The ZHAW launches a new joint PhD programme for biomedical specialists
Since 2025, the ZHAW and ETH Zurich have jointly offered a PhD programme in biomedicine. Six PhD students are already working on innovative research projects.
The ZHAW and ETH Zurich have joined forces to create the PhD programme Biomedical Science and Health Innovations. The structured programme enables Master’s graduates from both universities in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics to pursue a PhD.
PhD students are enrolled at ETH and supervised by professors from both institutions. Students typically spend three to four years working on research projects, most of which are based at the ZHAW. Funding comes from companies, the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse) or the Swiss National Science Foundation.
First research project on strength training
The programme launched in 2025 with six participants, and more have joined since then. One PhD candidate has already completed a research project on data-driven analysis of strength training, more accurate predictions of strength gains based on the speed of repetitions during specific exercises.
The programme also offers joint courses, seminars and workshops. In 2026, a summer school will focus on entrepreneurship. “We want to bring together people from biomedicine, technology and business to facilitate an exchange of ideas,” says Silvio Lorenzetti, scientific coordinator at the ZHAW School of Engineering. “This way, we help talented researchers develop healthcare innovations to the point where they are ready for the market.”