Beyond National Networking: International Research and Teaching Activities in Biotechnology at the University of Applied Sciences Wädenswil

Abstract

The Institute of Biotechnology (formerly the Department of Biotechnology) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Wädenswil has established itself internationally. Building-up expertise in complementary research fields as well as an orientation to German-speaking and/or small European countries have proved to be successful strategies to continually increase the amount of external funding for R&D projects (up to CHF 1.5 million expected in 2007). A bottom-up approach facilitated by lecturers' and students' individual initiatives has taken advantage of European and/or Swiss programmes (e.g. ERASMUS, IAESTE, Eureka, CTI and SVC). The international activities described have improved the quality of teaching and promoted the development of communication skills, enabling students to be better prepared for careers in international interdisciplinary teams. These activities have also assisted in the ongoing transformation of the study programmes to meet the requirements of the Bologna Declaration aiming at creating convergence in the European higher education sector.