Pledges for decreasing air travel

This page display all PIs that answered our call.

These PIs endorsed the project Make Science not Miles. They committed to inform members of their group about the sustainability initiatives of UZH, and to carefully consider the environmental impact of flying when planning grant proposals, field work, attendance to conferences, and scientific activities in general. Moreover, they committed to encourage members of their group to do the same, to support members of their group that decide to fly less, or not at all, and when possible to cover expenses for train tickets, allow longer travel time, and help them to apply for extra funding.
Additional commitments, or personal comments are reported additionally for each PI.
So far 19 out of 29 PIs working at ISEB and IPMB committed to reduce their air travel (updated 17.11.2022)

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 0.5 flights per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 1
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 0

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 0.5 flights per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 0.5
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 0

"We all use the argument of global warming and detrimental effects of climate changes in our grant proposal, as a good reason to fund our research. We have to be consistent, and massively reduce our air travel. Now, not tomorrow."

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 0 flights per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 0.5
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 0

I will fly only for exceptional reasons, normally me and the members of my group will not fly.

"The data is clear, mass flying is not compatible with a stable climate. Yet frequent flying is still considered as a necessity in science, and a symbol of success. Common sense knowledge and attitudes around flying need to change, and scientists should lead by example."

I support the initiative Make Science not Miles

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 1 flight per person per year in my group and we will only fly economy (no first class with big chairs).

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 2-3
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 3
 

"If possible, and within 1000 km, I will use the train in Europe (e.g. project evaluations for the Novo Nordisk Foundation in Denmark, meetings in Austria, Germany, Denmark)."

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 1 flight per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members. Distance will be taken in consideration.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 1
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 0.5

I support the initiative Make Science not Miles

I support the initiative Make Science not Miles

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 10
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 4.5

"I support this initiative. In addition, I want to emphasize that reduction of air travel to 60% now, and less in the future, is a mandatory policy of UZH. Thus, everybody must follow this policy."

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 0.3 flights per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 0
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 0.5

I support the initiative Make Science not Miles

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 1 flight per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 1
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 0

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 2 flight per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 4
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 0.5

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 1-2 flights per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 4-5
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 2-2.5

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 0.5 flight per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 10
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 0

I support the initiative Make Science not Miles

I support the initiative Make Science not Miles

“In my group, we strive to reduce air travel as much as possible. We dedicate ourselves to travel by train for all travel distances equal or shorter than 6hrs. For scientific communication, we consider alternative solutions that do not involve travelling, for example through online meetings or seminars, when possible.”

I support the initiative Make Science not Miles

I will endeavor to limit flights to an average of 1 flight per person per year in my group, fairly distributed among the members.

Work-related flights per year:
   - before the COVID-19 pandemic: 0 (During the last 5 years, I have only used train for business trips)
   - planned for the period 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023: 0.5

I support the initiative Make Science not Miles