University of Zurich

With its 26,000 enrolled students, the University of Zurich (UZH) is Switzerland's largest University. Founded in the year 1833, UZH was Europe's first University established by a democratic political system. Today, UZH is one of the foremost universities in the German-speaking world. Made up of seven faculties covering some 100 different subject areas, the University offers a wide variety of Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. programs. Also, UZH's continuing education programs offer excellent learning opportunities.
As a member of the "League of European Research Universities" (LERU), the University of Zurich belongs to Europe's most prestigious research institutions. Numerous distinctions highlight the University's international renown in the fields of medicine, immunology, genetics, neuroscience, and structural biology, as well as in economics. To date, the Nobel Prize has been conferred on twelve UZH scholars.
The academic excellence of the University of Zurich brings benefits to both the public and the private sectors, not only in the Canton of Zurich but throughout Switzerland. Knowledge is shared in a variety of ways: in addition to granting the general public access to its twelve museums and many of its libraries, the University makes findings from cutting-edge research available to the public in accessible and engaging lecture series and panel discussions.
The University of Zurich already contributes to regional and global sustainable development through its research and teaching and is committed to systematically expanding its efforts. This includes strengthening interdisciplinary and cross-faculty collaboration as well as supporting projects with external partners. Also, the University of Zurich strives to promote sustainable procurements, foster efficient energy consumption, and take other steps toward achieving a sustainable campus to reduce the environmental impact of its operations – and contribute to the quality of life in Zurich.
The University of Zurich (UZH) is an institution with a strong commitment to the free and open pursuit of scholarship. The scholarship is the acquisition, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge methodologically and critically. To flourish, scholarship must be free from external influences, constraints, and ideological pressures. The University of Zurich is committed to unrestricted freedom in research and teaching. Academic freedom calls for a high degree of responsibility, including reflection on the ethical implications of research activities for humans, animals, and the environment. Work in all disciplines at the University is based on a scholarly inquiry into the realities of our world; as Switzerland's largest University, the University of Zurich promotes wide diversity in both scholarship and the fields of study offered. The University fosters free dialogue, respects the individual characteristics of the disciplines, and advances interdisciplinary work.
UZH pursues scholarly research and teaching and provides services for the benefit of the public. UZH has successfully positioned itself among the world's foremost universities. The University attracts the best researchers and students and promotes junior scholars at all academic career levels. UZH sets priorities in research and teaching by considering academic requirements and the needs of society. These priorities presuppose basic research and interdisciplinary methods. UZH strives to uphold the highest quality in all its activities. To secure and improve quality, the University regularly monitors and evaluates its performance.
UZH contributes to the increase of knowledge through the pursuit of cutting-edge research. UZH is primarily a research institution. It enables and expects its members to conduct research and supports them in doing so. While basic research is the core focus at UZH, the University also pursues applied research. UZH has the responsibility to provide its students with academic education. The University also offers programs in continuing education and advances lifelong learning. Teaching at UZH is research-based. Academic education is rooted in a scholarly community of teachers and students. This environment develops students' ability to formulate and answer questions, methodically gain insight into an issue, critically assess problems, and share knowledge with others. Through a university education, students acquire the skills necessary to think and act independently and responsibly.
UZH provides services related to research and teaching for the benefit of the public. UZH promotes the transfer of knowledge and technology, doing research and teaching accessible to others. UZH endeavors to achieve a spirit of shared responsibility and self-management when pursuing its goals and carrying out its responsibilities. The University acknowledges the specific demands placed on management structures at knowledge-based institutions. UZH governance is based on the principles of subsidiarity, participation, transparency, and balanced interests. The inclusion of an appropriate representation of students and staff in decision-making processes is an expression of shared responsibility.
University education is open to all persons who possess the required entrance qualifications. UZH is dedicated to promoting talent at all levels. UZH offers its staff up-to-date employment and working conditions and supports them in their professional development. The University offers the entire UZH community the opportunity to participate in a wide range of cultural and athletic activities.
UZH is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge but also bears a responsibility to the public at large. The University provides an academic foundation for self-reflection in society, thereby contributing significantly toward its positive development. UZH practices transparency by informing the public about its activities and concerns. A part of UZH's resources is made available to the general public through libraries, museums, and public events. UZH considers sustainability in scholarship as well as in its operations to be a core responsibility. In research, teaching, and daily operations, the University safeguards human and animal rights.