The second project phase, launched by the rectors and presidents of the 10 alliance universities, has been under way since November 2023. It includes 10 new Work Packages for the implementation and further development of EELISA (European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance). The ZHAW is involved in all Work Packages and has assumed co-leadership on the topics of Employability and Partnerships and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. EELISA aims to promote knowledge, skills and technology transfer between students, researchers and staff at universities participating in the alliance. The goal is to increase interdisciplinary competence across engineering programmes and further strengthen collaboration.

Raising awareness

Beyond the project work, the ZHAW’s main focus has been on integrating and raising awareness of EELISA’s offerings at home. The university also focused on networking with partner universities, which includes expanding joint educational programmes and EELISA mobility. A joint PhD programme in quantum technology and nanoscience was introduced, and additional joint master’s programmes in various disciplines are currently in the works. 

Successful students and first credentials

Last summer, students from the ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management won three awards at the Scientific Student Competition held at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). Later that summer, the first EELISA credentials were issued to participants of the ZHAW entrepreneurship summer schools. In the future, there will be an even stronger emphasis on talent promotion and innovation – a commitment that was reaffirmed by the rectors and presidents of the alliance universities signing a joint declaration at the governing board meeting held in Pisa in mid-November 2024.