San Francisco
A vibrant gathering at Swissnex featuring a crowd of attendees exploring exhibits and networking in a bright, modern space. The Swissnex logo is prominently displayed on the wall, emphasizing the innovative and collaborative atmosphere. Attendees engage with displays, converse in small groups, and move throughout the open area, which is illuminated by natural light and modern overhead fixtures. The event radiates energy, creativity, and a sense of community, showcasing the spirit of innovation and exchange.Photo by: Patrick Perkins

ZHAW Staff Mobility Program 2025

Staff of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) have the option to visit the San Francisco Bay Area for a sabbatical to connect with the local ecosystem and to work on their research project. This year we are hosting five members, who will use this time to advance their individual projects.

“My short-term sabbatical with Swissnex in San Francisco was truly inspiring, intense and valuable. I learned so much, not only about the culture, the Bay Area, and student mobility, but also about myself. I met so many great people, made connections and friendships with people who are working in the same field as I do and helped me to broaden my horizon. I come back with a backpack full of new ideas, impressions and connection.”
– Jennifer Steffen

This year, we will welcome five researchers from Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) to Swissnex in San Francisco. Their stays range from a few days to several weeks, and they will be guided and supported by Swissnex in San Francisco. During their first days, we will introduce them to the infamous Silicon Valley mindset, help clarify their goal for their stay, and support them in connecting with local stakeholders.

By being exposed to completely different networks and different ways of looking at the world, many participants gain insights to further develop their individual projects. This year’s cohorts consist of:

ZHAW staff members are given the opportunity to travel to a Swissnex location of their choice for a duration from a few days to several weeks. The idea is that they, in all organizational units, use the opportunity to expand their international and intercultural knowledge in connection with research projects, teaching assignments, advanced training, administration, information technology, finances, legal practice, communication, etc., for long-term impact.

Swissnex provides ZHAW staff members with the mindset, skillset, and network they need to successfully connect with the local ecosystem. The aim is to strengthen staff’s international network and intercultural competencies across ZHAW. The disciplines and fields of expertise of the different ZHAW staff members joining this program are very diverse.

If you have questions about the program, please contact our Academic Engagement Program Manager, Sarah Burckhardt.

 

"Facilitating this program at Swissnex in San Francisco is a rewarding experience. Each participant brings a unique perspective, and it’s inspiring to guide them as they connect with our network, experiment with new approaches, and gradually embrace the Silicon Valley mindset. In just a few days, a real transformation begins—through the spark of ideas, to building a new networks, and by opening to different ways of thinking. A truly impactful program to support."
– Sarah Burckhardt, Academic Engagement Program Manager

ZHAW Staff Members

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    Bio

    Martin Schüle

    Senior Researcher at ZHAW

    Dr. Schüle is Research Group Leader for “AI & Computational Environment” and Lecturer at the Institute of Computational Life Sciences (ICLS), Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Switzerland. Previously, he held postdoctoral fellowships at Sorbonne University in Paris and at the Faculty of Informatics, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, and holds a doctorate in neuroinformatics and philosophy and a diploma in physics, both from ETH Zurich, Switzerland.

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    Bio

    Birgit Fuhrmann

    Lead of the lecturer group of Technical Communication at ZHAW

    Birgit Fuhrmann is a lecturer and the lead of the lecturer group of Technical Communication at ZHAW Applied Linguistics in Winterthur. She is dedicated to research and teaching in Technical Communication and the Usability lab, applying her diverse experience of over 13 years in practice and science to create benefits in these fields. She holds a BA in Translation, specializing in Technical Communication, and an MA in Applied Linguistics with a specialisation in Organisational Communication from ZHAW. Birgit also held positions in industry, such as Technical Editor and Head of Department for Technical and Marketing Communications, as well as Operative Manager of the research and work area of Technical Communication. She is open-minded and interested in different perspectives, aiming to build networks to share knowledge and to co-create user-centered solutions, especially in trans and interdisciplinary scenarios.

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    Bio

    Markus Hackenfort

    Professor for Human Factors Psychology at the ZHAW

    Markus heads the Human Factors Psychology Team at the ZHAW Department of Applied Psychology. His research focuses on Human-Machine-Interaction, particularly in the area of mobility. In this regard, Markus and his team conduct studies on automation in general and higher levels of assisted driving and the impact on human behavior in particular using their high-fidelity dynamic driving simulator featuring a specific driver fitness and ability analysis combined with an eye-tracking system. Furthermore, they can make use of their 360° non-VR cycling simulator.
    Markus is part of the working group «Mobility 4.0» of the Federal Office of Roads, a senior research associate of the University of Johannesburg, and an ad-hoc reviewer of several psychology journals.

Impressions

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