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, information supply & IT 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:
16 October 2026

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:
6 March 2026

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 external speaker

Duration:
One day, including lunch

Date:
29 May 2026

“Effective and efficient chairing of meetings in everyday university life”

Meetings are a key working tool in everyday university life – whether in committees, research groups, or daily teamwork. At the same time, it is challenging to design them in such a way that they inspire, enable meaningful participation, clarify responsibilities, and effectively advance operational work.

This lunch learning session for professors focuses on practical, low-threshold exchange. Together, we will work on specific questions relating to the planning, implementation, and follow-up of meetings:

• How can exciting meetings be organized and clearly structured?
• How can participation be specifically strengthened without discussions getting out of hand?
• How can responsibilities and follow-up be clarified in a binding manner?

Participants are invited to contribute their own examples from committee, research, or team meetings. The exchange will be supplemented by checklists, guiding questions, tips, and simple tools that can be applied directly in everyday university life.

Workshop leader: Prof. em. Manuel Battegay, University of Basel
Duration: 2 hours
Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2026, 12:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Cost: No cost for participants
Registration here: INSIDE IV – Lunch learning | Continuing education
Course language: German

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

“Confidently handling challenging conversations in everyday university life”

Conversations are key leadership tools in everyday university life – in exchanges with employees, colleagues, teams, and committees. At the same time, they often take place under time pressure, are characterized by uncertainty, emotional tension, and institutional complexity, and require a high level of personal presence. Clear communication, a consistent attitude, and the ability to self-regulate are crucial.

This lunch learning session for professors focuses on practical, low-threshold exchange. Together, we will reflect on and explore how conversations can be conducted in a trusting manner and made effective even in critical situations. Topics will include:

• Listening as the key to trust
• Dealing constructively with criticism, feedback, and tensions
• The effect of one's own communication style on others and strengthening an authentic leadership attitude
• Emotional self-regulation in situations of uncertainty, time pressure, and complex conversations

Participants are welcome to contribute their own examples from everyday leadership, but this is not a requirement. The exchange will be supplemented by tried-and-tested tools, guiding questions, and checklists that can be applied directly in everyday university life.

Workshop leader: Prof. em. Manuel Battegay, University of Basel
Duration: 2 hours
Date: Wednesday, June 9, 2026, 12:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Course location: 
Course language: German
Cost: No cost for participants
Registration here: INSIDE IV – Lunch learning | Continuing education

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

Workshop: “Dealing constructively with conflicts in everyday university life”

Conflicts are part of everyday academic life — as is the desire to recognize them early on and resolve them constructively. In this half-day workshop, professors strengthen their own confidence in dealing with tensions and conflicts in a university context. Compact inputs, case studies, and collegial exchange are supported by a tried-and-tested, directly applicable toolbox on the following topics:

• Early detection: Methods for identifying tensions at an early stage and effective immediate measures to contain social dynamics.
• Conflict prevention: Everyday strategies for avoiding escalations, dealing constructively with emotions, and de-escalating moderation techniques for meetings.
• Analysis and processing: Systematic approach to conflict analysis and informed selection of suitable methods and procedures for sustainable conflict resolution.

Workshop leader: Thomas Flucher, Komet Beratung
Duration: 4 hours
Date: 
Course location: 
Course language: German
Cost: No cost for participants
Registration here: INSIDE V New Skills à la Carte / A la Carte Courses | Fortbildung
 

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

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.

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.