As a programme of excellence at the University of St. Gallen, the Collegium offers eight fellows from around the world the most valuable things a researcher can have for an academic year: time, freedom and an interdisciplinary environment in which to fundamentally explore the most pressing questions of our time.
At a time when research is often rushed, fragmented and overshadowed by institutional requirements, the St. Gallen Collegium creates a space for something that has become rare: free, independent and truth-seeking research whose goal is to inspire action in the present.
The Collegium brings research to where it can have an impact – to the university, to the city of St. Gallen, to the region and far beyond.
Through public events, collaborations, a clear editorial voice and accessible formats such as columns, podcasts and dialogue series, complex issues are made understandable, relevant and open to debate. This gives rise to ideas that do not remain confined to academic circles, but stimulate public discussion, open up new perspectives and inspire social decisions.
Through its continuous presence in the media, university teaching and urban society, the Collegium is becoming a reliable voice: academically sound and committed to civil society. In the future, the fellows will publish the findings from their joint project in a creative and publicity-effective manner – depending on the project, this could be in the form of an exhibition or a public forum, a podcast or an innovative publication.
From St. Gallen to the world: the Collegium stands for cross- and transdisciplinary thinking with a lasting impact. Its findings are scientifically sound, publicly accessible and designed to provide guidance and courage – in a world that urgently needs both.
HSG alumnus Dr Josef Ackermann made it possible with his generous donation: in the summer of 2022, the concept of the St.Gallen Collegium was successfully tested. Three working groups addressed the issue of social cohesion.
The trial run continued in collaboration with the St. Gallen Symposium. Together with representatives of the Club of Rome, fellows worked on the principles of a new generational contract. The principles were presented at the 52nd Symposium.
Emerging Principles of a New Generational Contract - St. Gallen Symposium
The St. Gallen Collegium works with SQUARE and the university as a whole to involve fellows in public activities, foster exchange with the HSG community and enrich our research.
Fellows from business, culture and society use the insights gained during their time at the St. Gallen Collegium in their further practical work.
