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Dies academicus

presidential chain

Dies academicus 2026: 193 Years of the University of Zurich

The next Dies academicus will take place on Friday, 8 May 2026. Together, we will celebrate 193 years of the University of Zurich and honor outstanding individuals from the UZH community.

The official invitation will be sent out in spring 2026, after which registration will open. Please direct any queries to:dies-academicus@uzh.ch

Preliminary Program

1:45 PM Door Opening
2:00 PM to approx. 3:45 PM

Ceremony on the occasion of the Dies academicus

  • Welcome by President Prof. Dr. Michael Schaepman
  • Keynote speech by State Councilor Dr. Silvia Steiner
  • Highlight film
  • President's report
  • Presentation of annual awards by Vice President Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Stark
  • Presentation of the Team Effort Award by Vice President Prof. Dr. Christian Schwarzenegger
  • Speech by VFFL
  • Presentation of the UZH Award for Best Teaching by Deputy President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Siegert
  • Presentation of the Siegenthaler Foundation Awards by Director of UMZH Prof. Dr. Beatrice Beck Schimmer
  • Intermezzo
  • Awarding of honorary doctorates by the President and Deans of UZH
  • UZH Talk with M.A. HSG Daniel Hug
  • Closing remarks and recessional to the Lichthof
Subsequently Reception in the Lichthof (“Apéro riche”) and Birthday Greetings by Prof. Dr. Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich

Academic Tradition - since 1833

Every year in Spring, the University of Zurich commemorates its foundation on 29 April 1833. The Dies academicus festivities provide the University with an excellent opportunity to look back on the past and forward to new goals. The day is also dedicated to honoring excellence: Distinguished guests are granted an honorary doctorate and the faculties present their annual awards for outstanding scholarship.
Dies academicus 2025 (in German) 
Honorary Doctorates and Guests of Honor 
Annual Prizes
UZH Award for Best Teaching
Team Effort Award