Purpose
The network of SFDN is one of its strongest assets. The board wants to enable members to organise activities that nurture the network through cross-institutional collaboration. In the financial year 2025-2026, the board will make 2000 CHF available for this purpose. We are calling it the M2M Initiative.
The board will reimburse members who apply for prior approval of a cross-institutional faculty (educational) development event up to 400 CHF. Members who have prior approval can have expenses (travel, accommodation and food) reimbursed.
Process
- Submit an application two months prior to the event to the board. The board will discuss and decide at a next board meeting and inform you if the activity meets the description.
- Submit receipts and an account for reimbursement following the event of reasonable expenses incurred. The treasurer will reimburse you for the expenses.
- We require a short statement (photos are most welcome!) describing the outcomes of the event. If agreed, the blurb can be shared with the membership.
Examples of activities
- Organising another member to visit your institution to facilitate a workshop or give a presentation.
- Shared faculty development project that benefits teaching staff at both institutions.
- Pitch your own idea! The activity should be more than a ‘visit’ and have a tangible outcome.
Report from the first SFDN M2M – November 2025: Sara Petchey and Kai Niebert from the University of Zurich travelled to EPFL in Lausanne to give their tried-and-true workshop on conceptual change teaching. Sara met the next day with SFDN members at EPFL to brainstorm about research ideas and institutional initiatives. Costs covered: train fare, hotel stay, dinner. No cost: the workshop was part of a professional exchange, a “repayment” for an amazing workshop EPFL’s Roland Tormey gave at UZH last fall.
