Through its innovation programme, the Digitalization Initiative of the Zurich Universities (DIZH) funded four projects in its first Structure Call (supporting long-term cross-university innovation structures). The DIZH selected just as many projects focusing on Ukraine to be funded during the second Rapid Action Call (supporting projects with measures that can be implemented rapidly when time is of the essence).

Developing and testing autonomous systems

ZHAW employees are involved in all four funded innovation structures, including Michel Guillaume and Thilo Stadelmann, researchers from the ZHAW School of Engineering. They collaborated with the University of Zurich (UZH) and the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) to build an infrastructure designed for testing autonomous systems. Stadelmann and Guillaume emphasise the unique standing of the structure in Europe: “The airfield in Dübendorf enables us to conduct tests in an authentic environment and therefore combines research with practice.”

Video game for Ukrainian refugee children

Andri Gerber’s project is among the selected ones within the Rapid Action Call Ukraine. In cooperation with an industry partner, the professor of urban design developed a video game based on a map of the city of Zurich. The project is very close to his heart: “We hope that our game can help Ukrainian children to quickly become familiar with Zurich.”

Seven new DIZH fellowships

Seven new fellowships were awarded within the DIZH research cluster in 2022, focusing on subjects such as augmented reality, art and biotechnology. One of the fellowships was awarded to Anne Catherine Gieshoff’s project. The research associate from the ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics wants to find out whether the use of augmented reality (AR) reduces “Zoom fatigue”. She explains that the use of AR can decrease the cognitive load and improve working conditions for interpreters working remotely.

For about two years now, the DIZH has been funding researchers (within its research cluster), practice-oriented and innovative projects (within its innovation programme) and developments in the field of education (within its education programme). The DIZH aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the canton of Zurich as a hub of research and development.