“Vote of confidence in Zurich as a research hub”

With funding of 300 million francs secured, Zurich is ready to meet the challenges of a digital future.

Over a third of the required funding, 108 million francs, is coming from the Canton, as confirmed yesterday by the Parliament, with 172 votes in favor and none against.

The opinion of the Parliament was that the collaboration between the University of Zurich, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH) would lead to innovation and new opportunities for Zurich and the surrounding area.

The University of Zurich is entering new territory with the joint digitalization initiative. As part of the project, 18 new professorships will be created at UZH, all of which will deal with some aspect of digitalization, for example artificial intelligence and its effects on society. Further important aspects of the DIZH are innovation and development of new digital technologies with practical application.

“This unanimous vote for the DIZH is a vote of confidence in Zurich as a research hub. The digital revolution offers enormous chances for our society, and research is important to help us make the most of it,” says Abraham Bernstein, professor of informatics and co-director of the UZH Digital Society Initiative.