Doctoral Programme in Applied Linguistics: Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice in the Digital Transformation (EquiLingua)
The ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics and the UniBe Center for the Study of Language and Society are pleased to offer our collaborative doctoral programme in Applied Linguistics. The programme explores the intersection of linguistic practices and social justice within the context of digital transformation.
The programme
Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice in the Digital Transformation
Digital transformation, marked by advancements in AI and human-machine collaboration, has profound implications for communication, necessitating intercultural skills and the preservation of cultural diversity. While many of those implications may be positive by facilitating communicative processes, there is a considerable risk for inequalities to be exacerbated due to disparities in access to digital tools, as well as the reproduction of gender, sexuality, and social class biases and stereotyping in digital tools.
The doctoral programme addresses critical issues, such as the digital divide, gender biases, and the marginalization of less common languages in the digital realm, by promoting equitable access and digital literacy.
Who are we?
The doctoral progamme is a collaboration between ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences and UniBe University of Bern. The programme leverages the expertise of ZHAW and UniBE; institutions with strong research backgrounds in Applied Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, and Digital Humanities. Their collaboration so far has focused on issues such as linguistic diversity, social justice, the impact of digital tools on language and society, and the methodology of transdisciplinary research.
What do we offer?
Key activities include joint workshops, seminars, guest lectures, and master classes that enhance inter- and transdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange. The doctoral programme also features summer and winter schools, the creation of sustainable digital teaching materials, and collaborative research that bridge theoretical and practical insights. Transdisciplinary collaboration with industry and public organizations further strengthens the practical relevance of the research.
Through these initiatives, the doctoral programme will strengthen innovation and supports PhD students in addressing linguistic problems that matter for society-at-large. In doing so, it contributes to positioning Switzerland as a driver of socially relevant research on language, inequality and social justice, building on its multilingual and intercultural landscape.
Current events
On, for, and with practitioners
Fostering transdisciplinary PhD programs in times of science criticism
Prof. Dr. Daniel Perrin (ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur)
Fake news, conspiracy theories, and criticism toward science and academia challenge rational discourse and decision-making on societal levels. In academia, the humanities and social sciences tend to experience both harsh criticism and dwindling funding. Against this backdrop, systematically preparing next generations of scholars to mediate between the main discourses in sciences, professional fields outside academia, and society at large can both foster the scholars’ individual success and bolster the standing of science in everyday life. This contribution explains how – and to what effect – cooperations between Swiss universities have woven this rationale into a series of PhD programs in Applied Linguistics.
Perrin, D. (2025). On, for, and with practitioners. Fostering transdisciplinary dissertations in times of science criticism. Swiss Academies Communication, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15261812
About us
Director
Admission and practicalities
When?
From September 2026 onward
Where?
In Winterthur and Bern
Language?
All courses and events will be held in English
Who can participate?
- Candidates must be enrolled as doctoral students at a Swiss university
- Candidates must be employed at ZHAW or hold a Master's degree from ZHAW Zurich University of Applies Sciences
Application process
Given employment at ZHAW and/or holding a ZHAW Master’s degree:
- Secure supervision and enrollment
PhD supervision can either be embedded within a research project or be independently arranged by the doctoral candidates for a self-directed project.
The doctoral program does not offer project-based employment or PhD supervision. Please note that participation in the doctoral program is only possible if you are enrolled at a Swiss university as a PhD student. At some Swiss universities, PhD enrollment is also possible for graduates holding a Master’s degree from Universities of Applied Sciences.
- Submission of academic CV and abstract
Interested candidates are invited to submit their academic CV as well as an abstract or a brief description of their research focus to Dario D’Agostino (dago@zhaw.ch). Applicants will be informed of the directors’ decision as soon as possible.