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 on a topic chosen from a variety of proposed themes - challenges in plant sciences. 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 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 creative thinking, presentation and discussion skills
- Increase interactions among students and PSC members
- Promote an interdisciplinary and integrative teaching program
Date and Venue: Fall Semester 2026
- Monday, 26 October 2026, 13:15–17:00h. Room ML H37.1, ETH Zurich. ► Kick-off talks held by PSC lecturers; and
- Monday, 23 November 2026, approx. 9:15-16:00. Room LEE E101: ETH Zurich. ► Group presentations held by students.
Lecturers
Alex Widmer (ETHZ),
Monika Mauerhofer (ETHZ),
Barbara Pfister (ETHZ),
Jelle Spooren (ETHZ),
Alejandra Morán Ordóñez (Unibas),
Janina Grabs (Unibas),
Kentaro Shimizu (UZH),
Jelena Rajkov (Unibas, moderator)
All lecturers are members of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center.
Program, Monday, 26 October 2026 (kick-off talks)
The detailed program will be available in October.
Program, Monday, 23 November 2026 (student group talks)
The detailed program will be available in November.
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
UNIBAS students should register via the Unibas Services (course number in the course catalogue 11670).
ETH students should register via myStudies (course number in the course catalogue 551-0205-00 K)
UZH students should register here.