How it started
In 2006, a group of female professors at EPFL created the EPFL-WISH Foundation with the aim of encouraging women’s research on campus and promoting their work.
Since then, WISH offers support and diverse tools for the female scientists of tomorrow. We are going to change the world… are you with us?
Our commitment
Our aim is to reduce the dropout rate between the women who study science, engineering and architecture and those who end up making a career in these fields. Women will face a multitude of obstacles during their studies and careers. Therefore, it is crucial to support, network, and offer assistance to young female scientists, engineers, and architects in order to help them get the career they deserve!
We want to educate students ahead of time, because often they don’t realize the difficulties until it’s too late. WISH Foundation’s objective is to provide a mental and/or financial push to women at key moments in their paths. In return these women will strive for recognition, honour, moral commitment, solidarity, and above all responsibility. These are qualities needed to make a long lasting career, as witnessed by our WISH alumni.
Below you will find a description of some of our main actions.
- Masters Project Abroad
- We offer financial support of up to CHF 5’000.- to female* students that display academic promise, and who have been accepted to study abroad.
This experience allows these young women to acquire a global understanding, new academic perspectives, build confidence, independence, international networks, to improve a language, and create lifelong friendships. Learn more about Masters Project Abroad. - Erna Hamburger Award
- Every year, our Council members and the Presidency of EPFL find the most influential woman in science, and offers her the Erna Hamburger Award.
We hold pre-press releases, newsletter, posters and save the dates months in advance to make this grand occasion a success.
A private luncheon is held with female* PhD students, giving them the chance to get valuable advice and mentoring from our influential and powerful Laureate.
EPFL WISH Foundation, along with a Swiss Politician, the Presidency of EPFL and the Laureate, are invited to inform, educate, and motivate the audience on the importance of having more women in all scientific backgrounds. Following the event, a cocktail is held, allowing people to network and meet other people with whom they might share common interests. Learn more. - Women in Science Luncheons
- The Women in Science luncheons offer an opportunity for Master, PhD, and Post Doc women to talk to role-models in both industry and academia about their struggles and listen to the advice they can give to the next generation. These women get to interact, asking important and often difficult questions in a more intimate setting. The luncheons are bi-annual along with department lunches hosted by a woman professor on a monthly basis. The panel and professors answer questions about the steps to take to achieve your goals, which parameters are the most relevant for a successful career, how to get to high level responsibility positions, how important networks and mentors are, what the keys to success are, etc. All events are held in French and English. These events offer a unique opportunity to interact with influential successful women and be inspired by their experiences. Learn more.