Processes and general conditions

Here you will find detailed information on the formal requirements, the application process, the evaluation criteria and the financing conditions of the Transformative Sustainability Fund (TSF).

Formal requirements

• The project management is based at ZHAW, and the majority of the project team is also based at ZHAW. In the event of a change in personnel, the role of project manager must be transferable to a permanent member of staff at ZHAW and may be shared by several people. The involvement of external experts (e.g. on a consultancy basis) may be considered, provided it offers clear added value.
• At least two Schools at the ZHAW are centrally involved in the project, and the planned teaching format must be designed in such a way that it can, in principle, be used as an Open Interdepartmental Module (OIM) at a later stage.
• To submit the application, approval is required from the relevant programme director, who grants formal authorisation to apply.
• The maximum project duration is four semesters.
• As part of the TSF project, the project team is automatically affiliated with the ZKSD, and is expected to organise at least one activity (meetings, events, workshops, etc.) in conjunction with it. This is intended to raise the visibility of the project and to promote the exchange of ideas on sustainable teaching between the universities in the Canton of Zurich.

Evaluation criteria

For the application to be assessed, it must be submitted in a complete and clear manner. It will then be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

• Substantial integration of sustainability: The project should aim to substantially integrate sustainability issues – guided by the SDGs in environmental, economic or social terms. Sustainability should be a clear focus of the project and, ideally, its various dimensions should be taken into account. Existing sustainability skills – or so-called ‘sustainability literacy’ (e.g. previous experience, further training or comparable qualifications) – will be viewed favourably, but are not a prerequisite for funding. A willingness to acquire relevant skills within the framework of the project is also viewed favourably. Should project teams have a corresponding need, ZHAW sustainable will consider the creation or facilitation of suitable further training, exchange or train-the-trainer programmes.
• Quality of interdisciplinary collaboration: In order to address the holistic nature of the SDGs and to promote interdepartmental collaboration, the planned formats should be designed with a central focus on interdisciplinarity. In doing so, a diversity of perspectives and the explicit consideration of conflicting objectives in the promotion of sustainable development should be clearly evident. The TSF explicitly promotes collaboration between different academic disciplines and departments within the university. At least two ZHAW Schools must be involved in the project. The planned teaching format should be designed in such a way that, upon subsequent implementation, it will in principle be accessible to all participating Schools.
• Innovative and exemplary nature: The project is characterised by a clear element of novelty within the ZHAW context and contributes to the further development of sustainable teaching. This may be demonstrated, for example, through the integration of new content and perspectives, appropriate didactic and methodological approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, or the incorporation of real-world sustainability challenges. What is crucial here is not that entirely novel teaching approaches are developed, but that relevant added value for sustainable teaching is created within the ZHAW context and that existing courses are meaningfully further developed or supplemented. The approaches developed should have the potential to serve as a model or inspiration for further teaching programmes at ZHAW beyond the specific project, for example by ensuring that the didactic concept is fundamentally transferable to other modules, study programmes or departments, that insights and materials gained can be shared within or outside the participating departments, and that the innovation will ultimately benefit a larger number of students. Furthermore, appropriate visibility and accessibility of the results are desirable in the interests of transparency and knowledge transfer.
• Feasibility and risk management: The resources deployed should be proportionate to the objectives and scope of the TSF. The project should, in principle, be realistically feasible and have a clear timeline. In addition, projects may involve uncertainties, areas of conflict or differing professional, curricular or institutional perspectives. What is crucial is a reflective, responsible and constructive approach to respond to such challenges.

Project budget

• Up to CHF 15'000 may be applied for per project.
• Funding must be used exclusively for its intended purpose.
• Expenditure on materials and equipment must be in line with the project objectives and kept to a reasonable level.
• The employment of external collaborators is generally permitted, provided they bring clear added value to the project.
• Operating resources, such as software licences or comparable resources, should be proportionate to the overall budget.
• Expenses may be claimed to a limited extent; they must be justifiable and serve the implementation of the project. Air travel expenses are not covered.