The PhD Program in Science and Policy is for PhDs (ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University of Basel) or Postdocs to develop skills and methods for engaging in science policy dialogue.
This program is open to students from the disciplines of life sciences, environmental sciences, climate sciences, earth sciences, engineering, energy sciences, food sciences, economics and sustainability.
Join the PhD program and prepare yourself to engage with current policy making with your science.
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What participants say:
“What I valued most in the PSC PhD Program was the interdisciplinary community and the practical exposure to science–policy interfaces. Rather than only learning about science–policy concepts, the program allowed me to actively apply approaches such as stakeholder engagement and building political support, which made it a very enriching complement to my PhD training. It helped me better orient my profile towards applied, policy-relevant roles.” – Febin Kachirayil (ETH, D-MAVT, Science & Policy Alumni)
“The courses in the PhD Program in Science and Policy have helped me improving my ability to communicate my research topics and their associated risks and uncertainties to a diverse range of stakeholders, and to translate research findings into policy-relevant advice. The practical work has equipped me with valuable skills for engaging with policymakers and contributing to evidence-based decision-making. I’ve also had the opportunity to connect with students from various research fields, broadening my perspective and deepening my understanding of interdisciplinary approaches” – Bianca Biess (ETHZ, D-USYS), Science & Policy Alumna
“The Science and Policy doctoral program offered a valuable opportunity to step beyond the lab and reflect on the societal relevance of my PhD research. Through this program, I gained a strong transdisciplinary foundation and developed skills in stakeholder engagement, science communication, and risk assessment, among other areas. These experiences have equipped me to conduct impactful research that bridges science and society, supporting evidence-based policymaking and fostering meaningful contributions to real-world challenges.” – Julie Lestang (ETH, D-HEST), Marie Curie Fellow and Science & Policy Alumna
“In the course ‘Communicating Science’ I learned to craft compelling messages to different audiences.” – Charlotte Pavageau, IDP BRIDGES Marie Curie Alumni, ETH, D-USYS)
“It’s helpful to understand how my project has a broader societal impact. (…) It’s good to always take a step back and look at larger societal impact, and these workshops definitely helped me frame that.” – Bessie Noll (ETH, D-GESS), RESPONSE DP Marie Curie PhD Fellow
“A course like ‘Stakeholder Engagement’ taught me techniques and tools to work with stakeholders in a way that bridges the divide rather than creating new walls.” – Kevin Vega, Science & Policy Alumni
“The courses of the PhD program in Sciences and Policy helped me communicate my research findings in a way that are understood by policy makers and other stakeholders. Many of the skills still serve me today – not just in engaging with external stakeholders but also with internal management and decision makers to underline the importance of the research and innovation we do.” – Dominik Klauser, Science and Policy Alumni
“The program allowed me to explore many different perspectives of science in its relation to policy and society. This “big picture” thinking has been invaluable in my current position in research management.” – Kailin McNally, Science and Policy Alumni
Careers in science for policy are possible in federal, state of local government and administration, in nonprofits, think tanks, in private companies or in academic institutions.
The PhD program is accredited by the University of Zurich, University of Basel and ETH Zurich, as well as the Zurich Life Science Graduate School. It will be finished with a joint certification from all three universities as part of your doctoral degree.