INSIDE professional education opportunities for professors

This module for newly appointed professors includes an introduction to the Swiss higher education landscape and the organization, structure, culture, values and strategy of the university. Information on support options, the most important services and relevant aspects in the areas of teaching, research, infrastructure, IT services and finance, people and culture are also presented. The module is part of the core offering. Registration is by invitation.

Speakers:
President, Vice Presidents, directors, General Secretary and departmental and subject area heads

Duration:
One day, including lunch

Dates:
17 October 2025

This module for newly appointed professors focuses on the topic of personnel management and leadership. Participants become familiar with their various roles and learn about leadership models, principles and tools, as well as key points concerning the Code of Conduct, promotion of early career researchers and employee reviews. The module is part of the core offering. Registration is by invitation.

Speakers:
Prof. Dr. Marianne Schmid Mast

Duration:
One day, including lunch

Date:
9 May 2025

This module is designed specifically for professors with additional leadership functions and includes various sections on university governance and personnel and financial management. In addition, certain relevant topics from INSIDE I and II modules are explored in greater depth (e.g. promotion of early career researchers, diversity, academic and personal integrity). The course is part of the core offering. Registration is by invitation.

Speakers:
Members of the President's Board and Prof. Dr. Kilian Stoffel

Duration:
One day, including lunch

Date:
16 May 2025

This module is open to all professors and will be offered two to three times per year in small groups of six to eight participants.

The half-day workshop combines concise input sessions with the discussion of concrete, current, and challenging leadership situations based on case examples. Key elements include critical reflection, peer exchange, good clinical practice, and practical transfer.

Individual course on Leadership Lab:
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Manuel Battegay, Dr. Simone Lazarus
Duration: Half-day
Language: German
Date: May 19, 2025
Costs: free of charge
Registration: via professional education program offered by of the University of Basel

The workshop can also be conducted in English if at least four participants are interested. For inquiries, please contact: simone.lazarus@unibas.ch

The fifth module is also open to all professors.
It consists of individual courses focusing on specific skills, such as the selection of doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers, media training, or conflict management in leadership. These workshops typically last half a day and combine concise, high-quality input from distinguished external experts with opportunities for peer exchange and practical application.

The offerings are regularly reviewed and updated based on emerging needs.
Course topics and dates are currently being developed and will be communicated in due course

Costs: free of charge
Registration: via professional education program offered by of the University of Basel

The INSIDE VI module is specifically designed for former and current deans. Members of university management address strategic issues currently relevant to the university in a half-day retreat.

Professors – typically within the first three years of their appointment – have the opportunity to participate in a practical, needs-oriented coaching program consisting of three to four one-hour sessions focused on academic leadership.   

This one-on-one format allows participants to integrate insights into their daily work in an authentic and personalised way. The coaching introduces hands-on methods, for example, to build and lead a team with confidence, manage conflict, or make sound decisions. Especially in challenging situations – such as difficult conversations or organisational uncertainty – participants benefit from targeted strategies and practical tips that can be applied directly in their academic environment.

Das Coaching fördert so eine reflektierte, empathische und effektive Führung, die langfristig zu einem positiven Arbeitsklima und erfolgreichen Teams beiträgt.

The coaching supports reflective, empathetic, and effective leadership – key elements that foster a positive working atmosphere and contribute to long-term team success.

Up to three coaching sessions are free of charge for professors.

If you are interested, please contact nadja.braunbinder@unibas.ch

In addition to the coaching offer, professors at the University of Basel have access to a wide range of further training opportunities through the university’s professional development program, including courses and workshops on various topics relevant to academic leadership and teaching.

For questions about INSIDE modules I, II and III, please contact stefano.nigsch@unibas.ch, for questions about INSIDE modules IV and V, please contact simone.lazarus@unibas.ch.