Digitisation: ETH invests around 29 million francs
The ETH Board has launched the Digitisation Action Plan. ETH wants to invest almost 30 million francs in two stages. Not only are more professors planned, but also better collaboration with industry.
With the Digitalisation Action Plan, the ETH Board aims to strengthen the areas of computer science and informatics - as stated in a statement from the ETH. The ETH Domain will support the Swiss economy and society with specific measures to master the challenges of digitisation.
By 2019/2020, the ETH Board plans, on the one hand, to strengthen computer science and informatics in research and teaching. On the other hand, it will establish a network of technology transfer centres for digital production processes. Furthermore, the ETH Board discussed the planned increase in tuition fees. A hearing was held until the end of January. After further clarification, the final decision will be made by summer 2018.
research and teaching
Both research and teaching are to be optimised. "In this way, the ETHs are strengthening their role as the locomotive of digitisation in Switzerland, assuming their responsibility for Switzerland as a centre of knowledge and helping to meet the social and economic challenges of digitisation," reads one post in the communication.
Between 2019 and 2020, the ETH Board intends to invest a total of CHF 29 million in two measures. The first measure is an expansion of expertise in the field of computer sciences. Seven additional professorships are to be created at ETH Zurich and EPF Lausanne. These are to supplement the 21 professorships that were created between 2013 and 2016 as part of reappointments.
Research and industry
The second measure is aimed at closer networking between research and industry. In this context, a national network of technology transfer centres in the field of advanced manufacturing is to be established. This includes technologies such as 3D printing, as well as the production of "materials and structures designed on the computer", it continues.
ETH Zurich intends to work closely with the Paul Scherrer Institute and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa).
