Counselling Helpdesk

The path of academic research can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The SAM Counselling Helpdesk is here to listen, to discuss your concerns, and to offer guidance.

All conversations are handled with STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY.

1. Inter-department Resources (SAM)

SAM Helpdesk Email

Contact: sam-helpdesk@mat.ethz.ch
Your message is handled confidentially by the SAM counselling team. We review each request personally and guide you to the most appropriate support option. If we are not able to help directly, we will provide guidance and connect you with the appropriate service.

Direct Contact with SAM Volunteers

A direct and confidential conversation with a local SAM Helpdesk volunteer who provides personal guidance and helps you navigate the right support options.
Meet our SAM Volunteers:

Iséline Granger

(PhD Student)

Office: HCI H 509

Phone: +41 44 632 43 16

iseline.granger@mat.ethz.ch

Lara Laamari

(PhD Student)

Office: HPP O 14

Phone: +41 44 633 69 38

lara.laamari@mat.ethz.ch

Zhongqi Ma

(PhD Student)

Office: HCI F527

Phone: +41 44 633 68 29

zhongqi.ma@mat.ethz.ch

Senior Scientist Association Representative

Contact: sam-helpdesk@mat.ethz.ch
After contacting the SAM Helpdesk email, a suitable senior scientist representative will be assigned to provide peer-level guidance.

Departmental Contact

Context-aware advice and support at the departmental level.
Meet our Departmental Contact:

Dr. Sara Morgenthaler Kobas

Office: HCP F 31.2

Phone: +41 44 632 35 76

sara.morgenthaler@mat.ethz.ch

Scientific Ethics

Confidential assessment and guidance on appropriate ethical procedures.
Meet our Scientific Ethics Representative:

Prof. Dr. Martin Kröger

Office: HCP F 48.2

Phone: +41 44 632 66 22

mk@mat.ethz.ch

2. ETH-Domain Resources

AVETH

Contact: counselling@aveth.ch
Website: https://www.aveth.ethz.ch/counselling-oct21/counselling-help/
Guidance and representation through the main student association of ETH Zurich.

Counselling Center ETH/UZH

Website: https://www.pbs.uzh.ch/en.html
Service Overview:

  • Status: Currently accepting new clients on a waiting list only (due to staff shortages)
  • Cost: Free of charge
  • Confidentiality: Strictly confidential
  • Languages: German, English, French, Italian
  • For whom: UZH and ETH students, PhD candidates
  • Type of support: Psychological and psychotherapeutic counselling for study-related stress and psychological issues

To join waiting list: Send email to pbs@sib.uzh.ch
Locations:
City Campus: Plattenstrasse 28 or Plattenstrasse 14
ETH Hönggerberg: HCP J 13.1
In acute crisis: Contact emergency services:
– Heart2Heart helpline: 0800 143 000 or chat (English 6-11pm, or 143 in German/French/Italian 24/7)
– Crisis Intervention Unit Zurich: 058 384 20 00
– Aerztefon (emergency psychiatrist): 0800 33 66 55
– Emergency, University Hospital Zurich: 044 255 11 11

3. External Resources

Ombudspersons

Independent, confidential advice and mediation outside the academic hierarchy.
Contact via email:

Website: https://ethz.ch/en/the-eth-zurich/organisation/ombudspersons.html
What the ombuds office offers:

  • Advice on workplace conflicts and conflicts with instructors
  • Guidance on suspected illegal actions or misconduct
  • Assessment of compliance breaches
  • Confidential and independent support outside the academic hierarchy

Note: We advise you to explicitly ask for confidentiality at the start of your conversation and request that this commitment be documented in writing.

Nightline Zürich

Website: https://www.nightline.ch/public/en/home/
Quick Contact:

Hours: Every evening 8 p.m. to midnight
Languages: German & English
Cost: Free
Key Features: Anonymous on both sides, confidential, peer support from trained volunteers
Talk about anything: feelings, concerns, or just need someone to listen.
Note: We advise you to explicitly ask for confidentiality at the start of your conversation.

Seek help early is the key.