Athena Swan in Switzerland Pilot Project

We are proud to be the first faculty in Switzerland to pilot the UK and Ireland’s Athena Swan Charter, a framework with more than 20 years of impact in advancing equality in higher education.

This work also helps us:

• Embed equity, diversity, and inclusion in our culture, decision-making, and partnerships
• Improve our processes to be more robust, transparent and accountable
• Address structural inequalities and unconscious biases that affect careers and outcomes
• Recognize and reward contributions to equality work
• Take action against discrimination and harassment
• Support the career development and well-being of all
• Promote flexibility, work-life balance, and sustainable career paths
• ⁠Prepare for future institutional evaluations and for Horizon Europe

The pilot project is being run by the MNF EDI Committee. Departments interested in participation will go through a cycle involving:

• Training and guidance by external partners experienced in the framework
• Critical, data-based self-evaluation of current culture and practices
• Development and implementation of a targeted action plan
• Peer review and feedback by a panel of experienced assessors
• Evidence-based monitoring of progress
• Eligibility for a provisional Athena Swan award