Michael E. Meier

Michael E. Meier is a Senior Assistant for Constitutional, Administrative and Social Security Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Zurich, working under the Chair of Prof. Dr. Thomas Gächter. He teaches courses on occupational pension provision and supervises seminars in Public Health Law and Social Insurance and Social Constitution for both Bachelor's and Master's students.

Dr. Meier holds a doctorate in law (Dr. iur.) with a dissertation on "The Crediting Principle in Occupational Pensions" (2019), which earned him the Prix d'Excellence SGHVR 2020, Professor Walther Hug Prize 2021, and FAN Award 2022. His research focuses on the intersection of legal frameworks and social policy, particularly examining how social security systems address contemporary challenges.

His extensive publication record reveals a consistent focus on disability insurance jurisprudence, with annual reviews of Federal Supreme Court decisions. His work spans pension systems, social assistance, wage assessment methodologies, and the legal classification of emerging work arrangements like platform-based employment. He frequently examines the practical implementation challenges of legal principles in social security contexts, bridging law, medicine, and social policy.

Dr. Meier actively contributes to public discourse through media appearances in major Swiss outlets including Schaffhauser Nachrichten, Tages Anzeiger, and SRF, where he provides expert commentary on social security issues affecting Swiss citizens.

• Prix d'Excellence SGHVR 2020
• Professor Walther Hug Prize 2021
• FAN Award 2022

Beyond his university role, Dr. Meier teaches at multiple institutions including University of St. Gallen, ZHAW, and KV Business School ZH, demonstrating his standing as a recognized expert in Swiss social security law. His presentations at professional conferences regularly address cutting-edge issues such as flexible retirement pensions and suicide considerations in accident insurance law.