Event series «We do care - Insights for university members with caregiving responsibilities»
A series of events jointly organized by ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich (UZH) will provide inspiration, guidance, and exchange on the topic of care for dependants. All students and employees of ETH Zurich and UZH who already hold responsibility in this area or would like to learn more are invited.
Whether supporting elderly parents, accompanying sick partners/children, or caring for relatives and friends from a distance, many students and employees at ETH Zurich and UZH bear the responsibility for the care and support of people in their personal environment.
The event series "We do care – Insights for university members with caregiving responsibilities," jointly organized by ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, aims to create a space for questions, challenges, and solutions. Experts from academia and practice provide valuable insights – for both personal situations and for creating a supportive work environment.
The series is aimed at all members of ETH Zurich and UZH who are already providing care or who would like to prepare for a potential situation. Supervisors are also encouraged to be aware of the special challenges faced by family caregivers.
Events
30.10.2025 ?Day of Caring for Dependants? | 8:30 – 9:30 am | Online | German | Dr. Bettina Ugolini (UZH, external page LiA)
Caring for you and paying attention to me - Relationships between caregiver and person being cared for
Caring for and caring for family members can be very enriching and fulfilling. Most family members naturally provide initial support. However, as the duration and intensity of this task increase, it can also become very demanding and stressful. There is suddenly no time left for attending to one's own needs and maintaining social contacts. This keynote speech will address the variety of stressors and the changes in the relationship between the person being cared for and the person being cared for. It will also focus on how people with caregiving and support responsibilities can provide balance and relief.
29.01.2026 | 12:15 am – 1:15 pm | On site (Alumni Pavilion) with light lunch | German | Josef Huber (OST)
Tools, tips, and tricks: Needs-based technology for care and support to try out
Technology is supposed to make caregiving easier – but where are the solutions that actually ease my burden? And what do I need to consider to avoid disappointment? Questions like these are asked by family members – and also by other people who provide care and support. Josef Huber (external page SimDeC, OST, external page WiQQi) addresses such questions and answers them using a citizen science approach. In a short presentation, he discusses the systemic challenges that arise when using technology and invites participants to try it out together and engage in dialogue.
31.03.2026 | 9:00 – 10:00 am | Online | German | Dr. Leonhard Sigel (ETH Zurich)
Who makes decisions when I can no longer do so? – Living wills and powers of attorney explained simply
When family members suddenly have to make health-related decisions for a loved one, they are often under enormous pressure – especially if there are no written arrangements. This online resource provides an overview of the importance of living wills and powers of attorney and shows how family members can be involved in discussions about wishes and values ??in a timely manner. The goal is to create clarity in an emergency and to distribute responsibility across multiple shoulders. The acquired knowledge can also be helpful for your own future planning. Dr. Leonhard Sigel, general practitioner and occupational physician at the Safety, Health and Environment (SGU) Department at ETH Zurich, provides a practical explanation of the key aspects and legal principles.
02.06.2026 | 8:30 – 9:30 am | Online | English | Dr. Iren Bischofberger (ETH Zurich)
Taking care from a distance – When ill or old family members need help around the globe
An unforeseeable accident or a long-term illness of a relative – employees and students can find themselves in such a situation at any stage of their life and career. And it is especially challenging when one is not on site. Distance caregiving means providing help and care from a geographical distance. This assistance includes e. g. emotional support, help with searching for information and making decisions, administration and organisation of doctor’s visits and therapy. Dr. Iren Bischofberger, senior researcher at the TransdisciplinarityLab (D-USYS), sheds light on support options for distance caregiving within and outside of universities.
27.10.2026 | 8:30 – 9:30 am | Online | German | Prof. Dr. Inken Lind (TH Cologne)
Having to keep everything in mind: What mental load means for academics with caregiving responsibilities
Based on a comprehensive survey of a university's academic staff, this online input presents findings on the extent and consequences of caregiving responsibilities for academics of all status groups. Prof. Inken Lind of Cologne University of Applied Sciences focuses on aspects of gender and mental load and outlines possible support measures for academic caregivers.