Participants and Alumnae

Prof. Virginia Richter, Rector University of Bern

With its well-balanced mix of strategic and political instruction, networking and individual counselling, H.I.T. Program came along at a perfect moment in my career. This program enables women academics to reflect, individually and collectively, on their position within institutional structures, and is thus highly motivating for personal development and change.

Prof. Barbara Weber, Vice-President Studies & Academic Affairs, University of St. Gallen

"Looking back at my experience in the HIT Program, I am very glad about the opportunity to participate. It was very motivating to meet colleagues from all over Switzerland and to see the big potential of the strong female leaders that Switzerland has. I also found the coaching session very valuable. Moreover, it is very motivating to see how many of the participants in this leadership program are taking responsibility and are stepping into different leadership roles."

Prof. Catherine Peichel, Head Division Evolutionary Ecology, University of Bern

The H.I.T. Program was a fantastic experience. Through the training and personal coaching, I gained new insights and practical skills to enhance my leadership abilities. And, I met a wonderful group of diverse and inspirational women, who I can now consider colleagues and friends.

Prof. Laura Bernardi, University of Lausanne, Vice-President in charge of funding policy, Academic Board of the Research Council, Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF

"I highly appreciated the H.I.T. Program commitment to build networks among women in academia across the country. Having the opportunity to exchange through first-hand contacts with other women occupying leadership positions as well as with the very group of the H.I.T colleagues and now, friends, has been extremely useful to examine my own competences and ambitions.  It has also been extremely inspiring to question myself about what I would be able to give back. I can now see better picture my role in growing the next generation of Swiss academics in all their diversity, so that all feel entitled and legitimate to propose and pursue changes for a better research environment."

Prof. Johanna Ziegel, Director Institute of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Bern (since 2024 Department of Mathematics, ETHZ)

"The H.I.T. Program has been a truly inspiring experience. I gathered strength and clarity about my leadership role in academia and the specific challenges and opportunities that are involved in holding such a position as a woman. Every part of the program was time well invested since it allowed me to reflect on my values and goals, learn practically useful skills for leadership, and, last but not least, make friends that are in similar positions as myself. The network that I have established through the program is gold."