In mathematics, IT, the natural sciences and technology, there is an ongoing shortage of highly qualified professionals capable of filling key positions in society and developing innovative solutions to the challenges of our time. That is why the Werner Siemens Foundation supports the Swiss Study Foundation and its programme to foster talent in STEM subjects.

The Swiss Study Foundation uses the funding provided by the Werner Siemens Foundation in a variety of ways. In particular, it awards 10 annual grants for excellence—the Werner Siemens Fellowships—to outstanding students in mathematics, IT, the natural sciences, technology, medicine and pharmaceutics. The recipients of the Werner Siemens Fellowships not only excel in their discipline—they are also committed citizens with an interest in key societal issues in their areas of expertise.

Werner Siemens Fellowship

Each Werner Siemens Fellow receives a one-year grant of 19 800 Swiss francs and the opportunity to take part in the broad educational programme of the Swiss Study Foundation. The Swiss Study Foundation also fosters exchange between the Werner Siemens Fellows and students from other disciplines and organises networking opportunities with experts in STEM subjects. In 2019, 11 past and present Werner Siemens Fellows visited the Hunziker-Areal in the Leutschenbach neighbourhood of Zurich, the site of an innovative infrastructure project.

Mobility, infrastructure and innovation

At the Hunziker-Areal, the Werner Siemens Fellows learned how a derelict industrial and business park on Zurich’s northern periphery was transformed into an attractive neighbourhood that integrates living, working and leisure spaces. The complex—distributed over four hectares—was designed with flexibility in mind and can be adapted to the changing needs of the residents. The Hunziker-Areal was chosen for the outing because it is well-suited to the concepts of the Swiss Study Foundation programme for mobility, infrastructure and innovation, which is also supported by the Werner Siemens Foundation. Over the course of the year, the Swiss Study Foundation organises educational and networking events on these three key topics for talented students from throughout Switzerland.

Summer academies in southern Switzerland

The three annual summer academies in Magliaso, Ticino, also receive funding from the Werner Siemens Foundation. The summer schools are a highlight for the selected students: at the beautiful campus on the idyllic shores of Lake Lugano, they work in interdisciplinary groups for an entire week on topics that interest them, but for which they have no time during the university semester.

The 2019 Fellows

In July 2019, for the fourth time, 10 Werner Siemens Fellowships were awarded to outstanding students in the STEM subjects. One of these students is Eliane Röösli from Cham in Canton Zug, who is studying at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne for a master’s degree in life science engineering with a minor in management, technology and entrepreneurship. Eliane Röösli is delighted with the award: “ The Werner Siemens Fellowship gives me the freedom to focus entirely on my studies and realise new, fascinating projects. In addition, the chance to share ideas and experiences with the other Fellows is very rewarding and inspiring. I am thrilled to have the support of the Werner Siemens Foundation.” The Fellows bring a variety of backgrounds and experience to the network—as the two new Werner Siemens Fellows introduced in the following make apparent. Nina Glaser from the Canton of Bern has always had a strong interest in three STEM subjects—mathematics, physics and chemistry—which is why she decided to study interdisciplinary natural sciences at ETH Zurich. In addition to planning her upcoming studies for a master’s degree, she is also committed to action on gender equality and works as a mentor for refugees studying at ETH Zurich. Pascal Lieberherr from Flawil in Canton St Gallen completed his vocational training as a plant and apparatus constructor. His education included work assignments in China, and after graduation, he went to the United States, where he trained apprentices in Minneapolis. He then earned his Swiss university entrance qualification (Matura). He is now studying mechanical engineering at ETH Zurich. His current projects include research on a robot that can perform agricultural tasks, including environmentally friendly weed-control methods. The diverse and interesting portraits of the other Werner Siemens Fellows are available on the website of the Swiss Study Foundation.

Text: Brigitt Blöchlinger
Fotos: Swiss Study Foundation