The Department of Economics recognized early on the importance of partnerships for research funding and established the Excellence Foundation Zurich in 2011 as a connector and impulse generator. Since then, the main purpose of the foundation has been to identify and enter into partnerships that support the Department in its development into a center of excellence in research and education. The Excellence Foundation Zurich is an independent foundation under Swiss law.
«Changes in society are always based on individual behavior. I see our responsibility as economists in analyzing how people make decisions and what motivates them - with the aim of better understanding social processes and improving them for the benefit of all.»
Prof. Ernst Fehr, University of Zurich
The Excellence Foundation Zurich is competently led by a Board of Trustees, consisting of four members. All members serve on a voluntary basis.
The Scientific Advisory Committee of the Excellence Foundation Zurich consists of three Nobel laureates in Economics. They guarantee research and education at the highest international level.
Princeton University
2002 Nobel Prize for the introduction of insights from psychological research into economics
We are deeply saddened by Prof. Kahneman’s passing and remain grateful for his commitment and valuable contribution to our foundation.
In the video, four Nobel laureates explain why they believe Zurich is the right location to establish a world-leading, interdisciplinary research hub that can provide answers to the most pressing questions of our time.
“As a researcher and as a director, I see enormous potential in partnerships with people who share our vision of a world-leading department. Together, we can accomplish great achievements.”
Prof. Florian Scheuer, Chairman of the Department of Economics, University of Zurich
The management team leads the Excellence Foundation Zurich according to its purpose in daily business. It maintains and forms the contacts of the Department of Economics with donors, alumni, and decision-makers from politics, business, and institutions. Katrin Polzer, Managing Director, is supported by Charlotte Ulmann. They are happy to answer all your questions and concerns.
The support team assists the Excellence Foundation Zurich with all communication tasks.
