Qualification: Master (or equivalent) in a life sciences discipline (e.g. animal science, biology, ecology, environmental science, agricultural science, soil science or a related field)

ETH Zürich

Qualifications: Excellent Master’s degree in Political Science, Economics, Behavioral Science, Public Policy, or Environmental/Food and Agricultural Economics; strong analytical skills and proficiency in R or Python; experience in survey or experimental design is an advantage; motivation to work in an inter- and transdisciplinary environment; fluent in German and English; strong interpersonal and collaboration skills. Positions are part of the Plant4Value project led by Dr. Daniela Hoffmann and Dr. Lukas Fesenfeld at ETH Zurich’s forthcoming School of Public Policy.

A 2025 article by Kelvin Mulungu, Menale Kassie, and Maurice Tschopp from the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) reviews 49 studies on ICT-based agricultural extension. It finds that digital tools such as mobile apps, SMS, videos, and voice services significantly improve farmers’ awareness, adoption of good practices, yields, and incomes. The authors highlight that effective ICT interventions require locally adapted content, training, and integration with complementary measures to maximize impact.

At the Nobel Talks during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Biovision President Hans Rudolf Herren explained why agroecology is a central lever for transforming global food systems. He highlighted how industrial agriculture drives hunger, inequality, and environmental damage, and outlined the political and societal shifts required for a fair and sustainable future.

From 4 to 18 November 2025, a three-part public lecture series explores agroecology as a pathway to sustainable food systems. Each Tuesday (16:15–17:15 CET, via Zoom), experts from science, policy, and practice will discuss agroecological transformation and its role in addressing global food and environmental challenges. Speakers include Lutz Merbold (Agroscope), Johanna Jacobi (ETH Zurich), Daniel Seifert (Biovision), and Ruben Baert (agroecology.science).