 April

On 25 April, as part of the "National Sexual Harassment Awareness Day" (SHAD), workshops were held at Empa and Eawag and the respective ETH research institutes.

The aim of this initiative was to highlight the causes, forms and consequences of transgressive behaviour. Empa and Eawag employees had the opportunity to use “True Stories” as a base to discuss what an inclusive working environment means for them and how we can create one.

Key Take-Aways were among others:

• What is too close depends very much on context and person
• Create an inclusive environment where people feel safe to stand up, when transgressive behaviour happens to them or others
• Create an inclusive environment were employees are not afraid to learn, if people tell them their behaviour personally crossed a line for them
• Enable a communication built on trust and tolerance

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Last chance: Application for 5th round of feM-LEAD until 5 May

Are you interested in a leadership role at Empa or another institution? Would you like to gain a deeper insight into leadership? And reflect on your next career steps?

Then apply for the feM-LEAD programme by Sunday, 5 May (female Mentoring: Leadership for Equity And Diversity)!

The focus is on developing your career and reflecting whether leadership is something for you. You will have the opportunity to assess your goals, build leadership skills, expand your network and plan your next career steps with the support of an experienced mentor.

Details of the programme and how to apply can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact Melina Spycher ().

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Highlights: feM-LEAD Closing Event 4th round on 19 March 2024

On 19 March 2024, we celebrated the closing of the last edition of the mentoring programme.

The event was opened with an inspiring keynote speech by Prof Dr Kirsten Moselund (Head of the Nano and Quantum Technologies Laboratory at PSI). In the main part of the event, the mentees presented their work in exciting pitches and shared their professional visions in front of members of management and directors.

The social media post for the closing event can be found here (PSI post).

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Women meet women lunches

In March we revived the regular women meet women lunches with Tanja Zimmermann as a guest. The next lunch will take place on May 22 at Eawag Dübendorf. We are happy to welcome Prof. Dr. Sara Marks (member of the Eawag directorate) there, who will talk about her career path and join our lunch. More information about place an time will follow.

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finest meets Cultural Diversity Day

On the occasion of the international Day for Cultural Diversity, Dialogue and Development in May, we want to celebrate our own diversity at Empa at the first FiNEST of the year. Inspired by our initiative “Home of Empa” we invite you to get together over great food, drinks and our very own Empa Spotify Playlist. What better way to bring together the best from our homes of origin than a potluck apero: Everyone brings some finger food from their place of origin, which will be shared with the others.

Are you interested in joining and bringing food from your place of origin?

When: 28th May 2024, 17h onwards
Where: FiNEST behind the NEST building
Registration: To get a broad variety we kindly ask you to inform us, what food you would like to bring. Send an e-mail to:

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Diversity & Inclusion Forum 2024

Energy Lab and its WELL initiative and HSLU are organizing the Diversity & Inclusion Forum 2024 together. The focus of the event series is to empower, connect, and inspire women pursuing careers in technical fields, providing a platform to navigate and excel in these domains.

More information: https://www.hslu.ch/en/lucerne-school-of-engineering-architecture/about-us/campus/events/2024/07/04/diversity-and-inclusion-forum-2024/
Date: 4. June 2024, 14.30h
Location: Campus Horw – Auditorium, Hochschule Luzern – Technik & Architektur, Technikumstrasse 21, 6048 Horw
Registration

Further News:

FemSpin: Event for Female Founders and Professionals: Navigating Networking and Building Alliances

What networks are crucial when starting-up? What strategies can help you build meaningful connections with industry leaders?  How can you boost your networking skills to realize your professional goals?

Engage with inspiring leaders and founders who will share their experiences – whether to find investors, assemble teams, or build your circle of allies for your business and ideas – and connect with like-minded people at the facilitated networking aperitif.

Date: 7 May 2024, 14:00 – 17:00
Location: Pupella & Innovation Garage, 4 Kreuzstrasse 4123 Allschwil (Basel area)
Registration

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National Action Days for Disability Rights - 15 May to 15 June 2024

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came into force in Switzerland on 15 May 2014. To celebrate and emphasise the omnipresent relevance of this occasion, activities are being held throughout Switzerland for a month which contribute to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

More information about the events, which vary from canton to canton, can be found on the official website and a deeper insight into the inclusion of people with disabilities and the national days of action can be found in this podcast episode (DE).

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Workshop: Shaping Future Academia for Disability Inclusion (AVETH) (EN)

In this workshop, three renowned experts from different academic institutions provide insights into the impact of discrimination at universities and the with disability linked barriers that limit the development of educational and professional paths in academic careers.

Date: 22 Mai 2024, 14:00 – 16:00
Location: Online
Registration: No registration necessary, link to the event will be shared here

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Event: Navigating Careers with Autism (ETH Career Center / ETH Diversity) (EN)

This event explores the power of diversity in the workplace with a focus on dealing with autism in the professional world. It will provide insights into job prospects, overcoming challenges and successfully completing interviews. Aim: To recognise different strengths and weaknesses and use them effectively to successfully enter the workforce.

Date: 12 June 2024, 17:15 – 18:30
Location: Online
Registration: No registration necessary, link to the event will be shared here

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New: Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Swiss Physical Society (SPS)

This year, the Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion was founded within the Swiss Physical Society (SPS). The committee will organise initiatives such as the “Women in Physics Career Symposium” - a mentoring programme that brings together women in physics at different career stages to retain young female scientists in physics. More information and an introduction to the members of the committee can be found here.

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Open call: Seeking female mentors (Swiss TecLadies)

Become an inspiration and support for young women (14-19 years old) who are interested in subjects such as maths, physics or computer science. Share your passion for your profession, show how diverse STEM professions are and network with women with similar professions and interests throughout Switzerland.  The next Swiss TecLadies Mentoring Programme of the Swiss Academies of Engineering Sciences SATW will take place from 28 September 2024 to 5 April 2025.

Registration: Until 6 May

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Information event: Presentation of programmes for promoting female talent

The research institutes of the ETH domain are committed to sustainably increasing the proportion of women in management positions, decision-making bodies and scientific and technical positions. To this end, it is part of cooperations that organise a joint information event on their programmes every year. 

Date: 28 May
Website: More information on the information event will follow soon.

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Workshop for women: Bodylanguage - SVIN (DE)

Would you like to (re)act in a more self-reflective and confident way in everyday life and at work and communicate more relaxed in complex situations? This course will help you do just that. You will receive extensive awareness training in non-verbal communication and learn effective techniques that you can employ immediately.

The aims of the workshop are to be able to adapt flexibly and calmly to different situations, appear professional and remain true to yourself.

Date: 01 June 2024, 10:00 – 17:00
Location: Seminarraum Flex 1, Genossenschaft Kalkbreite, Kalkbreitestrasse 2, 8003 Zurich
Cost: CHF 400 – 500.-
Registration: Until Friday, 10 May

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SVIN: Round tables for members and interested women

The round tables offer all SVIN members, and those who might want to become members, the opportunity for informal dialogue and networking.

The Swiss Association of Women Engineers (SVIN) is an association for the promotion of women in STEM professions and, in addition to the informal get-togethers, offers a wide range of opportunities to expand knowledge, expertise and networks. More information on SVIN's programmes and projects can be found here.

Date: 06 May 2024, 18:00 – 22:00 (Bern)/ 14 May 2024, 18:30 – 22:00 (Zurich)
Location: Restaurant Grosse Schanze, Parkterrasse 10, 3012 Bern/ Restaurant Cucina Kaserne, Kasernenstrasse 77a, 8004 Zurich
Registration: Until 01. Mai to Michelle Roth (Bern)/ To (Zurich)

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News: Anna Fontcuberta i Morral becomes new EPFL President

At the end of March, the renowned researcher Anna Fontcuberta i Morral was elected as the new President of EPFL. On 1 January 2025, she will take up her four-year term of office, succeeding the current EPFL President Martin Vetterli.

More information about Anna Fontcuberta i Morral and her career and achievements to date can be found on the official portal of the Swiss government here.

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ETH Board rejects an increase in tuition fees for foreign nationals who move to Switzerland to study

The ETH Board discussed a possible tripling of tuition fees per semester for foreign students who take up residence in Switzerland in order to study. The proposal was aimed at increasing foreign students' contribution to the cost of their studies. The ETH Board sees the equal treatment of all students and diversity thanks to the presence of international students as a key element in the provision of high-quality education. Given the skills shortage, this is also in the interests of the Swiss economy. Therefore, the plan to implement a differentiated increase in tuition fees was rejected.

Excerpt from the federal government's press release on the planned cuts in the ETH Domain.

February 2024

Dear subscribers,

It never get's boring around DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)-topics. Time to get to know more about what has happened and what is planned. There are interesting event suggestions, websites and news. Dive in into the first Newsletter for Equity of 2024. 

What's happening at Empa in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?

Let's revive the "women meet women"-lunches!

Regular events for women to network and exchange. Open to all women working at Empa and Eawag.

The series starts on March 8, 2024 where Tanja Zimmermann joins the exchange including an interesting input from her career

Date: 8 March, 2024, 12.00-13.30h
Place: NEST Multifunktionsraum
Registration until 29th February to melina.spycher@empa.ch

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Empa's contribution to "Equal Pay Day" on 17 February, 2024

Empa is committed to equal opportunities for all employees. Together with the other ETH institutions, the she signed the Equal Pay Charter in 2019. In doing so, the ETH institutions commit to regularly review compliance with the principle of equal pay for equal work. Empa successfully passed the last reviews together with the other ETH institutions (more about the result here).

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Invitation: feM-LEAD Closing Event
with keynote speech by Kirsten Moselund and aperitif riche

Are you interested in talent development, equal opportunities in management positions and female leadership? Would you like to get to know the mentees from the 4th round of the cross-institutional program "female Mentoring - Leadership for Equity and Diversity" (feM-LEAD)?

Then take part in the final event, get to know exciting talents and exchange ideas with colleagues from the participating institutions PSI, Empa and WSL!

Date: 19 March, 2024, 13:00 – 17:00
Location: ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Room LEE E 101
Registration

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New: next round of the feM-LEAD program

Are you interested in a leadership role at Empa or another institution? Would you like to gain in-depth insights into the topic of leadership? And plan your next professional steps?

Then apply for the feM-LEAD program (female Mentoring: Leadership for Equity And Diversity) between 25.03. – 05.05.!

The focus is on developing your career and preparing you for a management position. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your goals, build leadership skills, expand your network, and plan your next professional steps with the support of an experienced mentor.

We are also always looking for potential mentors for feM-LEAD. If you are interested, please contact Melina Spycher (melina.spycher@empa.ch) for more information.

More information about the program and the application process can be found here.

Further news:

Event: "Women on the move: thriving in life and career abroad" (English)

In this panel discussion on the occasion of the International Women's Day 2024, representatives from the private sector, diplomats and academics will share their insights on international career planning. Based on their personal and professional experiences, they will discuss how best to promote, support and facilitate international mobility for women more broadly.

Date: 07 March 2024, 14:30 – 17:30
Location: Bern (details to be communicated)
Website

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Website: The Women at Work Collection (English)

The topics on this website offer a variety of skill-building strategies, practical steps for dealing with bias, and practical tools for women who want to advocate for themselves and others. Each video in the Women at Work Collection is accompanied by a discussion guide that women can use to explore the various workplace topics together.

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Event: Future of the network "Inklusive Bildung an der Hochschule - stark3" (German)

We will discuss the future of the network and how we can work together to open up universities to people with cognitive impairments. The results of the discussion will be taken up at the final meeting of the network in September 2024. Interested parties are welcome!

Date: 05 March, 2024, 17:00 – 19:00
Venue: HfH Zurich, Online
Registration

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About Equal Care Day: facts & figures from the city of Zurich

"Equal Care Day" takes place on 29 February, 2024 and draws attention to the lack of appreciation of care work and provides information about its value and the consequences of its unfair distribution. The City of Zurich provides facts and figures about the unpaid work that is still mainly done by women.

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Survey: Trans at Work Study (DE, EN, FR, IT)

With the Trans at Work study, the TGNS (Transgender Network Switzerland) aims to gain a better understanding of the living and working situation as well as the well-being of trans people in Switzerland. All persons aged 16 and over who live and/or work in Switzerland can take part, regardless of whether they would describe themselves as trans or are employed. The questionnaire takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

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Fatherhood crash course for new and expectant fathers (English)

This crash course covers various aspects of life as a new or expectant father at home (pregnancy, birth and the first days and months at home with the child) and at work (compatibility, life-domain balance, and strength management).

Date: 17 Mai 2024, 18:30 – 22:00  (2 courses in German in March)
Location: / Stadtspital Triemli
Registration

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Lecture: "Algorithmic technologies meet diversity: Re-organising work more equally?" (English)

In this talk, speaker Prof. Dr. Patrizia Zanoni will address the question of how algorithmic technologies are changing organisations and what these changes mean for historically disadvantaged groups (such as women, racialized, disabled, LGTBQ+ individuals, etc.) in the workforce and for the diverse workforce as a whole.

Date: 27 February 2024, 16:00
Place: Online
Registration

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Lecture and panel discussion: "Sense of belonging in the working environment: How diversity research can be transferred into good practice at UZH" (English)

Research of the UZH Center for Leadership in the Future of Work shows how people wish to feel at work. How can this be transferred into good practice in the academic everyday life of a research group? How can people in a leadership role interact with their team members to embrace diversity and create a truly inclusive atmosphere? The networking event presents research results and approaches to transferability organisations.

Date: 21 March 2024, 16:00 – 18:00
Location: UZH, Rämistrasse 59, 8001 Zurich, Room RAA-G-01
Registration

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On Stage: Exploring Gender-based Violence in Music Theater (English)

Every spring semester, the IZFG organises a public lecture series that is open to all interested parties free of charge. Each year, the lecture series examines a socio-politically relevant topic in terms of its gender-specific dimensions. This year, the lecture series will focus on "Gendered Spaces". A registration is only needed for this theatre performance.

Date: 06 March 2024, 18:30
Location: Reitschule Bern, Neubrückstrasse 8, 3012 Bern
Program; Registration via Email:

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Activity: City tours on women's and gender history (German)

The Women's City Tour Zurich (FSRZ) organises exciting city tours, tours of museums, workshops and much more. The FSRZ also offers private tours, as well as digital tours and a scavenger hunt. The next city tour "Women and power - abbesses, beguines and the upheavals of the Reformation" is scheduled for spring.

Date: 20 April 2024, 16:15
Meeting point: Fraumünster, Zurich
Registration

December 2023

Dear subscribers,

What a winter wonderland outside . The year is drawing to a close, but in D&I there is still a lot going on. The current issue gives you an insight into the last few months and what's still to come. And you can get an inspiration for your vacation reading again! 

What's happening at Empa in Diversity & Inclusion?

New members in the Competence Center for Diversity & Inclusion PSI - Empa - Eawag:

The two newcomers Kevin Stutz (start October) and Catherine Hirt (start November) have started their work at PSI and support the D&I team that now consists of four members. We are looking forward to continuing our work for the thre research institutes!

National Future Day

Once again the National Future Day took place at Empa Dübendorf and St. Gallen took place, this year on 9th November 2023. 81 children and their parents came for a visit to Empa Dübendorf and St.Gallen to experience interesting programmes. They had the opportunity to extinguish fire, freeze Marshmallows in seconds (and eat them :) ), build a small souvenir for themselves with their names on it and get some insights into creating their own films about the Empa apprenticeships. 

Here are some insights from Empa Dübendorf: 

We Advance Newsletter

Empa is a member of We Advance, where employees can benefit froma broad variety of programmes. Most of them are aimed at female employees but they also offer workshops, events etc. for all Empa employees. Do you want to receive invites for cool events, empowering webcasts and whitepaper launches on relevant business topics? Then subscribe to the Advance newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/gr1p5v (external link).

Mental Health Day

In October we had an event on the topic of mental health in academia in St. Gallen, Dübendorf and online. If you are interested in the slides, please get in touch with . 

For all the interested people: We are planning on repeating the event in Dübendorf in January/February 2024, keep your eyes open on the Intranet Home for further information. 

feM-LEAD Workshop

The feM-LEAD programme is in full swing. feM-LEAD is a Mentoring Programme from PSI, WSL and Empa which supports women who would like to take on a leadership position in future or are thinking about if  leadership is something for them. We have 9 Empa mentees in the current round!
On November 28, the workshop "Getting More Leaderships Skills" with Prof. Dr. Gudrun Sander took place as part of the feM-LEAD program. The participants came together from PSI, Empa and WSL on the PSI campus:

More information on the feM-LEAD program can be found here.

Further News: 

ETH Zurich Diversity Award 2023

For the third time, the Academic Association of the ETH Middle Staff (AVETH) and ETH Diversity jointly presented the Diversity Award. At a festive ceremony in the main building, individuals and organizations that are committed to diversity and inclusion at ETH Zurich were honored. As part of the ETH Domain, we are delighted that more and more initiatives towards diversity and inclusion are being launched and their progress celebrated!

More information and impressions of the event can be found here.
 

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Event: Diversity & Inclusion Podium at Kaufleuten (German)

Creating positive and fair working and living conditions for people through diversity and inclusion - how does it work? Guests from the field of diversity and inclusion discuss how it is possible to include people with different backgrounds and experiences. It will highlight how people contribute to a broader range of ideas and innovation with their unique perspectives and skills under positive conditions.

Date: 11.12.2023, 18:30 - 21:00
Location: Kaufleuten Klubsaal, Pelikanstrasse 18, 8001 Zurich
Registration

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Statements on the BFI-Message 2025-2028

The Gender & Diversity Think Tank has joined forces with the Equal Opportunities Expert Group FH and the Gender/Equal Opportunities Working Group PH to draw up a consultation response to the BFI-Message. Among other things, it takes a stand on the importance of digitalization in comparison to equal opportunities.

This statement and the statements supported by Think Tank Gender & Diversity can be found here.

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Male Allyship Training (English)

This course aims to contribute to the recognition and promotion of male allyship as a powerful tool to foster greater gender equity in the workplace. We welcome working men and people who identify as men who are interested in learning about gender equity and motivated to better understand what they can do in their organizations.

Date: January 11/January 18, 2024
Location: Zurich/St.Gallen
More information

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Event: Difference-sensitive teaching - requirements and challenges (German)

Difference-sensitive teaching deals with exclusion, barriers and discrimination in university teaching. As a first step, this lecture will attempt to define more precisely what constitutes difference-sensitive teaching. What are the differences to the conventional form of teaching and what challenges does the concept of difference-sensitive teaching respond to? And finally: what demands does it place on teachers?

Date: 14.12.2023, 16:00 - 17:30
Location: University of Basel, Kollegienhaus lecture hall 120
More information

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Cash or crash - your tool for smart life planning (German)

"Cash or Crash" is the name of the innovative online tool launched by the women's umbrella organization Alliance F. It provides answers to real-life questions such as: Is an education worthwhile? Do we want to get married? How much does a child cost? And how will I fare if we separate? "Cash or Crash" deliberately addresses issues where gender-stereotypical decisions are often made, which have far-reaching financial consequences. Alliance F is thus closing a major gap.

Website

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In Conversation with Prof. Roxana Mehran - Secrets of an Outstanding Role Model (English)

The Faculty Gender Equality Commissions and the DCR of the University of Bern invite you to breakfast and networking with Prof. Roxana Mehran, Professor and luminary in Cardiovascular Clinical Research and Outcomes. In an informal discussion, participants will learn more about her outstanding academic career and have the opportunity to expand and strengthen their own valuable network.

Date: 08.12.2023, 07:30 - 09:30 am
Location: Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Freiburgstrasse 3, 3010 Bern
Further information can be found here

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Live-Talk Diversity: More than just a trend? (German)

In this live talk from the discussion series "Antiracism: simply complex", Anja Nunyola Glover, together with Tatiana Pinto Cardoso (Co-President of the Institute Neue Schweiz) and Prof. Lorenz Narku Laing (Professor of Racism Research), discuss the topic of antiracism and diversity. They will explore the question of where anti-racism and diversity overlap and under what conditions diversity strategies contribute to change regarding equal opportunities for minorities.

Date: 06.12.2023, 19:00-20:30
Location: Palace, Zwinglistrasse 3, 9000 St. Gallen
Registration

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Crash Course for Dads-to-be (English)

This crash course covers various aspects of life as a new or expectant father at home (pregnancy, childbirth and the first days & months at home with your baby) and at work (compatibility, life-domain balance and resource management).

Date: 23.02.2024, 18:30-22:00 Uhr
Place: Stadtspital Triemli, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063 Zürich
Registration

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Campaign – "16  days against violence against women”

Over 40% of women in Europe are affected by psychological violence. The "16 days against violence against women" campaign is committed to a violence-free society and makes invisible violence visible. With its wide range of events, the campaign contributes to taking a closer look and combating gender-specific violence. During the "16 days against violence against women", over 170 events took place and take place between November 25 and December 10

Website and events

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News - Astronomy center in Australia reaches gender parity

Through a five-year program, the Australian Research Council Centre ASTRO 3D has reached 50% woman representation. In 2018, around 38% of the approximately 150 employees were women, today half of the 300 personnel are women. New hiring processes, work culture transformations, gender quotas on PhD shortlists and workshops on bias and stereotypes for all employees have led to gender parity at the research center.

Read more

September 2023

Dear Subscribers,

I hope you all enjoyed the summer with our reading suggestions! Now egt ready for Autumn and our newest edition of our Newsletter for Equity. In this issue we can look forward to various events and inputs. There will be events on Mental Health, learn modules on hate speech, and you can dive into the newest Gender Intelligence Report! 

What's on at Empa in Diversity & Inclusion in September?

Mental Health Event
October marks International Mental Health Day. We are taking this as an opportunity to remind people of the importance of talking about and taking care of our mental well-being, especially in the workplace where we spend much of our time.
We are organizing a two-hour event on "How to take care of mental health in academia?" to start a discussion on this topic that can affect many of us.

Date and time: October 3, 2023, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. followed by an apéro.
Location: Simultaneously at the Academie Empa Dübendorf and room C3.11 Empa St.Gallen.
Registration: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dms56PkWQLFNrGMWk_V-k6RKHhm8fFpiE7OoTilOzTg/edit?usp=sharing (necessary for apéro; registration deadline: September 25, 2023)
Further info: Invitation flyer
Link for online participation (please come in person if possible): https://empa-ch.zoom.us/j/81940045090?pwd=YTlJTnNxMFoyRDhnMjFUZ0dBMWxFUT09  

Take part in our Meme Challenge and win a prize!

It's MINT is looking for female scientists (Focus Empa St.Gallen)

The MINT-Treffs take place at elementary school and are aimed at girls in 4th to 6th grade. In small groups of 8-12 girls they have the opportunity to experiment, try things out and do research. The focus is on having fun. For this purpose, there are already prepared materials and a further education for the introduction.

Further information can be found in the flyer or at: https://www.its-mint.ch/treff-leiterin.

If you are interested, please contact the project leader Franziska Schwab ().
 

Women in Power: News from our Network
As a network member of "Women in Power", female Empa employees have the opportunity to participate in a workshop on performance skills this fall. In this interactive seminar, you will learn how to use your voice, language and body correctly - so that performing is fun.

Date and time: October 30, 2023, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: For female Empa employees 450 CHF, non employees 900 CHF
Registration: Click here to register.
 

Further News:

Online Module: No Hate Speech* (DE)

The University of Bern has developed a learning module on Hate Speech!

With the help of online quizzes, inspiring videos and interesting reading, you will become an expert in reacting to Hate Speech! All members of a Swiss university can access the module with their respective university/campus account (with SWITCHaai).

Study-Modul 

Are you busy at the moment but still interested in the topic? Then you can watch the explanatory videos.

Videos (public and open for everybody)

*Hate speech is an umbrella term for expressions that devalue, insult, threaten or incite hatred or violence against individuals or groups.
 

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Event: The tool of sponsoring as a key to more equality in academia (EN)

You may have heard about academic mentoring, but what about academic sponsorship? Join the event organised by the H.I.T programme together with the Divmed project to learn more about academic sponsorship.

Date: 27 October 2023, 13:00 – 16:30
Venue: UZH, Rämistrasse 59, 8001 Zürich, Room RAA-G-01
Registration
 

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Events: International Dual Career Network (EN)

The IDCN offers various events in September on the topic of job search and networking. Interested? Then check out the website and register for the events.
 

Job Hunt Strategy

Datum: 26 September 2023, 09:00 -12:00 Uhr
Ort: Novartis Campus, Basel
Registration

IDCN Networking Coffee Lunch

Date:    29 September 2023, 11:00 – 13:00
Venue:              tbd.

Registration

More information on the network: IDCN - Basel-Zurich, Switzerland
 

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Public lectures: «What’s in a name? Bias in peer review» (EN)

The Diversity Network at the University of Zurich serves to bring together students and staff of the UZH, but also external guests and partners on topics relevant to our diversity policy. The invited guest in September is Stefan Palan and he is Associate Professor of Finance and Head of the Institute for "Banking and Finance" at the University of Graz. Due to his editorial work, he has recently also been increasingly concerned with the peer review and scientific publication process and how it can be made more equitable and fair.

Date: 25 September 2023, 16:00
Venue: UZH Rämistrasse 59, 8001 Zürich, Raum RAA-G-01
Registration
 

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Event: Strategic networking – success factors for your network

Don't miss your chance to optimise your network strategy and connect with women on the same wavelength in the tech and in the tech and innovation industry. Register now for the "Strategic Networking" event and secure your place.

Date: 10 October 2023, 18:00
Venue: Adnovum, Brückfeldstrasse 16 3012 Bern
Registration

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Report:  Gender Intelligence Report 2023 (EN)

Every year, the Competence Centre for Diversity & Inclusion at the University of St. Gallen and Advance publish their report on "Gender Intelligence". The report creates transparency on the development of gender diversity in the Swiss economy. This year's report analyses three paradoxes and aberrations that are responsible for the slow progress in women's career advancement and are closely related to the way Switzerland works. Check out the website to learn more about the main key findings.

Website
 

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Blog «A little less lonely at the top» (EN)

This new blog series, is dedicated to female academic leaders in STEM subjects. The blog series is intended to serve as a forum for (senior) women to share advice, insight and community.

Blog
 

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Radio broadcast «Wie bist du Mann?» (DE)

The radio programme "Wie bist du Mann?" reports on how rigid role models have negative effects on society. We discuss what new masculinities look like, which can in part lead to excessive demands, and how to reconcile everything.

Are you interested? Then listen to the Radio broadcast and visit the Website which includes a book recommendation.
 

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Statement: «Frauen in der Wissenschaft: Entwicklungen und Empfehlungen» (DE) 

A working group of the Leopoldina (National Academy of Sciences) has taken a detailed and differentiated look at the under-representation of women in the German science system. In their statement, they not only take a look at the past and the present, but also at the future by making recommendations.

Statement
 

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pro mente sana: Walk-in-counselling in Zurich Wipkingen

pro mente sana is now offering walk-in counselling in Zurich at Treffpunkt Nordliecht. Every Tuesday and Friday from 9.00-12.00, an interdisciplinary team of psychosocial and legal professionals is available free of charge and anonymously to answer questions about mental health and the legal, social and/or health situations such as

• suitable support options
• information about mental disorders and illnesses
• dealing with a mental illness or crisis
   

Click here for more information
 

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H.I.T. Programme 2024: Registration open

H.I.T. Programme stands for "High Potential University Leaders Identity & Skills Training Programme – Inclusive Leadership in Academia". It is a unique leadership development programme for female professors in Switzerland.

Online registration: 11 September – 8 October 2023

Click here for more information
 

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Call: «PIs of tomorrow: The Future of Swiss Research»

This session will take place at the next LS2 Annual Meeting on 14-15 February 2024 and will offer postdocs the opportunity to give a plenary talk similar to the format of a seminar on applying for a professorship. An expert jury of professors will evaluate the presentations.

Click here for more information
 

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Conference: 15. meccanica feminale Baden-Württemberg (#mfbw24)

The organizers are looking for lecturers and STEM specialists who can pass on their knowledge to the experts of tomorrow. They are looking forward to submissions for seminars, workshops and lectures. The focus of #mfbw24 is "Energy & Environment".

Click here for more information

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Online-Workshop: Leadership Circle – How do I give negative feedback? (DE)

Leadership, mentoring and their challenges are discussed under guidance and each with a focus topic. The offer is aimed at all women leaders and those interested in leadership.

Date: 21 September; 19.00 – 20.30

Click here for more information
 

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Conference: WeTechTogether 2023

The 5th edition of the largest conference for more diversity & inclusion in tech in Switzerland serves as a guiding compass to help everyone navigate the vast and exciting STEM fields.

Date: 29 – 30 September 2023
Venue: Technopark Zurich

Click here for more information

June 2023

Dear subscribers,

The temperatures are rising and summer is here. For your summer reading you can look forward to a book list! In this issue, you will find news from the office and exciting input on the topic of D&I.

What's happening at Empa in Diversity & Inclusion in June and July?

Online Webinar: "LGBTQIA+ at the workplace - more inclusion, more innovation, more success"

In the framework of June the pride month, the 4 ETH research institutes together organised an online webinar on the topic of LGBTQIA+ at the workplace on June 28th, 2023. Invited were the three guests Prof Dr Andrea Gurtner, Prof Dr Michael Ramsey-Musolf, and Dr Aswathi Kanjampurath Sivan. All three are committed in their research and teaching to the recognition and equality of LGBTQIA+ people in academic institutions and the workplace. 

The recording of the event will be available in the calendar week 27 on the D&I Website (Link). 

Appointment Melina Spycher, Head of the Center of Competence for D&I PSI - Empa - Eawag

Natalie Lerch-Pieper, former head of the Center of Competence for D&I , left the Paul Scherrer Institute at the end of April and with it the Center of Competence for Diversity & Inclusion PSI - Empa - Eawag. Since October 2022, Melina Spycher has led the Centre of Competence on an interim basis and has taken over the lead on a permanent basis as of 1 June 2023. She will conitnue to be the Empa contact person for al D&I topics. 

The team at PSI, which currently consists of two people, will be reorganised in the next six months under Melina Spycher's leadership.

The Centre of Competence for D&I is looking forward to welcoming new faces to the team!

Empa joined the "National Equality Conference 2030"

The Gender Equality Strategy 2030 was adopted by the Swiss Federal Council in 2021 and focuses on promoting gender equality in professional and public life, improving work-life balance, and combating violence and discrimination.

The National Conference Equality 2030 is an opportunity to present the status of the implementation of the strategy and its action plan and to discuss the next steps. It was great to be part of it and we hope to see further measures for equality in (latest) 2030.

Further News: 

"Design for all" campaign: accessibility in academic institutions

ETH Zurich is committed to accessibility: over the course of the next few years, people with disabilities or people with special needs should benefit from greatly improved access to ETH buildings and services. To highlight the topic, raise awareness and share information, ETH Zurich is showing the campaign "Design for all".

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FEM REPORT 2023 - women and entrepreneurship

According to a 2021 study by Startup Heatmap Europe, only 16.9% of founders or co-founders in Europe are women, and this trend is echoed in Switzerland, one of the world’s most innovative countries. This report from FEMtrepeneurs aims to address these gaps and barriers that lead to women’s disadvantages in entrepreneurship in Switzerland. With this report, FEMtrepreneurs sets itself the goal of highlighting successful Swiss female entrepreneurs while remaining critical of the challenges that many women still face in economic contexts.

Report: https://femspin.ch/documentation/

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alliance F and ETH establish new foundation against hate speech on the Internet

alliance F and ETH Zurich have established the Public Discourse Foundation (PDF), which takes an in-depth look at hate speech and its impact on democracy. Read more on alliance F's official website. An article on the project and the project leader Sophie Achermann from the Tages-Anzeiger can be found here (paywall, in German).

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Racism Report 2022: The relevance of the topic of racism is steadily increasing

In April, humanrights.ch and the Federal Commission against Racism (FCR) publish the evaluation report on the incidents of racism documented by the counseling centers last year. In the video staff members from counselling centers discuss the significance of the report's findings and the challenges in counselling work.

The report and video can be found here.

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Informatica feminale Baden-Württemberg 2023

Fancy further education and networking? Then visit #ifbw23, the summer university for female students and professionals in computer science and other STEM subjects. Attend exciting courses and workshops, advance your career, meet interesting women and have fun. Focus: "IT & Ethics".

With event cafeteria, networking evening, social program, childcare and lectures on Career Day.

Date: July 25 - July 29, 2023
Location: Furtwangen University
Registration

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HAZ - Queer legal advice

Since 19 of June HAZ officially has a queer legal advice service.

Whether you have questions about changing your name and official gender or about your rights and obligations in your everyday work, the HAZ can help you with an initial consultation.

You can find more information here.

March 2023

Dear subscribers,

Spring is just around the corner and so are many exciting topics and events around diversity, inclusion and equity. We look forward to sharing them with you! 

What's happening at Empa in Diversity & Inclusion in March and April?

feM-LEAD

It runs smoothly with feM-LEAD!

On March 3 the third (PSI only) round of feM-LEAD was successfully completed. Prof. Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser talked in a first part about her research and the joint professorship with Prof. Alke Fink.

In a second part, the mentees presented themselves with a pitching session and received their certificates. The Competence Center for D&I congratulates all mentees!

Off we go into the next round including 9 Empa mentees! We kicked off the next round just yesterday on March 28. 19 mentees from Empa, WSL and PSI will participate together. What a great start into the year coming! Thanks to all mentees and mentors participating.

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Sexual Harassment Awareness Day 2023

Last Thursday, March 23, the Sexual Harassment Awareness Day took place. A national awareness campaign against sexual harassment was carried out at various Swiss universities and research institutes. This was accompanied by a diverse and hybrid social program. Interested? You can look up the online events and access them here.

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Women in Power - New network and Empa is part of it!

"Women in Power" is the women's network of the Swiss energy industry. Launched on World Women's Day in March, the new network aims to bring together female professionals and leaders and set the course for a more diverse and innovative energy world. Check out the network: Women in Power

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Throwback to February and our outstanding women scientists!

February 11, 2023 marked the annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The initiative aims to encourage women and girls to consider careers in science, highlight the indispensable role of women in science and create role models for current and future generations. To celebrate this day we presented 5 outstanding female scientists at Empa. Haven’t seen it yet or want to take a look at it again? Here is the article.

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#StrongerWhenEqual

What a celebration of Advance and the International Women’s Day. Have you seen the exhibition on Zurich Main Station? The so-called avancine we designed by various female artists to support advance in reaching their goal for equal opportunities. Take a look at the pictures on the advance website.

Further News:

Programme: Fix the Leaky Pipeline

The programme for the promotion of young female scientists in the ETH Domain has completely redesigned its website. It is definitely worth a visit!

Link: fix-the-leaky-pipeline.ch

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Career Symposium: Women in Physics

The Women in Physics Career Symposium brings together women in physics at various career stages to retain the next generation of scientists in physics.

Date: September 4, 2023, 08:30 a.m. - 7.30 p.m
Location: Basel
Information: sps.ch

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Article: Five voices on Women's Day at ETH Zurich

On March 8, International Women's Day, ETHZ reported: What about equality at ETH? What challenges do our female students see?

On the occasion of International Women's Day, young women provide information. To the article

Panel Discussion: "Accessibility and Inclusion in Higher Education - Just a Trend?" (in German)

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD, Art. 24), which Switzerland has also signed, calls for an inclusive education system - also at the level of universities. At a panel discussion,  concerned students, lecturers and people with expertise in teaching will discuss the possibilities and limits of accessibility in education and report on their experiences of exclusion and inclusion in their studies.

Date: April 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m., with subsequent aperitif
Location: Campus Hönggerberg (HIT E 51), Zurich
Registration
Information: Barrier-free at ETH

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Lecture: “From working-class child to professorship? The Power of Social Origin” (in German)

Academic careers are not based on performance alone, but are influenced by social categories. While the low percentage of women at the professorship level is problematized and fought against, social origin usually remains invisible.

Date: April 30, 5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Alte Kantonsschule, Rämistrasse 59, RAA-G-01 8001 Zurich
More information: at this link

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November 2022

Dear subscribers,
The end of the year is fastly approaching. We decided to publish the newsletter only every second month. However, the content will still be as broad and usefull as ever! Therefore, this is the last newsletter of the year and we are looking forward to greeting you in the new year again! 

What's happening at Empa in Diversity & Inclusion in November and December?
 

Empa Future Day was a big success!

On 10 November, Empa Dübendorf welcomed 57 enthusiastic children from employees and external accompanying persons. At 5 different workshops, they got a taste of various professions at Empa. They built an electric car or a bridge, played hide and seek in the dark with a thermal imaging camera, created their personalised give-away with lasers or challenged themselves in an exciting Bobby Car race. The day ended with many beaming faces and excitement for next year!

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feM-LEAD: Last Chance to Apply

The call for applications for the new mentoring programme feM-LEAD will end this Sunday, 20 November 2022. Apply now  if you haven't done so yet! 

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New quiet room at Empa Dübendorf

A good rest contributes to general well-being and also to job satisfaction. To give employees a chance to rest, there is now a quiet room in the NEST unit SolAce. It can be booked via the Outlook calendar "NEST-SolAce-QuietRoom". The key can be picked up at the NEST reception desk.

More information: /group/nest/solacerelax

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CONNECT programm: new experience videos published

The CONNECT program has published new videos of role models and, for the first time, a former programme participant. Watch the videos here. Or go straight to the video of ex-participant, Salima Nedjari:

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CONNECT@Advance: Kids or Career? Switzerland’s Unnecessary Dilemma (offen für alle)

Join WeAdvance for one of the last networking meetings of the year on various obstacles to women's career advancement in Switzerland, such as the impact of career breaks, part-time work or challenges of balancing work and childcare.
The event will show what government, companies and society can do to overcome these obstacles.

Date: 29 November 2022, 16.00-17.30, online.
More information and registration: https://weadvance.ch/events/kids-or-career-switzerlands-unnecessary-dilemma/

Further News:

University of Zurich wants a chair for gender medicine (in German)

There is to be a new professorship for gender medicine at the University of Zurich. Gender bias has since been established in medical research by the male body as the common measure. Now this is to change! The associated audio contribution is noted in the link below.

Article: Universität Zürich will Lehrstuhl für Gendermedizin - Regionaljournal Zürich Schaffhausen - SRF

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Self-Check: Eight questions for women in academic leadership positions

The proportion of women in university faculties is increasing, which increases women's chances of participating in the management of academic institutions. In this article, Prof. Janet G. Hering, current Director of Eawag, talks about her own experience in her leadership position. She presents eight questions which could be useful for women aspiring to a leadership position or who are already in one, or for women as well.

Article: Eight Questions for Women Embarking on Academic Leadership (500womenscientistsfribourgbern.ch)

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­­­"Swiss Nobel Prize" for Ursula Keller

The Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize is considered by researchers to be the Swiss Nobel Prize and is awarded this year to physics professor Ursula Keller. She is being awarded the Marcel Benoist Science Prize for her groundbreaking work in short-time laser physics. She has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of ultrafast laser physics with both theoretical models and experimental results.

Article: «Schweizer Nobelpreis» für Ursula Keller | ETH Zürich

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Feminine Charms - Beauty, Desire and Aesthetics in Queer Communities

Talk on the seasonal theme of "allure": legs, breasts, buttocks, hair - in our majority society, female bodies are not only constantly looked at and observed, but often reduced to just a few body parts. The preservation of youthful charms makes one's own appearance a permanent construction site with a guarantee of frustration. Queer communities try a new perspective on the body: identities, beauty and desire are fluid, shapeable and a question of self-empowerment. Moderated by Sandra Lang (sociologist).

Date: 4 December 2022, 11.00am
Venue: Thik Theater im Kornhaus Baden, Kronengasse 10, 5400 Baden
Registration: https://www.thik.ch/philothik-dez22-anna-rosenwasser

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We Shape Tech: Role Model Sophia Ding

Every month, a member of the We-Shape-Tech network is introduced. Questions are asked about the path to the tech industry, motivation and experiences. This month, Sophia Ding introduces herself. Get inspired!

Article: Role Model: Sophia Ding – We Shape Tech

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Meccanica feminale: Further training and network in Baden-Württemberg

Opportunities for continuing education and networking for female students and professionals in engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, medical technology and industrial engineering. The spring university offers exciting specialist courses, workshops and lectures, excursions and exhibition stands. Plus social skills courses and a colourful social programme with plenty of time for networking.

Date: 21 to 25 February 2023
Venue: Hochschule Furtwangen, Campus Schwenningen
Link: Scientifica:  Über die meccanica

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«Stark für Frauen – Der Podcast der autonomen Frauenberatungsstellen in NRW» (German)

For about 40 years, the autonomous women's counselling centres in North Rhine-Westphalia have supported and accompanied women in critical life situations. For 25 years they have been organised in the umbrella organisation of the autonomous women's counselling centres NRW e.V. For this anniversary, they have produced a 25-part podcast. It will be published on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November 2022.

Podcast: Stark für Frauen: Der Podcast der autonomen Frauenberatungsstellen NRW | Podcast auf Spotify

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Sigmond is neither man nor woman. Sigmond is simply Sigmond. (German)

Sigmond works as a research assistant at the University of Zurich. In the interview, Sigmond talks about the realities and challenges of everyday life as a non-binary person. Read more about the interview in the link below.

Article: https://issuu.com/ringier-brandstudio/docs/equalvoice_2022_sonntagsblick/s/17141502

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Human Rights Film Festival Zurich: «Je suis noires»

In keeping with the autumn season, going to the cinema is fast becoming a favourite. The Human Rights Film Festival in Zurich is a good opportunity to do so. On 4 December, the film "Je suis noires" will be shown. Among other things, the film deals with the recognition of structural racism in Switzerland, the deconstruction of stereotypes and the acknowledgement of one's own identity as a Swiss and a Black person. Read more about it in the link below.

Datum: 04 December 2022, 18:30 Uhr
Venue: Kosmos, Lagerstrasse 104, 8004 Zürich
Tickets: KOSMOS
Watch the trailer here

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Inclusive Architecture: From Social Movements to "Universal Spaces"

How can buildings become more inclusive? What equipment is needed by different social groups? The City of Bern has published a fact sheet on this topic, which suggests new approaches to inclusive building and signage. "Designing for Inclusivity", published by a Canadian architecture company, also provides insight into the development and concepts of inclusive building.

Fact Sheet Inclusive Archtitecture, City of Bern: https://www.bern.ch/themen/gesundheit-alter-und-soziales/gleichstellung-von-frau-und-mann/geschlechtergerechtes-planen-und-bauen/merkblatt-ausstattung

Designing for Inclusivity: https://hcma.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/HCMA_Designing-for-Inclusivity_V1-1.pdf 

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Reading: «Good Night Stories for Rebell Girls»

The temperatures are dropping and the Christmas season is approaching. The book "Good Night Stories for Rebell Girls" is an ideal Christmas gift. With 100 bedtime stories, the inspiring children's book tells about the lives of extraordinary women from the past and present, and has been illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world.

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The SNSF competition for scientific images 2023 is launched

Share the beauty of your research! The Swiss National Science Foundation invites researchers in Switzerland to submit their photos and videos to the SNSF Scientific Image Competition. Closing date: 31 January 2023.

Link: https://www.snf.ch/de/wcULFznuoEOSQ6yO/news/der-snf-wettbewerb-fuer-wissenschaftliche-bilder-2023-ist-lanciert

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Gender monitoring (part 3): What influence do confounding factors have?

Differences between the success rates of women and men in SNSF funding can be explained by a variety of direct and indirect influences. A look at confounding factors that can distort the results of analyses.

Link: https://www.snf.ch/de/VPZPRbwybg4y5k5Z/news/221109-gender-monitoring-teil-3-welchen-einfluss-haben-stoerfaktoren

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The NEXT way to my new purpose (with costs)

People with many years of professional experience have achieved a lot and would like to build up their knowledge, know-how as well as their diverse experiences, share them or dedicate themselves to another activity. NEXT, the new Lifelong Learning Forum of the University of St. Gallen, will start in March 2023 and support outstanding personalities precisely in this process of their advanced career development.

   Dear subscribers,
   We hope you had a great summer and have now returned to work full of energy!

  What's happening at Empa in Diversity & Inclusion in August?

Book your course from Advance now!

Empa is a member of WeAdvance and still has open places for workshops until the end of the year. They offer different skill building courses and events for employees (also courses open to all genders). Have a look at the selection here:

Skill Building: https://weadvance.ch/programs/skill-building/
Network Events: https://weadvance.ch/programs/connect-at-advance/
 

National Future Day on 10 November in preparation

Preparations for the Future Day on 10 November are currently in progress. The workshops will be open for registration from early/mid-September. As soon as this is the case, it will be communicated here and on the intranet accordingly. We are looking forward to a day with many motivated children!
 

Empa Summer Camp took place with a lot of happy children!

16 children took part in this years summer camp. In a playful and entertaining way they got to know the world of scientists and engineers as well as got to practice their paparazzi skills. Great organisation done by Jolanda Beaton! Read the article on the camp here.
 

Adjustment of the law change: paternity leave & marriage for all ("Ehe für alle")

On 1 July 2022, the changes to the law in connection with "Marriage for All" came into force. This means that the mother's wife is considered the other parent if she is married to the mother at the time of the child's birth and the child was conceived through a sperm donation in accordance with the Federal Act on Medically Assisted Reproduction. In this case, she is also entitled to paternity compensation.

Read more: https://www.bsv.admin.ch/bsv/en/home/social-insurance/eo-msv/grundlagen-und-gesetze/eo-vaterschaftsurlaub.html

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As always, you can contact our if you have any suggestions for events or other comments.

   Further News:

LGBTQIA+ at the workplace: where are we today?: On 24 June the successful online event organised by PSI, Empa, Eawag and WSL took place. Find the recording of the webinar here. During the online Event the desire for informal regular meetings for people from the LGBTQIA+ community and allies has arisen. Are you interested in joining? Do you have ideas how to start the get togethers? Do you already know about such a get together? Get in touch with our D&I Expert, Melina Spycher! She is about every support she gets in putting together these important gatherings.
 

CONNECT goes into another round and Empa is on boat. The call for applications for the CONNECT programme has closed. Empa is happy to inform you, that 2 candidates received a spot in the next round starting in autumn. Find out more about the programme here: www.connect-women.ch.
 

Fix the leaky Pipeline Program (FLP) has more open courses in July! Check it out and register for: "Self-Marketing Skills – indispensable to boost your career" (registration opens 12 July 2022) and/or "Emotional intelligence: why it matters" (registration opens 25th July 2022). The FLP offers young female scientists the opportunity to reflect on their professional situations, to develop a strategy for embarking on or continuing their career paths, to receive targeted further training, and to extend their personal and scientific networks. The aim is to foster women’s scientific careers, to achieve gender equality and to fix the ”leaky pipeline” of women in science and related technical-academic fields.
 

Respect@Empa: Have you read our "Code of Conduct" yet? Take a look at it and read Tanja Zimmermanns appeal on the importance of respectful behaviour at Empa: /group/empa/respect
 

SVIN celebrated 30 years! The Swiss Association for female engineers celebrated it's 30th anniversity on June 24th. Empa as supporting member of the association was invited too. Check out what SVIN offers and join the assiciation.
 

The Newsletter team wishes all readers enjoyable, relaxing summer holidays!

As always, feel free to contact our  if you have suggestions for events or other comments.

   Further News:

Aiming Higher — Women's Leadership Programme

The University of St-Gallen offers a programme aimed at women in lower and middle management positions who would like to prepare for the next career step and acquire the skills necessary to take on a more senior role. As a participant, you will, among others, learn about various leadership approaches, gain personal insights into your own leadership style and development potential and more.

The registration deadline is on 31.08.2022 and you can find more information here.

Date: 3.5 days (seven half-day modules) from the 08.09.2022, fees apply.
Place: Online

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Report of the OST "How medium-sized companies attract women to their top management" (in German)

Successfully filling executive management and board of directors’ mandates with competent women is still a clear challenge for medium-sized companies. This is the conclusion of the project "Wie mittelgrosse Unternehmen Frauen für ihr Top-Management gewinnen" of the OST — Ostschweizer Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland), which examined the situation in Switzerland over the last four years.

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Project “Girls go MINT” at Baden High-School (in German)

The "Girls go MINT" programme at Kanti Baden opens up new perspectives in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology for high school girls. The programme is part of the inter-cantonal MINT women's network, which aims to increase the proportion of women in MINT fields at high schools, in university and in professional life. They are looking for women in science to serve as role model in the programme.

If you are interested in becoming a role model, or just want some more information, please contact 

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Join the feminno program

feminno offers all female scientists the opportunity to bridge academic research with innovation, entrepreneurship and industry. At the end of the programme you will be able to take an educated decision about your next career move or to build your own business with your innovative idea.

Programme start: September 2022. 12 days of training in 6 months.
Application Deadline: 29 July 2022.

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Workshop — sound good, come across well — be in good voice (in German)

Our voice is only innate to a small extent, but it is mainly during our lives that we learn how to use it. Bettina Gut, opera singer and singing teacher, offers a workshop for women on how to develop their own voice. Organizer: SVIN

Date: Friday, 30 September 2022, 09.00 - 17.00
Place: Zentrum Karl der Grosse, Kirchgasse 14, 8001 Zurich

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"No means No" (in German)

The Swiss Council of States opted for the "No means No" solution in the revision of the Sexual Offences Act in June (25 votes to 18).

In addition, the Swiss Council of States raised the minimum prison sentence for rape from one year to two years. And for the first time, according to the will of the Council of States, men will also be able to claim rape. Until now, this was not possible.

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Job offer: University internship at the Competence Centre for Diversity & Inclusion PSI – Eawag – Empa

As of 1 October, PSI, Eawag and Empa are again looking for a university intern for one year.

Gain on-the-job experience in project support and management as well as in committee work! Among other things, you will be involved in the planning and implementation of the PSI Diversity Award for managers. In a great and motivated small team. The CC D&I is looking forward to your application!

Here to the job advertisement

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Job offer: ETH-Diversity Team is looking for reinforcement!

ETH-Diversity is looking for a student assistant (20%) to strengthen the team for the development of the diversity strategy!

With the "Diversity Strategy" ETH Zurich wants to underline its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

More information here.

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STEM promotion: Commission demands report and clarifications on extracurricular offers (in German)

The WBK-N (Parliamentary Commission for Science, Education and Culture) requests a report from the Federal Council on the proportion of women in MINT professions (mathematics, engineering, science, technology). This report should in particular present an analysis of the effectiveness of the measures taken to date to promote the proportion of women in STEM professions and present a strategy for increasing it. In this way, the Commission has followed the petition "Halbe-Halbe in MINT: Increase the proportion of women” of the "Frauensession" in 2021.

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Marriage equality for same-sex couples from June 1 on

Since July 1, same-sex couples can say “yes” to each other. Through the new legislation, complete equality has not yet been achieved, but Switzerland is a big step closer. How couples who are about to get married are doing can be watched in the article.

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GEOscience Diversity and Equality in Switzerland (GEODES)

Since 2020, the GEODES committee organises a workshop during the first day of the SGM. The first two workshops were held online and the conferences recordings are available on the GEODES website. The website also contains many tips and resources to explore the different aspects of diversity and equality like for instance (unconcious) bias.

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Article LGBTQ+ Diversity in Science and Universities

“Scientists are much more diverse than the stereotypical picture of an old man in a lab coat with wild hair. There are people of any gender, any sexuality, any skin colour, young and old, who love science and research; they are just often not as visible.” In her article, Joan Sander talks about her experiences as a queer woman in academia and at the universities and highlights the different reasons why LGBTQIA+ people choose not to come out in the workplace. Finally, she shows various ways in which in her point of view academic institutions and scholars can contribute to a more inclusive academic culture.

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Disability Rights Convention Action Days at ETH Zurich

In 2014, Switzerland put the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) into force. However, people with disabilities are still confronted with obstacles every day, be it with access to buildings, to information or to events. During their action days from 27 August to 10 September 2022, ETH Zurich is offering workshops, courses and public tours, among other things.

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Online event: Inflation! What to do? (in German)

Inflation is on the rise in many countries around the world. But what are the causes? Can this inflation be compared with previous phenomena of this kind? After all, every inflation is different - what is driving it this time and what antidotes are being discussed? And above all, what is to be done? Economiefeministe — the feminist perspective on economics — discusses with the experts Ursula Scheidegger, Mascha Madörin and Christine Rudolf.

Date: 5 September, 7 p.m.
Place: Online

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Vacation reading wanted?

July is clearly the month for relaxation during the summer vacations. You want to stay up to date on diversity & inclusion despite vacation? We have compiled a list of exciting books for you and wish you an inspiring reading.

"What Works" by Iris Bohnet:

In hiring, in promotion, in salary - women are at a massive disadvantage everywhere. Harvard professor Iris Bohnet shows in her brilliant book “What works" that the cause often lies in distorted perceptions that influence our decisions, even when we firmly believe we are being completely objective. The answer to this dilemma does not lie in conforming women to male behavior patterns or appealing to our objectivity. We cannot outsmart our perceptions. But we can change the rules of the game.

"Girl, Woman, Other" by Bernardine Evaristo

In "Girl, Woman, Other," Bernardine Evaristo weaves together the stories of black women over a century to create a unique and many-voiced panorama of our time. An impressive novel about origins and identity, it reminds us of what holds us together. Even though the women, their roles and life stories in “Girl, Woman, Other” are very different, their choices, their struggles, their questions never stand alone, they all speak of the desire to find a place in this world.

“Demystifying Disability” by Emily Ladau (English only)

People with disabilities are the world’s largest minority, an estimated 15 percent of the global population. But many of us—disabled and nondisabled alike—don’t know how to act, what to say, or how to be an ally to the disability community.

Demystifying Disability is a friendly handbook on the important disability issues you need to know about, including: How to appropriately think, talk, and ask about disability, recognizing and avoiding ableism (discrimination toward disabled people), practicing good disability etiquette, ensuring accessibility becomes your standard practice, from everyday communication to planning special events, appreciating disability history and identity, identifying and speaking up about disability stereotypes in media.

“Gender Outlaw : On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us” by Kate Bornstein (English only)

"I know I'm not a man ... and I've come to the conclusion that I'm probably not a woman, either ... The trouble is, we're living in a world that insists we be one or the other." With these words, Kate Bornstein ushers readers on a funny, fearless, and wonderfully scenic journey across the terrains of gender and identity. Gender Outlaw was decades ahead of its time when it was first published in 1994. Now, some twenty-odd years later, this book stands as both a classic and a still revolutionary work, one that continues to push us gently but profoundly to the furthest borders of the gender frontier.

There is a lot to celebrate in June: Our new "Newsletter for Equity" is here! This is the first issue of the newsletter, which was created in collaboration with WSL and PSI. It will be published monthly and will update you on topics related to equity, diversity and inclusion in the ETH Domain and environment. If you would like to be informed regularly about new publications of the newsletter, you can subscribe by entering your e-mail address here. Please also share the information with your colleagues!

Do you know our Action Plan for Equal Opportunities, Diversity & Inclusion for the periode 2021-2024 yet? We define the main strategic fields of action with five thematic priorities: (1) Anchoring equal opportunities at Empa (2) Respectful behavior at Empa (3) Equal opportunities for all, especially for women in management positions (4) Life-Domain Balance between work and private life and (5) Diversity and Inclusion. Read the whole action plan to get a better picture of what this means exactly. 

At the end of May, in celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity, a webpage on the topic diversity was published. There you will find important information, brochures with exciting tips on different cultures, and a recording of the webinar on "Multicultural Awareness and Working Successfully Across Cultures." Visit the website here.

In autumn 2021, Empa participated in the survey "Career, Partnership and Family" led by Büro BASS and EPFL. In addition to ETHZ and EPFL, all four research institutes of the ETH Domain and other Swiss universities participated. Since the conclusion of the project last month, interested parties can find the final report on the Swissuniversities site.

Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency is looking for additional experts with in-depth experience from different areas at the interface between research and industry. They attach a lot of importance to a diverse representation of its expert pool in terms of gender, ages, languages and regions. In particular Innosuisse are seeking to reinforce the female power in its expert pool to ensure that funding decisions for the innovations of tomorrow are not just taken based on the views of a subset of society. Visit their website to take a look at the target profiles and to find more information on the call for experts and the application process. 

As always, feel free to contact if you have suggestions for events or other comments.

   Further News:

Pride-Month: Online event "LGBTAIQ+ at the workplace: where do we stand today?"

On the occasion of Pride Month, the research institutes PSI, Empa, Eawag and WSL have invited the project holders of the Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel. The researchers of the largest LGBTIAQ+ study in Switzerland, Dr. Tabea Hässler and Dr. Léïla Eisner will show how the situation of LGBTQIA+ people in Switzerland is perceived while addressing current challenges around coming-out and the workplace. In their ongoing survey the researchers are additionally investigating the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people in academic institutions. The questionnaire is not aimed exclusively at people in the LGBTIAQ+ community, but also at (cis-)heterosexual people.
The event will take place on Friday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom and is open to all employees of the research institutes PSI, Empa, Eawag and WSL.

For more information and to register click here.

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Tour “Gender in Green" (in German)

Gender is everywhere, but why actually? What makes us a woman, what makes us a man? The Park im Grüene in Rüschlikon presents an open-air exhibition on gender issues. It provides historical facts, statistics and personal stories at ten stations throughout the park. Audio and video files also provide material for unbiased conversations and thought experiments.

Date/Place: Park im Grüene, Rüschlikon, 1 June to 30 September, every day 8h-19h.

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Swiss Association of Women Engineers - Anniversary Celebration (in German, but English speaker welcome)

Under the motto "Always on the move - always on course" SVIN will celebrate its 30th birthday together with its members and guests. The SVIN wants to improve the attractiveness of MINT professions as well as the working and general conditions for women.

More Information about the program and registration here.

Date/Place: Friday 24.06.2022 in Lucerne from 15h

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Women-in-Physics Career Symposium

A Women-in-Physics Career Symposium will take place as a satellite event to the annual meeting of the Swiss Physical Society.

It is meant to support young female physicist (from undergraduate level up to postdoctoral studies) in pursuing a research career. Part of this involves hearing about different career paths in talks in which several female physicists discuss their career and share their experiences. At the same time, this is the kick-off event for an associated mentoring network.

The program and registration details can be found here.

Deadline for registration is 10th June!!!

Date/Place: Fribourg, 1 July 2022

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Fatherhood (in German)

Fathers want to invest more time in their children and family. But often it is more easily said than done. Three inputs on the subject have recently come out.

One is a podcast from the first father counselor in Zurich canton. He explains what a father counsellor does and what he can offer.

Additionally, Tobias Moorstedt deals with the subject of fatherhood in his book "Wir schlechten guten Väter" and in a radio program. He wants to find out why aspirations and reality still so often diverge in this context. The SRF has also taken up the subject in a video.

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BiblioTalk of the Gender Equality Office of the City of Zurich: "It's not that grey". (in German)

An exciting online talk with Sara Hassan on her book "It's not that grey". Get to know her Red Flag System to identify the first signs of abuse of power. During her talk she addresses the following questions:

• How can we as a society become better at recognizing abuse of power in time and taking action against it?
• How can witnesses of harassment become active?
• Which classic myths that often prevent us from intervening need to be examined more closely? 

Registration: free admission, register by June 20, 2022 here.

Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Online.

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NZZ Podium: Diversity and Unity (in German)

Diversity, the appreciation and inclusion of as many social groups as possible, should actually be a matter of course. But history shows a different picture, and discrimination, racism and exclusion are still widespread today. The morality of the majority is reflected in how it treats its minorities.

Diversity and identity culture are problematic where they become a cult and an ideology. The "essentialization" of characteristics such as skin color or sexual identity is also a dead end, as is the exaggeration of victim status, which blurs responsibilities.

Follow the exciting panel with guests such as economist and professor of business & government, Iris Bohnet, writer & cultural scientist, Mithu Sanyal, conductor, Adam Fischer and more.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Date/Place: Saturday, August 20, 2022, 16.00-17.30, KKL Luzern.

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Comic project on sexual harassment in science

For the first time, the real-life stories of female scientists who faced sexual harassment were presented at the EGU (European Geosciences Union) meeting in 2015. After much support, today, seven scientists are fighting everyday sexism in research with their comics. Well worth reading! What would be appropriate responses to the situations depicted?

The comics and more information about the project here.

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Panel discussion at Karl*a der*die Grosse: LGBTIQ+ in Switzerland: Where are we today, where are we going? (Discussion in German)

The Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel and the University of Zurich are organizing a film screening followed by a panel discussion titled "LGBTIQ+ in Switzerland: where are we today, where are we going?". The City of Zurich (Equality Office), QueerAltern, Milchjugend and Regenbogenfamilien will be participating. The aim of the event is to promote exchange and improve the interaction of different actors - science, LGBTIQ+ organizations, institutions, individuals.

Language Film: English, German (UT)

Language Panel: German

Registration and more information here

Date/Place: Saturday, June 11, 6 p.m., at Karl*a der*die Grosse (Kirchgasse 14, 8001 Zurich, (wheelchair accessible)).