Isabelle Zinn is a Professor at the University of Bern, with affiliations to the LIVES research network. Her work focuses on gender perspectives in labor transformation, family arrangements, and professional ethics. Research Interests : Bridging gender studies, sociology, and occupational ethics, Zinn explores how evolving labor structures and societal norms impact professional expertise, family dynamics, and pandemic-related academic challenges. Key Trends : Recent publications analyze gender ideology's influence on Swiss couples' employment, pandemic inequalities in academia, and ethical-aesthetic dimensions in floristry. Collaborations with Lucia Lanfranconi and Christina Bornatici highlight interdisciplinary approaches.
Philip Balsiger serves as an Ordinary Professor at the Institute of Sociology within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Neuchâtel. His academic work centers on economic sociology and social movements, specifically examining contestation processes in markets and the moral dimensions of economic practices. His research focuses on two interconnected domains: Morality and Markets : Investigating market moralization through ethical consumption, impact investing, and social movement challenges to corporate power. This includes studying organic/local products, moral struggles in markets, and sustainable consumption practices. Digital Economy Transformations : Analyzing regulatory struggles and market reorganization driven by digital platforms, particularly in the Swiss hotel industry and broader service sectors. Current projects include a 2024-2028 study of consumer cooperatives across Switzerland, France, and Germany to assess consumer democracy's transformative potential, and a completed 2019-2023 analysis of Geneva's impact investing ecosystem. Recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate consistent thematic focus on moral justifications in finance and platform power dynamics. His work employs qualitative methods to dissect how professionals translate social impact into market value and how consumers navigate ethical dilemmas within capitalist frameworks. No scientific awards are documented in the source material. Professor Balsiger's leadership of multi-year research projects indicates successful grant acquisition and mentorship of graduate researchers. His international collaborations, particularly in comparative studies of consumer cooperatives and platform economies, demonstrate active engagement with cross-border academic teams despite no dedicated laboratory structure being mentioned.
Pascal Mark Gygax is a faculty member at the University of Fribourg , specifically within the Faculty of Philosophy under the Department of Psychology . His academic career spans psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology, and gender studies, focusing extensively on how language structures influence gender perceptions and cognitive biases. With a research profile marked by experimental methodologies, Gygax has published 64 works, including a 2021 book Does the Brain Think Masculine? that critically examines the psycholinguistic impacts of gender-fair language reforms. Role: Researcher at Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg Key Collaborations: Sandrine Zufferey, Ute Gabriel, Anton Öttl Research Focus: Gygax investigates the cognitive mechanisms behind gender representation in language, particularly how grammatical gender systems (e.g., French, German) perpetuate male-dominated mental models. His work explores: Experimental validation of gender-neutral pronouns Discourse connective processing across age groups Impact of language reform on occupational stereotypes Cross-linguistic comparisons of gender perception Implicit bias in performance evaluation (e.g., magic tricks) Recent Publications (2023-2025) demonstrate methodological rigor in studying: Neological intuition in Romance languages Temporal focus and spatial cognition Connective mastery in L2 contexts Participant variability in experimental linguistics Gender ratio norms across global languages Pragmatic constraints on causal connectives Scientific Contributions: While no explicit awards are listed, Gygax's work has significantly advanced: Development of experimental paradigms for gender perception studies Creation of multilingual datasets on role noun norms Validation of facial feedback mechanisms through collaborative research Understanding of discourse coherence in educational contexts Advising & Collaborations: Though specific students aren't named, Gygax collaborates with: Development of the Routledge Handbook of Experimental Linguistics Leadership in SNSF-funded projects Contributions to debates on inclusive language policies
Isabel Boni-Le Goff is a Professor at Université Paris 8 in the Textes et Sociétés research center. Her academic work focuses on the intersections of gender with class, race, and age within the context of late capitalism and globalization. She has established herself as a significant researcher in the sociology of professions, particularly examining management consulting and the legal profession through gendered lenses. Dr. Boni-Le Goff's research interests center on how economic elites and qualified occupations navigate social stratification in globalized contexts. Her work critically examines how gender regimes operate within professional spaces, with particular attention to embodiment, aesthetic labor, and the reproduction of social hierarchies. She investigates how bodies, appearances, and emotional performances become integral to professional legitimacy, especially in fields like management consulting where she has conducted extensive ethnographic research. Her publication record reveals consistent focus on gender dynamics across professional contexts. The articles demonstrate a clear trajectory examining how gender intersects with other power relations to shape professional experiences. Her work spans theoretical explorations of legitimate bodies and gendered professionalism to empirical studies of female lawyers' experiences with discrimination and management consultants' navigation of gendered expectations. A recurring theme is how seemingly 'gender-neutral' professional norms often mask masculine defaults that create barriers for women. Best Dissertation Award, Institut du Genre, 2014 for 'The Sex of Expertise. Gender Regimes and the Dynamics of Inequality in Management Consulting' While specific advising information isn't detailed in the available materials, her collaborative work with researchers like Nicky Le Feuvre, Grégoire Mallard, and Eléonore Lépinard across multiple publications suggests active participation in research teams and likely mentorship of junior scholars. Her research frequently employs comparative methodologies between France and Switzerland, particularly regarding legal professions. Dr. Boni-Le Goff's work consistently examines the tension between professional norms and personal identities, particularly how gendered expectations shape career trajectories, workplace experiences, and the very definition of professional expertise. Her research contributes significantly to understanding how gender operates not just as individual identity but as structural feature of professional organizations and markets.
Graduate Institute of International and Development StudiesSwitzerland
Grégoire Mallard is a Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. He holds additional roles as Director of Research and Managing Researcher of the Sanction and Sustainable Peace Hub. His research focuses on nuclear diplomacy, sanctions, global governance, and the intersection of knowledge, law, and power. Mallard earned his PhD from Princeton University (2008) and previously served as Assistant Professor at Northwestern University before joining the Institute in 2017. **Research Interests**: Mallard explores themes such as nuclear nonproliferation, the evolution of sanctions regimes, transnational legal frameworks, and the role of knowledge in international negotiations. His work bridges historical sociology with contemporary policy analysis, emphasizing the geopolitical dimensions of global security and governance. **Publications**: Key works include *Fallout: Nuclear Diplomacy in an Age of Global Fracture* (2014) and *Gift Exchange: The Transnational History of a Political Idea* (2019). He co-edited *Global Science and National Sovereignty* (2008) and led an ERC-funded project on sanctions and banking reforms. Recent articles address topics like narrative warfare, viral governance, and the humanitarian impacts of sanctions. **Affiliations**: Mallard is associated with the Global Governance Center, Centre for Finance and Development, and the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy. In 2024, he founded the Center for Digital Humanities and Multilateralism to study the future of global cooperation through historical analysis.
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Spartaco Greppi is a Professor of Social Security and Welfare Systems at the Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS) of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), where he has served as a full professor since 2013 and previously as a lecturer-researcher from 2001-2012. He is affiliated with the Labor, Welfare and Society Center (CLWS) and has held significant roles including membership on the Board of Directors of the Swiss Society of Social Work since 2013 and the MOSAICH 2.0 Scientific Commission since 2017. Greppi holds a Master's degree in Political Economy and a PhD in Economic Analysis from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. His academic journey includes serving as a scientific collaborator at the Federal Statistical Office (1995-2001) and as a lecturer for the Master's Degree in Social Work at HES-SO since 2009. His research focuses on the critical intersection of welfare state transformations, social security systems, and evolving labor market dynamics. Greppi examines how contemporary work arrangements impact social integration, with particular attention to marginalized populations including single mothers, people with addiction issues, and those in the complementary labor market. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical policy evaluation, consistently addressing the tension between social support and work requirements. Greppi's publication record reveals a sustained scholarly trajectory examining how media representations shape discourse around social assistance, with particular focus on the evolving narrative from moralization of 'deviant' behavior (1960s-1980s) to work incentives (1980s-1990s) and contemporary individualized performance expectations. His research increasingly addresses emerging phenomena like 'free work' (unpaid or low-paid labor) and platform economy impacts on social protection systems. Member of Board of Directors, Swiss Society of Social Work (2013-present) Expert for Social Security module in FIAS exams (2012-present) Member of MOSAICH 2.0 Scientific Commission (2017-present) Greppi leads multiple research initiatives including the Platform Labour in Urban Spaces (PLUS) project analyzing digital platforms' impact across seven European cities, and studies on secondary labor markets focused on developing comprehensive evaluation models that measure both employment outcomes and multidimensional well-being. His work consistently emphasizes the need for welfare systems to adapt to contemporary labor market transformations while maintaining social cohesion.
Laurent Matthey is an Associate Professor at the University of Geneva's Department of Geography and Environment since 2014. He directs the Department and co-directs the UNIGE-EPFL MAS in Urban Planning. His research focuses on the intersection of ethnography and literary studies in urban planning narratives, addressing political dimensions of narrative-making in urban development. He is a member of the EspaceSuisse board and RAMAU's scientific council. Current projects include the Narrative Making of the City (funded by FNS-COST) and Developing Housing Cooperatives in Greater Geneva (Interreg-funded). He leads studies on urban quality, climate resilience, and migrant community engagement. Teaching includes master's and doctoral courses in urban planning, geography, and interdisciplinary methods. His research emphasizes narrative analysis and sensitive urban methodologies. Grants: FNS-COST, Interreg France-Suisse, and multiple municipal commissions. Teams/Labs: CRESSON team (UMR AAU), RAMAU network, and collaborations with universities and institutions across Switzerland and France.
University of Applied Sciences and Arts LucerneSwitzerland
Michael Doerk is a Lecturer and Project Manager at the Lucerne School of Social Work, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, a position he has held since 2004. His work integrates teaching with project leadership in digital innovation, organizational development, and educational technology within social work contexts. His educational background includes a Diplom in Psychology from the Universities of Bielefeld, Cologne, and Munich (with minors in Sociology and Pedagogy), complemented by numerous certifications: Master of Advanced Studies in Risk Management (Lucerne University), Certificates in Blended Learning, Stress Management for Children (University of Münster) and Students (University of Cologne), and Excellence in Teaching (Lucerne University). Dipl. Psychologe, Universität Bielefeld, Köln und München Master of Advanced Studies in Risk Management, Hochschule Luzern Zertifikat Exzellente Lehre, Hochschule Luzern Zertifikat Blended Learning, Fachhochschule Zentralschweiz Zertifikat Stressmanagement für Kinder, Universität Münster Zertifikat Stressmanagement für Studierende, Universität Köln International EOQ TQM Assessor und SAQ Business Excellence Assessor Risk Manager, SAQ Schweiz Marketing Grundlagen, Fern-FH Schweiz Klientenzentrierter Berater, GWG Deutschland Doerk's research centers on digital transformation in social work , with key interests in educational technology, stress management tools for students (e.g., relax-concentrate-create), and voice assistant applications in work environments. His interdisciplinary approach bridges social sciences with computer-human interaction, aiming to enhance resilience in social systems through innovative digital solutions. Recent publications (2022-2024) reveal a strong focus on applied digital tools —from voice assistant studies (VA PEPR) to school digitalization (DigiKanti) and sexuality education platforms (herzfroh 2.0). This work underscores his commitment to translating research into practical, award-winning educational media. His scientific achievements include three Comenius-EduMedia Awards (2018, 2021, 2024) for outstanding digital educational resources. These accolades highlight his impact in merging pedagogy with digital innovation. Comenius-EduMedia-Award 2024 Comenius-EduMedia-Award 2021 Comenius-EduMedia-Award 2018 As a project manager, Doerk has secured funding for initiatives like the CreaLab innovation hub and the relax-concentrate-create application. His mentorship extends to student projects in social computing and international study weeks, fostering hands-on learning in digital social work. He directs the interspin CreaLab spin-off and the Kompetenzzentrum EBBL, driving interdisciplinary collaboration on lifelong education and digital innovation. These platforms enable community engagement in co-creating solutions for social challenges.
Patricia Funk is a Professor in Economics and Director of the Master in Economics program at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Switzerland. Her research focuses on Gender Economics and Political Economics, with a strong emphasis on empirical analysis of institutions, voting behavior, and gender disparities in academia and policy-making. Institution: Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) Role: Professor, Director of Master in Economics Email: patricia.funk@usi.ch Location: Lugano, Switzerland Her research interests span Gender Economics , Political Economics , Public Economics , and Behavioral Economics . She investigates how institutional settings—especially direct democracy—affect policy outcomes, voter behavior, and gender representation. Her work often leverages natural experiments and large datasets from Swiss institutions. The recent publications highlight a consistent trend toward understanding gender disparities in peer recognition, editorial processes, and academic advancement, as well as the impact of information (e.g., polls) on voter turnout and election outcomes. Her methodological rigor and use of quasi-experimental designs place her work at the forefront of empirical economic research. She is an Associate Editor at the Economic Journal , reflecting her standing in the profession. While specific details about advising or grants are not provided in the text, her extensive publication record in top journals indicates active research leadership and likely supervision of graduate students. She has collaborated with leading economists including David Card, Stefano DellaVigna, and Nagore Iriberri, and her work is frequently cited in discussions on gender equity and democratic institutions.
University of Applied Sciences and Arts LucerneSwitzerland
Peter Kels is a Professor of HRM, Leadership, and Innovation at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, affiliated with its Business school and the Institute for Business and Regional Economics. He co-leads the 'Human Resource Management' major in the Bachelor of Business Administration program and directs research projects at the Competence Center for Corporate Development, Leadership, and Human Resources (IBR). His academic background includes a Diplom-Sozialwissenschaftler (Dipl.-Soz.) in sociology, psychology, business administration, and education from universities in Frankfurt am Main and Darmstadt. He earned his doctorate from TU Darmstadt focusing on HRM and career development, supported by a DFG fellowship. Kels' research explores the intersection of organizational dynamics and technological change, with emphasis on: Knowledge work in digital transformation contexts People analytics and algorithmic decision-making Generational shifts in workplace values Organizational learning and renewal capabilities Leadership in expert-driven organizations His publications (2013-2024) predominantly address human resource innovation, organizational change, and technology's impact on work. Recent works emphasize data cultures, generational turnover psychology, and adaptive leadership frameworks. Awards include the 2019 Publikationspreis for the book 'Experten führen' and the 2015 Publikationspreis der Hochschule Luzern for 'Innovationsorientiertes Personalmanagement'. He leads 15+ applied research projects, including studies on data cultures, organizational resilience, SME internationalization, and agile leadership. Kels frequently contributes to industry discourse through interviews and advisory roles on generational workforce trends.
Western Switzerland University of Applied SciencesSwitzerland
Sébastien Fernandez is an Associate Professor at EHL Hospitality Business School, specializing in Human Behavior and Performance. His research focuses on organizational behavior, psychometrics, and work psychology with particular emphasis on hospitality industry challenges. He has conducted extensive studies on tipping behaviors, leadership styles, and personality assessment methodologies. Education: Holds a BSc HES-SO in Hospitality and Professions of Hospitality from EHL. His work bridges academic research and industry practice, addressing issues like employee training effectiveness, cross-cultural service behaviors, and recruitment strategies in the hospitality sector. Research Interests: Tipping economics and cultural variations Servant leadership and psychological empowerment Personality traits influencing career choices Social media use in recruitment (cybervetting) Structured interview methodologies Publications Overview: His recent work advances understanding of service-inclusive pricing tipping dynamics, LinkedIn-based personality assessment validity, and training interventions to improve service staff performance. Key findings include income/payment method as primary tipping predictors and structured interview adoption patterns in Swiss hotels. Honors: Though no specific awards listed, his consistent research output demonstrates institutional recognition in hospitality academia. Active in international conferences and collaborative studies across Europe. Grants & Advising: No explicit grant details provided, but his work implies institutional and collaborative research funding. No student advisees listed explicitly. Labs/Teams: Leads research initiatives in people analytics and hospitality human resources at EHL, collaborating with industry partners for applied research projects.
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Laura Bertini-Soldà is a Senior Lecturer-Researcher at the Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS) at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). She serves as Head of the Migration Documentation and Research Center, CRSS since 2020, and was Head of Pedagogy at Reception Centers for Unaccompanied Minors from 2023-2024. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Human and Social Sciences from the University of Neuchâtel (2014) and a Master in Anthropology, Sociology, Migrations and Cultural Differences from the same institution (2008). Dr. Bertini-Soldà's research spans anthropology, sociology, cultural mediation, migration studies, peer education, and inclusive technologies. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in healthcare, social services, and technology design for vulnerable populations. She has led significant projects including Home automation and ICT for the elderly and disabled, Family medicine studies for the Ticino Cantonal Medical Association, and developing intercultural skills within the Cantonal Hospital Authority. Her recent publications explore critical intersections between technology, healthcare, and social inclusion. The 2024 publication 'You deserve assistance for your work' examines audiovisual media portrayals of work and social assistance relationships, while 'Promote the equity of health products' details hospital cultural mediation innovations in Ticino. Her influential 2014 thesis 'DomesTICation' pioneered anthropological approaches to home automation design, demonstrating how cultural mediation transforms technological solutions to better serve end-users' needs. Home automation and ICT for the elderly and disabled: Pilot project implementing technology solutions for independent living Family medicine study: Analyzing current use of family doctors and demographic trends to project needs for 2030 Intercultural skills in the Cantonal Hospital Authority: Providing overview of intercultural care practices and developing recommendations Dr. Bertini-Soldà has presented her research at numerous conferences including the Swiss Congress for Health Professions, IEEE ANDESCON 2014 Conference in Bolivia, and various SUPSI research seminars. Her collaborative approach brings together insights from anthropology, healthcare, and technology design to address complex social challenges affecting elderly populations, migrants, and marginalized groups.
Professor René Pahud de Mortanges is a Full Professor of Legal History and Canon Law at the University of Fribourg. He serves as Director of the Institute for Religious Law and acts as a legal advisor to Swiss state authorities and religious communities. His editorial work includes the Fribourg Publications on Religious Law and the Swiss Yearbook of Canon Law . Research Interests: His work focuses on the intersection of state and religious communities, particularly examining legal frameworks for religious freedom, church-state relations, and the adaptation of religious institutions to modern secular and legal challenges. This includes studies on civil marriage laws, hospital chaplaincy regulations, and church conversions. Scientific Awards: Corresponding Member, Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences Member, Scientific Advisory Board, European Institute for Intercultural and Interreligious Research (2007–2011) Member, Scientific Advisory Board, Research Center for European Legal and Regional History, University of St. Gallen
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)Switzerland
Ursula Meidert is a Senior Lecturer in Health Promotion and Prevention at the ZHAW School of Health Sciences' Institute of Public Health. She holds a Licentiate in Philosophy (Lic. phil.) and has extensive experience in research, teaching, and project leadership across healthcare disciplines. Her primary affiliations include ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences and collaborations with institutions like the University of Zurich. Education: Master's in Sociology, Social Psychology, and Political Sciences from University of Zurich (2001-2007) Continuing Education: CAS in Higher Education (2016), CAS in Coaching (2016) Her research focuses on healthcare technologies, unconscious bias mitigation, LGBTQ+ healthcare equity, and digital health interventions. Notable projects include studies on mHealth stress management, quantified self practices among seniors, and participatory measurement frameworks like the Role Checklist. She has also contributed to national health reports in Zurich and led initiatives like WeTakeCare, an elderly-focused digital health program. Publications span peer-reviewed journals in nursing, public health, and occupational therapy, with a focus on translating research into practice. Projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration, such as ergonomic assessments for translators and innovative care models for aging populations. She received a teaching award from ZHAW in 2016 and actively participates in academic networks like the Health and Medical Sociology Research Committee. Her work bridges technological innovation with ethical considerations in healthcare delivery.
University of Applied Sciences and Arts LucerneSwitzerland
Marianne Rychner serves as Lecturer at Lucerne School of Business within Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), a position held continuously since 2007. Her academic foundation includes methodological training in qualitative research and extensive experience bridging theoretical sociology with practical institutional contexts through her co-owned socioanalysis bureau. Academic Background: Licentiate in History, University of Bern (1997) Doctorate in Social Sciences, University of Bern (2005) Rychner's research investigates professional practices through critical sociological lenses, with primary foci on educational systems, healthcare institutions, and gender dynamics. Her work consistently examines how macro-level societal transformations manifest in micro-interactions, particularly analyzing trust mechanisms, inclusion/exclusion processes, and professional identity formation. Methodologically anchored in objective hermeneutics, she deconstructs institutional discourses and everyday practices to reveal underlying power structures. Recent publications (2014-2023) demonstrate evolving engagement with digitalization's impact on professional fields, deepening analysis of teacher professionalization, and expanding critical perspectives on medical practice. Cross-cutting themes include the tension between market logic and professional ethics, the paradoxes of inclusion policies, and institutional responses to societal uncertainty - all examined through rich qualitative case studies. Research Leadership: Principal Investigator: "Fehlerkulturen" (Organizational Error Cultures) Lead Researcher: "Ein- und Ausschlüsse in der Musikhochschulpädagogik" (Inclusion/Exclusion in Music Education) Project Director: "Orgelinventar des Kantons Luzern" (Organ Inventory of Lucerne Canton) Her scholarly contributions extend beyond publications through active participation in the Arbeitsgemeinschaft objektive Hermeneutik e.V. board since 2010, where she shapes methodological discourse in qualitative social research across German-speaking academia.
![](https://www.supsi.ch/it/"https://www.supsi.ch/o/adaptive-media/image/65016071/large-hero-image/366_supsi_deass_fotoclws_ritratti_hires-6599.jpg?t=1715096210191")
