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 a 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.

Agenda: February - October 2026Flyer (PDF, 499 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.

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

Practical information

• Program Agenda: For the program activities 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:  Coaching sessions are scheduled between March and October 2026 (in person and/or online).
• H.I.T. Program Certificate: To receive a certificate of completion, participants must attend at least 80% of the program activities.