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Insights into research, academic programmes and university operations

Highlights from research

Remote work is seen as a sign of trust

Working from home has become an integral part of many people’s professional lives, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. A new study shines a light on the consequences of working from home.

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New construction system reduces the carbon footprint of residential buildings

Increased use of concrete in residential construction is bad for the environment. ZHAW researchers have found an innovative solution to this problem.

→ to the full report about a new construction system reducing the carbon footprint of residential buildings

Victim support services need to be expanded

Are the needs of the various stakeholders still being met by the victim support office in the canton of Zurich? A ZHAW study explored this question and presents recommendations.

→ to the full report about victim support services

Downsizing remains a challenge for empty nesters

Parents whose children have grown up and left home have the greatest potential for downsizing their living space. However, this potential is only exploited to a limited extent, according to a ZHAW study.

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Robots may soon be able to navigate complex environments

Getting machines to move autonomously in space requires a great deal of computing power and energy. Researchers have now drawn on nature to develop a new solution. 

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Software can identify reason for performance losses in solar power plants

ZHAW researchers have developed a software module that can help to minimise energy losses of solar power plants and predict the right moment for maintenance. 

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Combining solar panels and agriculture has tremendous potential

Agrivoltaics could supply five times more electricity than Switzerland needs. ZHAW researchers now intend to investigate the impact on plant growth.

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Longstanding survey provides an overview of Swiss municipalities

Swiss municipalities consider themselves to be doing well and their finances to be stable. However, politics at the municipal level lack diversity and new blood.

→ to the full report about a longstanding survey providing an overview of Swiss municipalities

ZHAW researchers are improving the security of 6G

The new 6G mobile communications standard promises to pave the way for self-driving cars, artificial intelligence and networked devices. An EU project aims to protect this next generation of mobile technology against cyberattacks.

→ to the full report about improving the security of 6G

Study helps expectant mothers know when to go to hospital

The timing of hospital admission can affect an expectant mother’s whole experience of giving birth. ZHAW researchers have designed a new questionnaire to help determine when’s the best time to go to the hospital.

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Abusive lawsuits against media professionals in Switzerland

A ZHAW study has investigated the threats SLAPP lawsuits pose to Swiss media, showing how abusive legal action can intimidate or even silence journalists. Despite the infrequency with which they arise, these lawsuits are a considerable threat to journalism.

→ to the full report about abusive lawsuits against media professionals in Switzerland

Lost in interpretation

English is often seen as the go-to solution for communicating in international contexts. However, a ZHAW study revealed that it can actually impede the flow of information.

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Facts and figures about occupational therapists in Switzerland

A project conducted at the ZHAW School of Health Professions collected the first-ever comprehensive data on occupational therapists working in Switzerland, making it possible to anticipate and respond to future challenges.

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Context is crucial when making sustainable purchasing decisions

More and more Swiss people are buying second-hand clothes and used electronic devices. Despite this, sustainable alternatives are often ignored as a result of price considerations, levels of consumer knowledge, or lack of transparency.

→ to the full report about context is crucial when making sustainable purchasing decisions

Highlights from academic programmes

ZHAW-hosted conference helps redefine learning spaces

The eduhub Days 2024 showcased the impact of educational technologies on universities. The annual conference explored the latest developments in future-proofing learning spaces. 

→ to the full report about an ZHAW-hosted conference helping redefine learning spaces

An active role in shaping higher education in Europe

The second phase of EELISA alliance kicked off at the end of 2023, allowing the ZHAW to step up its collaboration with European universities.

→ to the full report about shaping higher education in Europe

The ZHAW’s summer schools promote an entrepreneurial mindset

In 2024, ZHAW entrepreneurship ran three summer schools on the topic of planetary health. A total of 64 students from various ZHAW Schools took part, as well as 17 participants from the EELISA (European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance) network.

→ to the full report about summer schools promoting an entrepreneurial mindset

Safeguarding free access to education

Open teaching and learning materials enable educators to pursue innovative and participatory teaching approaches. Thanks to the Open Educational Resources (OER) repository, these materials have been given a central platform.

→ to the full report about safeguarding free access to education

Highlights from the campus

ZHAW programmes inspire young people to explore STEM careers

With the Science Week in Wädenswil and the Children’s University of Winterthur, the ZHAW is promoting interest in science among the next generation in a fun and entertaining way.

→ to the full report about inspiring young people to explore STEM careers

New project aims to make university catering more sustainable

Our eating habits have a major impact on the climate. The four-week project Farm to Table explored how the canteen offering at the Toni Areal campus could be transformed to support a more sustainable approach to food and beverage.

→ to the full report about making university catering more sustainable

New personnel ordinance implemented

The new personnel ordinance (PVF), which came into effect on 1 August 2024, offers employees a wide range of development opportunities and strengthens the ZHAW’s role as employer.

→ to the full report about the new personnel ordinance

Promoting mental health awareness is a key priority

The ZHAW uses targeted communication initiatives to highlight the importance of mental health. Two specific sets of guidelines for lecturers and line managers have been developed to further this cause. 

→ to the full report about promoting mental health awareness

Measures to boost gender equality in university recruitment practices

The ZHAW has developed a comprehensive set of documents, tools and guidelines to foster fair and inclusive recruitment practices. The university also provides targeted training for line managers to ensure these resources are implemented effectively.

→ to the full report about measures to boost gender equality