6 August 2026

As we welcome Professor Christian Schwarzenegger to the Universitas 21 community as our new Provost, we sat down with him to learn more about the experiences that have shaped his career, what drew him to one of the world’s leading global university networks, and the values that continue to influence his leadership today.

A global perspective

For Professor Christian Schwarzenegger, international collaboration has never been an add-on to academic life, it has shaped the way he sees the world.

Long before joining Universitas 21 as Provost, an early professorship in Japan transformed not only his research, but also his understanding of leadership, collaboration and the role universities play in society. It sparked a lifelong curiosity about different cultures and perspectives that continues to shape his work today.

“It gives you a completely different framework,” he reflects. “You see your own culture and your own practices from a different perspective. It makes you a better scientist, but it also makes you a better person.”

This long-standing engagement was recognised in 2024 when the Government of Japan conferred on him the Order of the Rising Sun for his contribution to academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Switzerland.

That global outlook has remained a defining thread throughout his career. Following twelve years in senior leadership at the University of Zurich, where he worked across university governance, faculty affairs, global partnerships, open science and institutional development, Christian now brings that same commitment to U21’s global network of research-intensive universities.

For him, the opportunity to lead U21 felt like a natural next step.

“Science is international by default,” he says. “There are no boundaries to knowledge. Universities should work together, create opportunities for exchange and ensure the next generation of researchers and leaders develops an international mindset.”

Having led the University of Zurich’s admission into U21 in 2017 and represented UZH in the network as a Senior Leader, Christian saw first-hand the network’s strengths, from developing students and early career researchers to creating meaningful international partnerships.

Leading through collaboration

I’ve always believed that leaders are still learning. Every team teaches you something. Leadership isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about bringing the best out of people.

Christian’s leadership philosophy has been shaped by experiences across Europe and Asia. His time in Japan, in particular, taught him the importance of building relationships and understanding different perspectives before formal decisions are made.

“You learn how important informal conversations are,” he says. “Understanding people’s perspectives before entering a formal process often leads to better outcomes.”

Alongside collaboration comes humility.

“I’ve always believed that leaders are still learning. Every team teaches you something. Leadership isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about bringing the best out of people.”

At the same time, he recognises that leadership also requires difficult decisions.

“At some point you have to make choices. Universities can’t spend endless time discussing without acting. Sometimes leadership means making decisions that aren’t immediately popular but are necessary for the long-term future of the institution.”

Universities in a changing world

Universities are one of the strongest examples of international cooperation because we share common values, common methods and a shared commitment to discovering knowledge.

Looking ahead, Christian sees universities operating in an increasingly complex global environment. Rising geopolitical tensions, growing nationalism and rapid technological change are reshaping higher education, making international cooperation more important than ever.

“We’re living in a more fragmented world,” he says. “Universities are one of the strongest examples of international cooperation because we share common values, common methods and a shared commitment to discovering knowledge.”

He believes networks such as U21 have an increasingly important role in maintaining those global connections.

“We have to keep those channels open. Universities can continue to demonstrate that collaboration across borders benefits everyone.”

Artificial intelligence represents another defining challenge, and opportunity.

Rather than viewing AI simply as a technological development, Christian sees it as a force that will reshape teaching, research and global understanding.

“We need to embrace these new technologies while protecting the values that underpin universities,” he explains. “We need graduates who can work alongside AI but who also retain the critical thinking needed to question, evaluate and validate what these systems produce.”

For Christian, technology is valuable not simply because it makes us more efficient, but because it enables us to see the world from perspectives we might otherwise never encounter.

Having studied Japanese for many years, he now regularly uses AI to read Japanese news and academic literature, opening perspectives that were previously difficult to access.

“It allows you to see the world through another country’s eyes,” he says. “That broader perspective is incredibly valuable.”

Beyond the lecture theatre

Outside academia, one of Christian’s longest-standing passions is tennis. Looking back, he credits sport with teaching many of the qualities that continue to shape his leadership today, from discipline and resilience to teamwork, mutual respect and learning how to perform under pressure.

“Sport teaches you commitment,” he says. “It teaches you how to work together, how to prepare and how to deal with setbacks. Those lessons stay with you throughout your life.”

That curiosity and willingness to keep learning extends far beyond the tennis court. Asked which U21 student programme he would choose if he were starting university today, Christian doesn’t hesitate.

“The School for Sustainable Policy Leadership,” he says. “Sustainability has always been important to me. Even as a student, environmental protection was something I cared deeply about.”

Whether discussing sustainability, learning languages or embracing new technologies to better understand other cultures, curiosity is a recurring theme. It has shaped both his career and his outlook, and is something he hopes to inspire in the next generation of global leaders.

Looking ahead

As he begins his time as Provost, Christian wants U21 to be recognised not only for the opportunities it creates for students, researchers and staff, but also for its capacity to shape important conversations facing higher education worldwide.

For him, the role is a continuation of a career shaped by curiosity, international collaboration and a belief that trusted university networks can help sustain dialogue, understanding and cooperation in a fragmented world.