UZH Awards Honorary Doctorates to Belarusian Nobel Laureate and Swiss Author

Today, the University of Zurich (UZH) celebrated its 193rd anniversary, inviting distinguished figures from society, academia and university teaching and research to join in the festivities on Irchel Campus. The event, hosted by Tanya König and accompanied by the Academic Orchestra Zurich, opened with a speech by government councilor Silvia Steiner, President of the Board of the University, followed by a video showcasing research highlights from across UZH’s seven faculties.

In his annual address, President Michael Schaepman engaged in a discussion with himself – via an AI-generated twin. This piece of light-hearted fun developed by an interdisciplinary team also demonstrated that AI presents challenging opportunities for teaching and learning and is being used meaningfully in research. “However, we must not give up our control over AI and other key developments. This is one of the core tasks of the University of Zurich,” said Schaepman.

Following the president’s speech about scientific curiosity, global networks and interdisciplinarity, the Association of Senior Researchers and Teaching Staff (VFFL) delivered an address. The VFFL advocates for the interests of its members, particularly when it comes to co-determination and shaping teaching and research. Vice President Finances Daniel Hug then provided insights into the complex nature of UZH’s funding.

A key part of the University of Zurich’s mission and activities, alongside research, is supporting early-career researchers. On behalf of the faculties, Vice President Research Elisabeth Stark presented the annual awards to seven outstanding early-career researchers.

This year’s recipients are: PD Dr. theol. Lida Panov (Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion), Stefano Statunato (Faculty of Law), Tabea Rudolf (Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics), Dr. med. Simon Wolf (Faculty of Medicine), Dr. sc. med. vet. Daniel Fuchs (Vetsuisse Faculty), Dr. phil. Salome Egloff (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) und Dr. sc. nat. Fabienne Läderach (Faculty of Science).

UZH also honored the Collective for Anti-Racist Art History (CARAH). This group of art historians at the University of Zurich addresses structural racism in academia and society through the lens of art history. CARAH received the Team Effort Award for its thoughtful, practice-oriented approach to tackling racism, as well as for strengthening ties between UZH, society and other educational institutions in this field.

The University of Zurich has a long history of awarding teaching prizes to teaching staff who excel at combining theory and practice in their teaching. This year, three instructors were shortlisted for UZH’s Teaching Award, with Benjamin Wilding from the Department of Finance winning the honor. His students particularly appreciate the way he engages with them, takes time to answer their questions, and is able to make each lecture as compelling and relatable as possible. He also consistently strives to link current economic developments to his teaching, helping students connect academic concepts with real-world events.

The faculties awarded honorary doctorates to individuals who have distinguished themselves through their research or lifetime achievements. These honors reflect the impressive range of UZH’s research. Each honoree was introduced in a short video that is also accessible through the university’s website.

• The Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion awarded its honorary doctorate to Swiss author Klaus Merz. In his work, Merz explores existential, religious and spiritual themes using striking language and subtle nuance.
• Prof. Dr. iur. Ingeborg Schwenzer is the recipient of the honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Law. The professor emerita of law has worked across cultural boundaries on societal issues in family law, contract law and international sales law.
• The Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics presented its honorary doctorate to Prof. Phanish Puranam at INSEAD Business School for his foundational work at the intersection of organization design and competitive advantage.
• Prof. Chong Yap Seng, Dean of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore, was honored by the Faculty of Medicine for his strong commitment to developing modern medical curricula and for his contribution to transitioning from a disease-centered model to an approach that optimizes health and well-being.  
• Prof. Dr. John D. Bonagura of North Carolina State University was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Vetsuisse Faculty in recognition of his scientific and clinical contributions to veterinary cardiology, as well as his role in educating and training future veterinarians. 
• The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences honored Belarusian Nobel Prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich, whose research trips in her home country were long considered taboo. As one of Eastern Europe’s leading intellectuals, she promotes critical engagement with the history of Soviet dictatorships.
• Prof. Dr. em. Catherine Housecroft, a former professor at the University of Basel, was honored by the Faculty of Science for her scientific contributions to coordination and materials chemistry, as well as her work supporting early-career researchers and advancing chemistry in Switzerland.