Transformative Sustainability Fund
Funding for teaching innovations with a focus on sustainability
The Transformative Sustainability Fund (TSF) supports ZHAW lecturers in developing innovative teaching and learning formats that strengthen sustainability skills and have an impact beyond departmental boundaries.
The TSF steps in where there is often a lack of resources: during the conceptual development phase. It primarily supports projects that design new formats, but also those that revise existing teaching modules or even further develop entire degree programmes – with a clear focus on sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the Fund
Why the TSF?
Sustainability is a key future skill for students across all disciplines. Accordingly, the integration of sustainability into the curriculum is strategically embedded across the ZHAW. Many lecturers have innovative ideas for new teaching formats in the field of sustainability – with the appropriate time and structural support, these can be effectively developed and implemented.
With the TSF, ZHAW offers a targeted funding instrument that:
- enables innovations in teaching that systematically embed sustainability,
- strengthens cross-departmental collaboration,
- develops model approaches that can be replicated,
- and thereby contributes strategically to the integration of sustainability into the curriculum.
Who and what exactly is supported?
Support is available for projects led by ZHAW lecturers that:
- are designed to be cross-departmental (involving at least two Schools),
- have a clear focus on sustainability,
- and are currently in the planning and development phase (not yet being implemented).
Potential areas for funding include:
- the development of entirely new teaching formats (main focus),
- the revision of existing modules to systematically integrate sustainability,
- and the conceptual further development of study programmes towards a more sustainable orientation.
For example, this includes the design of new teaching formats, the drafting of detailed module or programme proposals, and the didactic and methodological elaboration of corresponding approaches.
The focus is on Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes; however, continuing education programmes may also be considered if they align with the objectives of the TSF.
Up to CHF 15'000 may be applied for per project.
Processes and general conditions
Evaluation criteria
- Substantial integration of sustainability
- Quality of interdisciplinary collaboration
- Degree of innovation and exemplary nature
- Feasibility and mitigation of challenges
Consideration is also given to the extent to which applicants possess (at least) basic knowledge in the field of sustainable development or acquire this within the framework of the project. Such sustainability literacy can either be demonstrated through existing qualifications or strengthened through a capacity-building element provided by ZHAW sustainable within the project.
Requirements
- Project management led by ZHAW (team based primarily at ZHAW)
- Involvement of multiple Schools (at least two)
- Approval from the relevant programme director
- Project duration: maximum of four semesters
Timeline
The first call for proposals for TSF projects will take place from June 2026 onwards. The exact dates will be announced shortly.
Who is involved in the TSF?
ZHAW sustainable is responsible for the overall coordination, administration and project support, in consultation with the ZHAW Ressort Bildung. The committee responsible for evaluating applications is made up of experts from within and outside ZHAW, to ensure a high standard of academic quality.
Important note
The TSF complements ZHAW’s existing funding instruments and focuses specifically on the conceptual development of sustainable teaching formats. For sustainability projects that are primarily aimed at implementation and practical impact, the Sustainable Impact Program offers suitable funding opportunities through the Living Lab Fund and, where applicable, the Instant Impact Fund. If the project is a teaching initiative in the context of digital transformation, funding via ZHAW digital’s Transformative Education Fund may be considered.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What form should the outcomes of a TSF project take in practice? | The initiative supports the conceptual development (rather than implementation) of innovative, sustainable teaching and learning formats at the ZHAW. Concrete outcomes may include, for example, fully developed module concepts or detailed draft study programmes. The idea is to establish a foundation – including with regard to overcoming administrative hurdles – that can be implemented at a later stage and, ideally, serve as a model for other lecturers. |
| I have an idea for the development and implementation, or simply the implementation, of an educational project in the field of sustainability. Can I apply for funding for this through the TSF? | The TSF exclusively supports the conceptual (further) development of sustainable educational formats, not their implementation. For the implementation of such projects, please refer to the Living Lab Fund of the Sustainable Impact Program (SIP). |
| I have an idea for a small, quick-to-implement change to the curriculum. Can such initiatives also be financed through the TSF? | In principle, the TSF is happy to support projects that do not utilise the full maximum amount of CHF 15'000. However, this is subject to the project having a certain conceptual scope and demonstrating an impact that goes beyond isolated, ad hoc adjustments. In the case of very small-scale interventions involving measures that can be implemented quickly and have a concrete impact, please refer to the Instant Impact Fund of the Sustainable Impact Program (SIP). |
| I would like to develop an educational project, but I’m not sure whether it is sufficiently aligned with sustainability. | You are welcome to arrange a meeting with ZHAW sustainable (sustainable@zhaw.ch) to discuss the details of a project proposal. If the project is an educational initiative in the field of digital transformation, we would be happy to refer you to the Transformative Education Fund from ZHAW digital. |
| May the funds from the TSF also be used to cover expenses? | In principle, the funds provided may also be used to cover expenses. However, it should be noted that these must be proportionate to the total grant amount and that air travel is not covered by the project funds. |
Any questions?
Please contact: sustainable@zhaw.ch