CAS Leadership in Science

This course is open to registrations from PSI, Empa, WSL and Eawag staff ONLY.

Key data

Degree: CAS
ECTS points: 10
Next start: 24.09.2025
Final application date: Sat, 6.9.2025
Teaching language: English
Place: Windisch
Fee: Part 1 (basic) CHF 3'100 / part 2 (CAS) CHF 2'600

Please feel free to reach out for additional information and advice.

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The course Leadership in Science is also offered in German. Further information can be found here: CAS Leadership in Science

The demands placed on managers in the scientific environment are becoming increasingly complex and challenging. This two-part modular course is aimed at people with managerial responsibilities in scientific/technical environments, whether in their role as project managers or as direct line managers. Supervised by tutors who are themselves experienced managers, you will expand your professionalism in leadership and communication.

Course participants can improve their knowledge through an analysis project in their own organisation and learn to apply the acquired skills in their professional environment.

Developing personality and professionalism

By the end of the course, you will be aware of your personal strengths and weaknesses and be able to deploy your capabilities in a targeted way. As a leader, you have room for manoeuvre as you implement the strategy of a scientific institution.

The second part of the course (CAS) focuses on change management and methods such as the 'morphological box', cause-effect diagram and direttissima approach. In addition, you professionalise your presentation technique and self-presentation skills.

Module overview

Leadership and self-leadership (Part 1)

BIP test
History and principles of leadership
Role of old models, lean management
Importance of self-esteem in the technical environment / motivation / qualification
Recognising your own behaviour patterns
Developing your own strengths
Time management / stress
Professional vs. social skills

Communication (Part 1)

Applied communication theories
Metacommunication
Communication in solving technical challenges
Leading meetings in the creative development process of technical systems
Gender and diversity

Change management / self-presentation skills (Part 2)

Dealing with resistance to change
Change management at the intersection of day-to-day operations and innovation
Presentation of technical systems / self-presentation skills
Tools for creative processes
Analysis of the culture in a technical organisation / case studies

The course

Target audience

CAS courses are aimed at persons with leadership and management responsibilities in the scientific environment and/or at research institutions and who are prepared to critique their everyday actions.

Dates and Timetable

Timetable

Time required

250 hours overall (equivalent to 10 ECTS credits)

Requirement

Several years of professional experience as well as being prepared to pursue a demanding continuing education course involving a high degree of self-reflection.
You hold a managerial position or have been earmarked for one.

IMPORTANT: This course is open to registrations from PSI, Empa, WSL and Eawag staff ONLY.

Participation is provisional for the time being. Due to the limited number of places, the definitive allocation of places will take place only after consultation with the relevant HR management two months before the start of the course.

Downloads & additional information

Continuing studies

The CAS Leadership in Science is generally credited to the MAS Leadership and Change Management.