In 2020, the President's Office of the University of Basel decided to systematically introduce Scientific Advisory Boards (SABs) at all Departments and mono-departmental Faculties of the University. These are intended to serve quality development in the area of research and are composed and appointed by the respective Departments and Faculties themselves.

The Scientific Advisory Board of the Department of Languages and Literatures shall help to strengthen the status of research in the internal university discussions and to promote an actively lived culture of quality, taking into account the different cultures represented at the Department.

This committee, consisting of 6 international experts from the fields of linguistics and literary studies, meets every two years for site visits, each visit with a different focus. It is also available to the Department for specific questions outside of these meetings.

The taks of the Scientific Advisory Board is to provide advisory support to the Department of Languages and Literatures in matters of research performance as well as strategic orientation and organization and thus to accompany the strategic planning and quality development of the Department by providing expert recommendations and acting as an impetus.

The SAB thus complements the department’s existing governance processes. The joint aim is continuous critical reflection and long-term exchange on opportunities, challenges, and potentials for development.

The first site visit of the Scientific Advisory Board will take place on November 5–6, 2026.

Previous site visits:

• November 7–8, 2024
• June 7–8, 2022