Recalibrating International Research & Studies for the Future

Researchers and faculty members from MCI and ZHAW discussed new opportunities for joint projects, international collaborations, and knowledge transfer

As part of the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® and International Staff Week, themed “Recalibrating Internationalization,” the Center for Social & Health Innovation (CSHI) and the department of Social Work took advantage of Michele Pizzera’s visit (Zurich University of Applied Sciences – ZHAW) to engage in an intensive professional exchange.

Together with researchers from the CSHI, an open research meeting was held, among other events, during which current and recently completed research projects, key areas of focus, and strategic perspectives for future collaboration were presented and discussed. This allowed for the identification of numerous areas of overlap as well as suitable funding opportunities for joint research activities.

Follow-up meetings have already been scheduled to further deepen the collaboration. Another important step took place during Moritz Reisberger’s visit to the DARE Conference 2026 at ZHAW, where the exchange that had begun was successfully continued.

In addition to the research meeting, another exchange took place between Michele Pizzera and staff members of the MCI department of Social Work. The focus was on the successful international collaboration of recent years as well as current developments at both universities. In addition to reviewing the student exchange program, discussions centered in particular on curricular developments, academic specializations, and future areas for cooperation.

Building on this foundation, the existing relationships between the two universities will be further strengthened, with a particular focus on expanding student and faculty exchanges. The first joint activities are already planned for fall 2026 - including those as part of the SASSA International Course.

The MCI department of Social Work and the CSHI are pleased to further expand their long-standing partnership with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). This renewed collaboration creates a promising foundation for future joint research, teaching, and internationalization projects and underscores the shared commitment to excellent international cooperation.