The Vision, Mission, and Values Guiding the Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science of the University of Geneva is renowned for its academic rigor and scientific achievements. Yet, its essence goes beyond the accolades of groundbreaking research and top-tier education. A deeper philosophy and commitment unites the Faculty’s community in its aspirations and ethical principles. At the heart of this shared endeavor is the Dean's office, which articulated a vision for the future, guiding the Faculty's mission and upholding its core values.
The Faculty's vision is ambitious, striving for scientific excellence and leadership at both national and international levels fueled by creativity, multidisciplinarity, inclusivity, diversity, and multiculturalism. By engaging with local and global partners and stakeholders, the Faculty also aspires to bring science into the dialogue of the world's most pressing challenges.
Central to the Faculty's mission is a trifold commitment: advancing excellence in research and education while creating a space where individuals’ potentials can expand and flourish and bringing a positive impact on society through education, innovation, contribution to global challenges and collaboration with local and international actors. This goes beyond excelling in the classroom or laboratory. It is about cultivating a community where everyone feels heard and empowered and actively works together for the common mission. This is the idea of a forward-thinking organicistic Faculty where everyone is well aware of the importance of their role and of their contribution. We are therefore investing in communication through a variety of channels tailored to the specific organs supporting the Faculty, while also fostering transversal dialogue between these entities.
This organic and interconnected structure finds its foundation in a set of core values that guide every aspect of the Faculty's vision and mission. These values anchor the Faculty’s broader mission and ensure that its initiatives remain aligned with its principles.
Responsibility stands as a fundamental principle, reflecting the belief that the institution must actively pursue and embody the changes it seeks to create in the world. This principle emphasizes accountability at all levels - individual, collective, and institutional - to ensure that initiatives align with the challenges society faces today.
Creativity lies at the heart of the Faculty's approach, where science thrives on innovation and curiosity. By fostering an environment that nurtures bold ideas and unconventional thinking, the Faculty believes these elements are the true catalysts of scientific advancements. This emphasis on creativity extends beyond scientific breakthroughs to include reimagining educational approaches, management strategies, collaborative methods, and the ways science engages with the public.
Inclusivity plays a crucial role in the Faculty's strive for excellence and advancement in an interconnected, diverse, multicultural world. This commitment to inclusivity is not merely symbolic. It recognizes that different perceptions and diverse contributions lead to more resilient, sustainable, efficient and impactful scientific solutions. Inclusivity also applies to feedback from the different members to support an organicistic Faculty where everyone feels empowered in their role and contribution. To do so, we foster a culture of open dialogue and collaboration, where every member of the Faculty - administrative and technical staff, students, and researchers - feels encouraged to share their feedback and actively engage in shaping our shared mission.
Collaborations also represent a key pillar to accomplish our vision and mission. Not only our Faculty capitalizes on multidisciplinary and diverse research, it also considers that the most significant societal challenges - whether environmental, technological, or social - are best tackled through partnerships and collective action. This ethos of collaboration is embedded in its research, teaching, public engagement and interactions with external partners.
Transparency is another cornerstone of the Faculty's values. In a time when trust in science and institutions are increasingly questioned, the Faculty places a strong emphasis on open science and open communication - not only in sharing research findings but also in its decision-making processes. Transparency strengthens trust both within the Faculty and with its wider community, reinforcing the belief that science must remain a public good.
Finally, engagement ties together the Faculty's vision, mission, and values. The Faculty does not see itself as an isolated academic institution. Rather, it positions itself as an active participant in the global pursuit of a sustainable future. Engagement is about more than partnerships; it is about co-creating solutions that respond to the complexity of today’s challenges. The Faculty's commitment to addressing urgent global issues is reflected in every aspect of its work.
Together, vision, mission and core values form the foundation of the Faculty of Science's identity and provide a roadmap for navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education and scientific research. They are not simply aspirational. They reflect the Faculty’s lived commitment to advancing science while embracing its responsibilities to society. The Faculty's efforts in education, research, and innovation aim not only to expand the frontiers of knowledge but also to apply that knowledge in ways that benefit individuals, communities, and the world at large. As the Faculty continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its pursuit of scientific breakthroughs while embracing the responsibility to address society's complex challenges.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE: