The feM-LEAD Programme

(female Mentoring: Leadership for Equity And Diversity)

Current: The application window for the next round of feM-LEAD is open from 15.9. – 26.10.2025!

Up-to-date information on the programme duration, the information session, and how to apply as a woman employed at PSI, Empa, Eawag, or WSL is available here.

What questions are addressed in the mentoring programme?

What does leadership (in general / at PSI, Empa, Eawag, WSL) mean?
What are challenges, opportunities and important competences?
What steps can I take if I want to become a leader?
How can I expand my network?
What are the (unwritten) laws in the professional environment?

What is the goal of the mentoring programme?

In the field of diversity, equity and inclusion, PSI's top priority is to increase the proportion of women in the core areas of PSI (see guiding principles in the Diversity Mission Statement). Therefore, we systematically reduce structural barriers and disadvantages and offer various support programs specifically for women, such as feM-LEAD.

The goal of the mentoring programme is the planning of the mentee's career, e.g. through an insight into the career and work experience of the mentor or platforms for visibility and networking. The aim is to promote the mentee's professional career in an enriching way and to encourage them to engage with the leadership topic.

Target group of feM-LEAD:

feM-LEAD is aimed at all women at the four ETH research institutes working in science, technology, or administration who:

would like to take on a leadership role in the future (at their current or another institution), or are interested in exploring this option further
wish to address their questions about leadership and discover what their own path could look like
are prepared to spend time for this on a regular basis (approx. 8 - 10 working days during one year)
are employed at PSI, Empa, Eawag, or WSL during the programme period (scientists: after postdoc)

Distinction from other leadership-programmes for new and upcoming managers:

The participants do not yet have a management position, but are interested in one
The programme is aimed specifically at women in order to promote gender balance in management positions

How is the programme structured?

Over the course of a year, mentees are supported by mentors in a personal 1:1 mentoring. In a trusting, supportive setting, they can work together with an experienced person on their professional development and benefit from the knowledge and experience of their mentors. An assessment (BIP® test) and accompanying events lay the foundations for the mentoring relationship and promote the networking and visibility of the mentees. The programme is rounded off by courses and trainings on leadership and personal development, which can be selected according to personal interests, and peer coaching.