Collegium Helveticum was established in 1997 as an independent institute of the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich (ETHZ or Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich). It acts as a centre for the dialogue between the sciences, art and literature. It aims to promote the mutual understanding between the natural and technical sciences and the humanities and social sciences, based on the conviction that the historical separation of different 'scientific cultures', which is still inherent in the way universities function today, is rapidly becoming obsolete. Through the inclusion of art and literature other perspectives are deliberately introduced in order to open up an intellectual space that permits to transcend entrenched dichotomies. Collegium Helveticum also seeks to reach out to a wider public through open access of its symposia and workshops and by involving the public in scientific discussions of wider societal concern.

Central to the idea of Collegium Helveticum is a small interdisciplinary graduate school (Graduiertenkolleg) for young researchers, who come mainly from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University of Zurich.They are admitted on the basis of scientific excellence, regardless of scientific discipline, and on the basis of their interdisciplinary interests. The "collegiates" spend one year at Collegium Helveticum, where they are exposed to and interact with an interdisciplinary environment. The presence of internationally renowned guests during one semester, who come from the sciences, art and literature, enhances the intellectual richness and diversity, while facilitating close contacts on a day to day basis.

By bringing together a unique mixture of different kinds of people, scientific disciplines and forms of exchange and scholarly interaction Collegium Helveticum has become an attractive place in which the sciences, art and literature meet and where they interact with the public. The collegiates experience interdisciplinarity as a practice that can learned and are preparing for a future where such competencies and skills will be appreciated and useful. They take with them a better understanding of the creative basis that the sciences share with art and literature, but also of the urgency for the sciences to become more directly involved with society.

Helga Nowtney in Interview with Hans Ulrich Obrist>>