Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences
Understanding People - Steering Developments - Grasping Knowledge
A unique profile
With the D-GESS department, ETH Zurich can offer an extraordinary range of research and teaching, which strengthens the university’s position. Learn more about D-GESS
Science in Perspective
The study programme Science in Perspective (formerly compulsory elective courses) enables students at ETH Zurich to develop new perspectives on their core subjects’ scientific and technological issues. Read more
GESS Support:
Help!Point
In case of professional or personal problems: At D-GESS Help!Point we are willing to listen.
WIDE
Workinggroup for Well-being, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity
The name speaks for itself: the «Science in Perspective Talks» tackle current scientific and social questions and highlight what contributions the humanities, social and political sciences can make to these topics. Read more
Distinguishing between electronic and cyber operations is crucial for understanding threats to space systems. This Policy Perspective lays out the differences and suggests policy responses to mitigate these threats.
Working on a development project or initiative? Join ETH NADEL’s course, The Basics of Development and Cooperation, from 19–21 June 2025 to gain practical tools, insights, and expert guidance in sustainable development.
Blackouts, which are large-scale and long-lasting power outages, can significantly impact society. Planning for their consequences requires continuous attention from the state, its citizens, and the private sector. Due to the catastrophic potential of a blackout and the expected extent of its damage, unpreparedness can be extremely costly.
The term “hybrid threat” is ubiquitous in current security policy debates, as it encapsulates an elusive range of different types of attack. This analysis argues that constructively engaging with a hybrid threat scenario initially requires a clear understanding of the underlying forms of hybrid warfare.
At its meeting on December 5, 2024, the ETH Board appointed nine professors at the request of ETH President Joël Mesot. In addition, the title "Professor" was awarded twice.
Smart homes are intended to make life easier, but logging into individual devices is often still an onerous task. Researchers from ETH Zurich have investigated how everyday routines could be used for secure and user-friendly authentication – with no need for cumbersome passwords.
At its meeting of 18 and 19 September 2024 and upon application of Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, the ETH Board appointed fifteen professors. The Board also awarded the title of "Professor of Practice" once.
To make informed decisions, governments and international organisations need data. The United Nations has been analysing the global availability of such data together with ETH Zurich. This has brought to light some surprising insights.
From devising forecasting models for the Federal Finance Administration and describing the latest trends in civil protection, ETH researchers routinely supply vital support to the Swiss state and help drive innovation.