Inaugural lectures

An inaugural lecture offers newly appointed professors the opportunity to introduce themselves and showcase their research and teaching activities to the international scientific community, teaching staff, students, and all staff members. Such events are also open to the public, welcoming anyone interested in the subject.

Organised by the professor's faculty, an inaugural lecture lasts about an hour. After a short introductory speech by the Faculty Dean, the professor delivers their presentation in their teaching language. The subject of the lecture is chosen and announced in advance.

About inaugural lectures

Inaugural lectures are mandatory for all UniDistance Suisse professors appointed from the autumn semester 2024 onwards. Professors who were appointed before this time may choose to give a retroactive inaugural lecture.

Such events will be held twice a semester at most. Each session may feature one or two professors, provided they are part of the same faculty or cover similar or related subjects.

All inaugural lectures will systematically be conducted in a hybrid format, held both on campus at UniDistance Suisse in Brig and streamed online. Recordings of the events will be made available as podcasts on the event page.

Inaugural lectures are intended for the scientific community, teaching and university staff, as well as the general public. Whether attending online or in person, participants are asked to register through an online form and provide their name, profession, e-mail address, and institutional affiliation.