Fresh impetus to advance gender equality

Advancing gender equality is one of ETH Zurich¡¯s declared aims ¨C including in professorial careers. Although the proportion of women professors has risen in recent years ¨C according to the ETH Zurich Annual Report it stood at 44% of new appointments in 2024 ¨C equality is about more than just statistics.

To analyse the situation in detail, ETH commissioned an independent study in 2021. A team from the University of Lausanne subsequently looked at whether women professors at ETH are treated equally to their male colleagues ¨C in structural and cultural terms, and in their day-to-day work.

Data analysis finds no discrimination

The study adopted a mixed methods approach. On the one hand, data provided by ETH Zurich ¨C for example, on hiring, promotion, starting packages and allocation of lab space ¨C was reviewed and contextualised by the research team. On the other, the researchers conducted over 50 qualitative interviews with current and former professors from all departments.

The analysis of quantitative data did not find any evidence of discrimination of women professors ¨C for example, in terms of pay, resource allocation, promotion or other conditions. Furthermore, women are now more likely to be hired as assistant professors than they used to be, and their success in the tenure procedure is comparable to men¡¯s.

The ¡°stereotypical academic¡± obstacle

The qualitative interviews reveal a more complex picture, however. While many professors value the high level of autonomy and freedom they enjoy at ETH, others feel a lack of sense of belonging. The research team from the University of Lausanne sum this feeling up in the image of a ¡°stereotypical academic¡± ¨C a figure reconstructed from the interviews of what a successful academic at ETH Zurich should be like. This individual is at ease in a (Swiss) Germanic linguistic and cultural context, feels comfortable in a (numerically) male-dominated academic environment, thrives in a hierarchical and competitive academic setting and adheres to ¡°male breadwinner¡± conservative gender norms.

The study concludes that such implied expectations can become an obstacle, particularly for women with care-giving responsibilities. A number of women interviewees do in fact report obstacles in their day-to-day work, such as a lack of recognition, a sense of not belonging and gender stereotypes, all of which have a negative impact on their careers.

In addition, some respondents say that the importance of German and the local culture at ETH Zurich affect their feeling of belonging, with non-Swiss and non-German-speaking professors more likely to be subject to a sense of distance towards the institution.

An opportunity to advance the culture

For ETH Zurich, the study provides some extremely valuable insights ¨C both in its quantitative and qualitative parts. ¡°The Executive Board would like to thank the University of Lausanne and the responsible ETH-internal committee for their meticulous and dedicated work on the study,¡± says Julia Dannath, Vice President for Personnel Development and Leadership at ETH Zurich. ¡°We are of course delighted that the quantitative analysis indicates encouraging signs of progress in hiring, with no evidence of gender-based disparities in resource allocation at ETH.¡±

At the same time, the Executive Board takes the statements from the interviews seriously. ¡°These reports show the very different experiences people can have at ETH. These views will help us develop our culture as an institution,¡± says Julia Dannath.

Different viewpoints on the conclusions

The Lecturers¡¯ Conference and the heads of department also recognise the study¡¯s valuable contribution, which provides key ideas for reflection, discussion and potential further development. But there are also some reservations about the study. For example, the two bodies mentioned above and the Executive Board noted that individual conclusions rely heavily on subjective assessments, and, for example, the concept of the ¡°stereotypical academic¡± doesn¡¯t fully capture all aspects of academic careers at ETH.

In response to the criticism of the predominance of German at ETH, Julia Dannath says: ¡°It¡¯s perfectly understandable that in such an international environment as we have here, some ETH members will prefer English over German. But as a publicly funded Swiss university, it is important to communicate in Switzerland¡¯s official languages ¨C both internally and with the public. Often, just a passive understanding of the language is enough.¡±

The importance of dialogue

Despite these reservations about some of the conclusions, Julia Dannath believes the study provides important insights for the advancement of an inclusive and egalitarian university culture. ¡°However, the Executive Board is aware that structural measures alone are not enough ¨C and that dialogue about day-to-day attitudes, values and expectations is just as crucial,¡± says the Vice President.

All departments and administrative units are therefore invited to reflect on the results of the study and to develop appropriate measures. In 2026, the Executive Board will work with the departments to take stock and to discuss next steps. ¡°It¡¯s vital that we continue to work actively on these issues,¡± says Julia Dannath. ¡°Because only in a respectful and diverse environment can all ETH members reach their full potential ¨C regardless of gender, origin or lifestyle.¡±