The Visible Scientists: Professional Identity Development and Science
The Visible Scientists peer mentoring group is mostly formed by students of the Joint Doctoral Program of Learning Sciences (JDPLS) between ETH Zurich and EPFL. As a relatively new program, it currently lacks an established alumni network. Being highly interdisciplinary in nature, students often struggle to define their professional identities, refine specific skill sets, or identify their target audiences within such a broad field. We believe that engaging with both peers and invited professionals is essential to face these struggles.
Last but not least, JDPLS students, as mentioned, belong to different chairs, departments, and even institutions: the experience can feel isolating, and regular interaction is difficult to maintain. We believe that creating a dedicated space for discussion, idea exchange, and collective growth is essential to support the PhD experience to build a stronger sense of identity within the community.
Contact: Adrienn Toth, Martina Vincoli and Laura Bock
Holistic Career Development in Academia
Our peer mentoring group supports early-career researchers at WSL in shaping their academic careers strategically and with confidence. The focus areas were developed closely together with our peer mentoring group members and reflect the challenges and skills they consider most relevant for their career development.
Our program combines regular peer exchange, mentoring by experienced scientists, and practice-oriented workshops. This year, workshops will focus on grant writing and funding strategies, strategic career positioning, conflict management, constructive communication, and navigating structural biases in academia. In addition, mentor sessions and informal peer meetings provide space to discuss career decisions, share experiences, and strengthen networks across disciplines.
Contact: Christin Müller and Franziska Richter
Navigating Life Science industrial jobs in the AI era
We are doctoral students and postdocs from across the ETH Domain, based in Zürich, Basel and Villingen. We work in disciplines that span the biological and biomedical sciences. We share the goal of moving into the Swiss life sciences industry, and the wish to prepare for it deliberately rather than by chance.
Over monthly meetings and four half-day workshops, we tackle the practical side of that transition: identifying our skills and the gaps in them, sharpening CVs and cover letters, expanding and maintaining our networks, and translating our science into skills that industry values. A thread running through the year is how AI is reshaping the life sciences labour market and which new skills it asks of us.
Each session is led by a group member and occasionally joined by senior mentors from industry and recruitment. Our workshops focus on public speaking, networking, preparing application materials, and how AI is changing the Swiss labour market.
Contact: Trang Dan, Charlyne Bürki and Annalena Erlacher
Leaders of the Future: Bridging Academia and Industry
Contact: Katerina Urbancova, Kamila Hamulka and Giorgia Fiorini
Developing a fulfilling career - late stage career development
Developing a Fulfilling Career – a story of two sister groups tackling shared and unique challenges
We are two sister groups with one common goal: developing a fulfilling and sustainable career. Whether at the beginning or later stages of a PhD, or even already in PostDoc positions we want to create a supportive environment to reflect on our goals, navigate academic life, and shape our careers with confidence.
Like sisters, however, we share a lot while also facing our own unique challenges. Early-stage researchers may be finding their footing and defining their ambitions, while later-stage researchers face questions around next career steps . This is why we created two closely connected groups: we learn from peers at different career stages and join forces for workshops and activities around shared challenges, while our smaller groups provide space to openly discuss the topics most relevant to each stage.
Contact: Maja Schon and Valery Visser
Developing a fulfilling career - early stage career development
Our peer mentoring group supports early-stage PhD students in shaping fulfilling and sustainable careers from the start. Together, we explore personal and professional goals, navigate academic challenges, and develop strategies for balancing work and life. We collaborate closely with our sister group of later-stage PhD students, sharing activities and gaining diverse perspectives on the PhD journey.
Through workshops, shared coaching sessions, and open discussions, we learn from one another and turn reflection into action. Informal gatherings offer a relaxed space to share experiences and build lasting connections. Our aim is to build a supportive community where we can grow together and shape our own paths with confidence.
Contact: Sivathmika Bhaskara-Sarma, Ziyi Liu and Darya Baranouskaya