Daniela Decurtins

“The Swiss education system is the cornerstone upon which our country’s prosperity and social cohesion are built. The University of Zurich plays a key role in this. Identifying societal challenges early on and providing students with the right education requires more than excellence in research and teaching. To make an impact, a university must also have deep roots in society and be able to communicate and implement ideas. Only then can it remain successful in the future.”

Daniela Decurtins studied history, economics and political science at the University of Zurich, earning a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Gallen. In 2012, she took over operational management of the Swiss Gas Industry Association (VSG). She is also a member of various boards in the energy sector and is involved in a number of research projects (e.g. SWEET, Innosuisse, Swiss National Science Foundation projects) and their advisory boards. From 1995 to 2012, she worked at the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper, where she served as deputy editor-in-chief and head of strategic projects for 10 years.