About us

One Earth - Many Worlds: We share one earth with a multiplicity of environments and lived experiences. Research, teaching and services at the Department of Geography focus on understanding these many worlds of processes, experiences, and connections of and between people and environments. We perform studies conceptually, in the laboratory, out in the field and from space, at scales ranging from the local to the global, benefiting from theories and methods contributed by human geography, geographic information science, remote sensing and physical geography. We communicate our results, collaborating with decision makers and the public on possible routes to positive changes in the context of global challenges. Delivering our mission is made possible by diverse teams of administrative and technical staff, early career and senior researchers and students. 

1. Understanding and tackling local and global challenges across scales and systems: In our research, teaching and service we will contribute geographical expertise to UZH’s core research themes¹ and address global challenges related to: Global Change & Resilience; Impact of Digitalization & Technology; Distribution of Resources; Social Cohesion; Beyond the Sky and One Health. We will do so using inter- and transdisciplinary methods advancing basic knowledge and contributing to policy. 
2. Teaching a new generation of geographers and Earth system scientists: We will foster and support interdisciplinary thinking in teaching geography and Earth system science, leveraging expertise across a breadth of geographic theories, methods and approaches to educate reflective thinkers with a wide range of knowledge and skills fit for jobs across academia, government, the private sector and practice. 
3. Supporting government, industry and society: We will continue to provide scientific expertise across a range of policy and interventions, communicating our research and its significance to the broader public and transfer results to stakeholders across society. 
4. Inclusive working environment and sustainable careers: We will promote a diverse, inclusive, and equal working and teaching environment and foster sustainable careers within and beyond academia. Across staff, students and collaborators we will deliver continuous improvements in our working practices. A focus on wellbeing and inclusion underpins excellence in how we work and what we do. We will support responsible and reflective academic freedom and strive to co-produce knowledge with collaborators and colleagues across the globe.  

Statement of Professional Ethics (EN) (PDF, 70 KB)

Berufsethische Grundsätze (DE) (PDF, 64 KB)

¹ Eikon. Communicative Positioning UZH