IPZ Mission Statement
We are committed to…
Research
… pursuing internationally leading research, addressing important questions with innovative theories and methods.
… an international publication culture, prizing publications in internationally leading journals and presses.
… using research findings to inform public debates.
… creating and maintaining a cooperative research culture both within the department and with other institutions.
Teaching
… a broad education of outstanding academic quality, taking into account the breadth and diversity of political science as a discipline in the context of integrated programs with clear profiles.
… the transfer of research into teaching and to research-based learning.
… a strong theoretical and methodological training, enabling students to think independently and to conduct high-quality research.
… MA and PhD programs that are internationally competitive and research-oriented.
… the diversity of our students’ professional careers by including practical elements, soft skills, and internship options in the BA and MA curricula.
Next Generation
… involving students in research as early as possible, starting with the BA thesis as well as with research assistant opportunities.
… the pursuit of an academic career as the main goal of PhD training and Postdoc positions, while recognizing and supporting other career goals.
… supporting PhD students and Postdocs in the pursuit of an academic career by offering the best possible framework conditions for academic research.
… supporting PhD students and Postdocs to publish their work in internationally leading journals and presses.
… the successful training and support of PhD students and Postdocs as the responsibility of the entire department and not only as the task of a single professor or chair.
Diversity
… valuing diversity as a strength for the department.
… identifying and supporting the relevant groups.
… supporting the UZH Gender & Diversity Policy as an integral part of our mission statement (https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/about/basics/diversity.html)
Outreach
… valuing public outreach and are committed to making scientific findings, as well as the social relevance of its research, visible and understandable beyond academia.
… bearing a responsibility to the public at large by providing a scholarly foundation for self-reflection in society and contributing toward its positive development.