Zurich University
of Applied Sciences

Grasshopper songs for more biodiversity: 16 new DIZH projects

The Digitalization Initiative of the Zurich Higher Education Institutions (DIZH) funds 16 new projects. Four of those projects are led by ZHAW, and ZHAW researchers are involved in nine additional projects. They cover a wide range of topics – from health, education and social participation to biodiversity.

The stripe-winged grasshopper (Stenobothrus lineatus) is usually green in color, but also occurs in special color variants such as this purple morph. This warmth-loving species is not uncommon in Switzerland and colonises both lowlands and the Alps, where it prefers extensively managed pastures. Locally, this grasshopper can decline due to habitat loss. Photo: Oliver Hawlitschek (UZH)
The bog bush cricket (Metrioptera brachyptera) is a characteristic species of damp habitats with medium vegetation height. It is not yet rare in Switzerland, but is considered a victim of climate change, as its preferred habitats will shrink due to rising temperatures and changes in the precipitation regime. Photo: Oliver Hawlitschek (UZH)
The Gomphocerus sibiricus is a typical species of the Alpine region in Switzerland. Its name comes from the fact that it can be found in mountains as far east as the Eurasian landmass. It can be easily recognised by its club-shaped thickened antennae and, in the case of males, by the blister-like enlargements of the forelegs. The first two also occur in the canton of ZH. All can be observed in midsummer. The first two grasshoppers also occur in the canton of ZH. All can be observed in midsummer. Photo: Oliver Hawlitschek (UZH)

In the 4th project call, the DIZH is funding 16 projects that are characterised by their innovative strength, social relevance and strong practical relevance. The projects are realised by interdisciplinary teams that combine research and practice. Various technologies and methodological approaches such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and citizen science are utilised. This creates new approaches to medical care, personalised rehabilitation and participatory research. 

An overview of the four projects in which the ZHAW is in the lead:

Promoting Biodiversity

One striking example of cross-university collaboration is the “ChirpScan” project: the four universities are jointly developing a mobile app that identifies grasshoppers based on their songs. The project combines AI with citizen science, enables efficient monitoring of biodiversity and is aimed at experts, citizen scientists and non-experts.

Social participation and barrier-free communication

“DigInCiteS” investigates how people with cognitive impairments can actively participate in digital citizen science projects. The project evaluates digital tools and develops best-practice approaches for inclusive research. The aim is to sustainably promote scientific participation for people with disabilities.

AI-supported medical diagnostics and research

“RADICAL” is developing an AI-supported tool for radiology that supports clinical decision-making by efficiently processing unstructured data. By streamlining workflows with natural language queries, radiological diagnoses are accelerated and made more precise.

Education: Digital tools to support learners and teachers

“REACT” is designing a smartphone app that uses Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions to enhance the teachers’ well-being by activating resources. A user-centred and evidence-based design ensures that the app meets the needs of teachers.

All projects at a glance

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