Insights into research, academic programmes and university operations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.