Program Overview

PhD Program in Ecology

The PhD Program in Ecology is a joint program between the University of Zurich (UZH) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich. This program offers research training in the interdisciplinary field of ecology, general skills training for academic and non-academic excellence, and opportunities to interact with other doctoral students.

Program Structure

• The program includes a curriculum of at least 12 ECTS credits.
• Teaching experience is also part of the program.
• The program is usually completed within three to four years (full-time).
• Yearly graduate schools, courses on subject-specific matters, and methods that are of direct use to the work of doctoral students are offered.
• Additional courses on transferable skills prepare students for professional life, whether this is in an academic institution or not.
• Research seminars foster international collaborations and the exchange of experiences among doctoral students and experts from different fields of ecology.

Featured PhD Project: Fall 2025

Field-based environmental DNA analysis protocols with CRISPR-Dx enable the rapid detection of elusive species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a promising method for biodiversity assessment, but current protocols are often slow and reliant on advanced laboratory infrastructure. The application of eDNA is currently mainly limited to well-developed countries and, for example, rarely applied in tropical regions. Therefore, a field-deployable eDNA protocol using CRISPR-based diagnostics and lateral flow tests has been developed, enabling rapid, on-site detection of species.

Course Overview

• Photography for Scientists: Science and science communication rely heavily and extensively on photography. In this course, student scientists are taught how to be more "visually literate", empowering them to more effectively communicate their science.
• Filmmaking for Scientists: In this course, students learn how to prepare their own documentary films, including how to deal with camera and lighting, screenwriting/storyboard, and film editing. At the end of the workshop, the PhD students prepare a short documentary film.

Subpages of PhD Program in Ecology

• Qualifications and Application
• Program Structure
• Course Overview
• PhD Milestone Overview
• Graduate Summer Schools
• Associated Research Groups
• Student Events
• Featured PhD Projects
• Links

Program Details

Completing a PhD research project in the joint University of Zurich (UZH) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, PhD Program in Ecology, in one of the internationally acclaimed research groups, enhances a student’s PhD experience. Students of this program are enrolled at either the UZH or the ETH. The program offers research training in the interdisciplinary field of ecology, general skills training for academic and non-academic excellence, and opportunities to interact with other doctoral students. The program includes a curriculum of at least 12 ECTS credits, teaching experience, and is usually completed within three to four years (full-time). It offers yearly graduate schools, courses on subject-specific matters and on methods that are of direct use to the work of doctoral students. Additional courses on transferable skills prepare students for professional life, whether this is in an academic institution or not. Research seminars foster international collaborations and the exchange of experiences among doctoral students and experts from different fields of ecology.