PhD programme in Biomedical Science and Health Innovations with ETH Zurich

Conduct research at the intersection of biomedical science, technology and health. The joint PhD programme offered by ZHAW and ETH Zurich enables master’s graduates from universities of applied sciences and universities to pursue a doctorate, supported by supervisors from both institutions and opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.

About the programme

The PhD programme in Biomedical Science and Health Innovations is a collaboration between the ZHAW School of Engineering and ETH Zurich, supported by swissuniversities. It enables qualified master’s graduates from universities of applied sciences and universities to undertake extensive research and academic study leading to a PhD.

PhD students are enrolled at ETH Zurich and jointly supervised by a professor at ETH Zurich and a co-supervisor at ZHAW. The doctorate usually takes four years to complete.

A cohort of around 22 PhD students is planned for the period from 2025 to 2028, working together on projects in biomedical science and health innovations across both institutions. Joint summer schools, seminars, courses and workshops foster networking and academic exchange.

At a glance

Partner institutions: ZHAW School of Engineering and ETH Zurich

Subject areas: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); business management and economics; health and life sciences

Enrolment: ETH Zurich

Supervision: Primary supervision at ETH Zurich, co-supervision at ZHAW

Duration: Usually four years

How to apply

The programme is open to applicants with a master’s degree from a university or university of applied sciences in one of the following fields:

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
Business management and economics
Health and life sciences

PhD students with a master’s degree from a university of applied sciences must complete additional modules worth 30 ECTS credits at ETH Zurich during their doctorate.

Step 1: Find supervisors and define your research project

Start by finding a co-supervisor at ZHAW. Together, define a research project and identify a supervisor at ETH Zurich.

Step 2: Apply to the PhD programme

Once your research project and supervision arrangements have been agreed, submit your complete application to the programme’s scientific coordinator, Prof. Dr. Silvio Lorenzetti.

Following a formal review, your application will be forwarded to the joint committee of representatives from ZHAW and ETH Zurich. The committee decides on admission to the programme and the co-supervision arrangements. Formal admission as a doctoral student takes place at ETH Zurich.