Challenges in Plant Sciences – PSC Colloquium
Content
The colloquium “Challenges in Plant Sciences” is a core class of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center's PhD program and the MSc module. The colloquium introduces participants to the broad spectrum of plant sciences within the network. The topics encompass integrated knowledge on current plant research, ranging from the molecular level to the ecosystem level, and from basic to applied science while making use of the synergies between the different research groups within the PSC. The course offers the opportunity to approach interdisciplinary topics as challenges in the field of plant sciences.
During the first course day, each involved PSC lecturer gives a short talk as a general introduction to their research field highlighting current challenges and provides several publications. After the first day, the students work in groups to prepare a presentation chosen from a variety of proposed themes. They receive feedback from the tutor during the preparation phase. On the second day, the students present the topic they chose. Students gain knowledge on topics beyond their own research area while practicing presentation and discussion skills.
Main objectives
- Introduce PhD and Master students to the broad field of plant sciences
- Promote active participation and independent student work
- Enhance presentation and discussion skills
- Increase interactions among students and PSC members
- Promote an interdisciplinary and integrative teaching program
Date and Venue: Fall Semester 2025
- Monday, 20 October 2025, 13:15-17:00h. Room TBA, ETH Zurich. ► Kick-off talks held by PSC lecturers; and
- Monday, 17 November 2025, approx. 9:15-16:00. Room ETH Zurich, ML H37.1. ► Group presentations held by students; exact schedule will be available below.
Lecturers
Jake Alexander (ETHZ), Giovanni Broggini (ETHZ), Melissa Chapman (ETHZ), Stefano Mintchev (ETHZ), Diana Santelia (ETHZ), Célia Baroux (UZH), Rodrigo Cámara Leret (UZH), Christoph Ringli (UZH), Günter Hoch (Unibas) and others
All lecturers are members of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center.
Program, Monday, 20 October 2025 (kick-off talks)
TBA
Program, Monday, 17 November 2025 (student group talks)
TBA
Course structure and timetable
- Students register with PSC and choose a topic (through nuudel, tba).
- During the first colloquium day, selected PSC lecturers hold short talks on their research field. Afterwards, student groups meet with their lecturer to plan the student teamwork: preparing the talk for the second course day.
- Between first and second colloquium day: Each student group prepares a colloquium presentation. They receive feedback from the lecturer during the preparation phase.
- During the second course day, each student group gives a talk, (check the exact schedule on this website). Each student receives feedback on their performance.
Grading and Credit Points
2 Credit Points for PhD and Master students. Based on 8 days of work (= 60 learning hours) consisting of 1.5 days block course and 6.5 days of independent preparation time for the talk.
Registration
TBA