Shaping Academic Leadership
Reflections from Neuchâtel (June 2025) & Forward to Bern (September 2025)
Leadership Retreat, Neuchâtel, 16-18 June 2025
The Leadership Retreat led by Prof. Heather Hofmeister, brought together a diverse group of women professors from all Swiss universities for three days of reflection, exchange, and practical learning. The program offered a rich mix of leadership themes that resonated deeply with participants. They reflected on how to balance managing and leading, practiced listening on multiple levels to better connect with others, and explored ways to handle tough conversations with empathy and clarity. The participants also looked at how team dynamics shape collaboration, learned respectful communication techniques, and discussed how to recognize the right moment to step into leadership roles.
A highlight of the retreat was the exchange with Program Alumnae from the University of Neuchâtel. Many thanks to Prof. Valérie Defago, Prof. Carolina Salva, and Prof. Laure Kloetzer, who shared insights from their own leadership journeys in academia. Linkedin-Post
Next Up: Bern, 1-2 September 2025
Over two days, the participants will reflect on how academic leadership shapes- and is shaped by- science, politics, and its impact beyond the university. The agenda includes:
Workshop “Science & Politics” with Prof. em. Barbara Haering, an expert in science policy and governance.
Panel: Navigating Academic Leadership: Science, Politics, and Societal Impact
- Prof. Yves Flückiger, President, Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences
- Prof. Michael Hengartner, President, ETH Board
- Prof. Virginia Richter, Rector, University of Bern
- Prof. Vanessa Wood, Vice President Knowledge Transfer and Corporate Relations, ETHZ
Academic Leadership Circles (4th session): Peer coaching and exchange.
Workshop “Done Being Nice!” by Sibyl Schädeli: A hands-on interactive session on decoding power dynamics, asserting influence, and expanding leadership presence.