The H.I.T. Program (High Potential University Leaders Identity & Skills Training Program – Inclusive Leadership in Academia) has been established at the Center for Higher Education and Science Studies (CHESS) at the University of Zurich, following four successful editions from 2019 to 2024 as a cooperation project.

The H.I.T. Program continues to be leadership initative open to women professors from all Swiss universities. It is held annually, with events hosted at various locations throughout Switzerland. This unique program goes beyond enhancing leadership skills and facilitating peer exchanges by providing a collaborative setting for participants to navigate the challenges of traditional organizational structures and drive transformative change, fostering an inclusive academic culture.

Key Components

• Leadership Training: Engaging workshops with academic leadership experts, designed to enhance leadership skills.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with inspiring alumnae, role models, change agents, and peers from other universities and national academic bodies.

• Academic Leadership Circles: Collaborative small-group sessions focused on shared experiences and growth.

• Personalized Coaching: One-on-one sessions with professional coaches to support individual leadership journeys.

Program Agenda: February - October 2026, in Geneva, Lugano, St. Gallen and onlineFlyer (PDF, 502 KB)

The H.I.T. Program 2026 comprises 8 days of activities, including tailored leadership training, professional networking, individual coaching with professional coaches, and collaborative peers-group sessions focused on shared experiences and growth. The agenda is delivered in a blended format, combining residential training modules in Geneva, Lugano and St. Gallen, and virtual sessions.

• Module 1 (Geneva): 2-day in-person session on 5–6 February 2026
• Module 2 (Lugano): 3-day in-person session on 1–3 June 2026
• Module 3 (St. Gallen): 2-day in-person session on 1–2 October 2026
• Online sessions: 3 March, 5 May and 25 August 2026. Each Zoom-session runs from 15:00 to 16:30.
• Individual coaching: Two sessions delivered in person and/or online.

Approximately 25 places are available for female professors from all cantonal universities, ETH Zurich, and EPFL who are interested in pursuing academic leadership roles at the institutional level. If the number of applications exceeds the available spots, a selection process will be conducted. Selection criteria include the applicant’s academic profile and leadership experience, motivation to assume institutional leadership roles, the underrepresentation of women in specific academic fields, and the need to enhance the visibility of female leaders within faculties, departments, or schools.

Practical information

• Program Agenda: For the in-person modules in Geneva, Lugano, and St. Gallen, the program begins at 10:00 on the first day and concludes at 16:30 on the final day. On all other days, sessions run from 09:00 to 17:00.
• Individual Coaching: Participants choose their coach from a pool of professional coaches, program collaborators. The two individual coaching sessions are scheduled between March and October 2026.
• Participation Fee: For selected participants, the participation fee of CHF 7,500 is covered by their institutions. This all-inclusive fee covers course materials, full board, and accommodation during the residential modules (5–6 February, 1–3 June, and 1–2 October). Travel expenses are not included and must be covered by the participants.
• H.I.T. Program Certificate: To receive a certificate of completion, participants must attend at least 80% of the program activities.

March-November 2025, in Zurich, Neuchâtel, Bern and onlineFlyer (PDF, 765 KB)

The edition 2025 comprises 8 days of activities, including tailored leadership training, professional networking, individual coaching with professional coaches, and collaborative peers-group sessions focused on shared experiences and growth.

• 2-day module in Zurich: 10-11 March 2025

• 3-day module in Neuchâtel: 16-18 June 2025

• 2-day module in Bern: 1-2 September 2025

• Online sessions (afternoon): 21 March, 5 May, and 10 November 2025

• Two individual coaching sessions: In-person and/or online (upon agreement)

Practical information

• For the 2-day events in Zurich and Bern, the program starts on the first day at 9:45 AM and concludes on the second day at 4:45 PM.

• For the 3-day leadership retreat in Neuchâtel, the program starts on the first day at 9:45 AM and concludes on the third day at 4:45 PM.

• Individual coaching: participants in the program choose their coach from a pool of professional coaches, who are H.I.T. Program collaborators. The two coaching sessions can be scheduled in-person or online from March to November 2025.

• H.I.T. Program Certificate: to receive a certificate, participants must attend at least 80% of the program activities.