Striking the right balance

According to the Department Coordinator, the result has been a switch from a direct to a more representational democracy. This has required procedural rules, laying down binding structures, with committees and commissions. “That’s also how we have ensured that every unit within the department hears about the decisions that are made.” It is not an easy task. Frischknecht says that at ETH Zurich they follow the principle: as much freedom as possible, and only as much uniformity as necessary.

“It’s my job to try to strike the right balance.” For example, if an institute wants to design its own website, it is largely given a free rein. However, when it comes to matters of education, the department decides how they should be organised.

Sought-after graduates

The 62-year-old has achieved a lot. Exactly how much can be seen from the results of regular surveys of graduates and employers. The feedback shows that Environmental Sciences graduates are in great demand. That was not always the case. “It was difficult at first. Not many companies understood the skills that our students had when they graduated.” Nowadays things are different. Thanks to a constant dialogue with the outside world, Frischknecht is continually confronted with the challenges that are faced in practice. The difficulty in meeting them is that “The training must not only take account of the current needs of industry but also teach skills and expertise that will be useful in the long term, which will allow graduates to play a part in the move towards sustainable development.”

New course initiative is a good way to end

This is also his philosophy in his last major project: the UMNW2022 degree programme initiative. Its aim is thoroughly to re-evaluate the present education and research and to restructure it if necessary. In this way, Frischknecht is still playing a vital role in shaping the training of the future: “For me, it’s a good way to end my many years of work.”