Semester Awards for 68 Students

Many students at the University of Zurich engage with a variety of disciplines during their studies, whether through interdisciplinary study programs, transdisciplinary modules or direct exchanges with fellow students. This allows them to give free rein to their scientific curiosity and transcend disciplinary boundaries.

This was the case for one young student who initially enrolled in physics and informatics but ended up completing a Master’s degree in geography. He went on to conduct research in physics, astrophysics and optical sciences, and eventually became a professor of remote sensing.

“I enjoyed an interdisciplinary education that continues to have an impact today,” recalled Michael Schaepman in his speech at Tag der Lehre, referring to the various disciplines he covered in his own studies. As president of the University of Zurich (UZH), he is now committed to strengthening interdisciplinary teaching. In times of global challenges, he said, it is more important than ever to develop creative solutions from a variety of perspectives.

This year’s Tag der Lehre was devoted to the theme of Celebrating Interdisciplinarity. Study program coordinators, teaching staff and students exchanged valuable ideas for teaching and studying in lectures, panel discussions and workshops, contributing their own experiences.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of semester awards to 68 students for outstanding semester papers written in the fall semester of 2024 and the spring semester of 2025. Graduates of the UZH’s Center for University Teaching and Learning programs, including Teaching Skills and the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in University Teaching, as well as the recipient of the Orelli Prize from the Faculty of Law, were also honored for their outstanding achievements.

In his speech, Michael Schaepman highlighted the diversity of subjects in which the award-winning work was produced. “The fact that this diversity is increasingly characterized by interdisciplinarity is thanks to you and your work,” he told the instructors and students in attendance. UZH aims to empower students and staff to become the problem solvers of the future, and interdisciplinary approaches are the best way to achieve this today, Schaepman added.

On Tag der Lehre, UZH also celebrated the fifth anniversary of the School for Transdisciplinary Studies (STS). “The STS is not only a place for people to meet, but also a driving force for innovative teaching at our university,” emphasized Gabriele Siegert, Vice President Education and Student Affairs. “Learning is particularly effective when it forges connections – between disciplines, between theory and practice, and between people.”

Political science and archaeology student Ladina Bischof also benefited from such connections. At a panel discussion focused on interdisciplinary and cross-faculty studies, she explained that exchanges with friends from other departments had provided her with important inspiration, for example for an interdisciplinary semester paper. As co-president of the University of Zurich Student Association (VSUZH), Ladina Bischof is active in university politics. On the panel, she called for “the courage to cross-list more”: relevant interdisciplinary modules should be visible to students from as many disciplines as possible.

Anja Schulze, professor of mobility and digital innovation management, was also represented on the panel. She emphasized that complex questions can only be answered by combining different disciplines. However, she said, a solid “vertical” foundation in a specific subject is still needed before one can expand “horizontally” across disciplines. It is worthwhile to combine both dimensions – just like the letter “T,” which Schulze vividly demonstrated with outstretched arms. “Interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity require the ability to connect and communicate with one another across disciplinary boundaries.”

“Interdisciplinarity requires additional effort and is not an ‘easy way out’,” said Gabriele Siegert during the discussion. It requires a great deal of extra commitment, which is not always reflected in teaching and study achievements that earn credit. Removing organizational hurdles is key to strengthening interdisciplinary teaching. The success of STS proves that these efforts are worthwhile.

Claudia Witt, professor of complementary and integrative medicine, emphasized the importance of social and institutional recognition in light of the additional effort involved, for example through awards and events such as Tag der Lehre.

At the beginning of the day, she highlighted the relevance of inter- and transdisciplinarity in the digital age in her keynote speech. The subsequent STS panel demonstrated how students and teaching staff can collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary settings. Teaching award winner Florian Altermatt illustrated this by sharing insights into the biodiversity study program he directs.

The day concluded with an enjoyable reception in the Lichthof, where students, members of the teaching staff and guests shared insights and stories across disciplinary boundaries, in keeping with the theme of the day.