Three DRRS CAS 2 “Beyond Systems Thinking” Scholarships

Quest Fellowship: completion-based scholarship returning up to 50% of tuition
upon delivery of the Quest contribution

Application deadline: 15 March 2026

Purpose

The DRRS program offers three offers three DRRS Quest Fellowships (which are completion-based scholarship returning up to 50% of tuition upon delivery of the Quest contribution) for CAS 2 “Beyond Systems Thinking” (Summer 2026).

These scholarships are designed for professionals who seek to engage deeply with systemic transdisciplinary complexity in the context of designing resilient regenerative systems. The scholarship is not solely financial support; it is tied to a clearly articulated Quest within one of three thematic relational spheres that structure the intellectual and practical inquiry of CAS 2.

CAS 2 moves beyond analytical systems thinking toward integrative, relational, embodied and scale-linking approaches. It is grounded in the Systemic Design Wheel of Inquiry, integrating six modes
of knowing and reasoning:

—  science,
—  engineering,
—  design,
—  art,
—  embodied practices,
—  inner processes.

The scholarships are open to new entrants to the DRRS program who have not yet studied within DRRS, as well as to CAS alumni and already accepted applicants, if the eligibility criteria are met.

The Three Quest Spheres

Applicants must apply to one of the following thematic spheres. Each Quest is accompanied by a primary mentor, with further mentorship possible through the wider DRRS network.

1. Art–Science Integration & Multispecies Communication
Main Mentor: Sylwia Orczykowska

This sphere explores the integration of artistic inquiry and scientific rigor within regenerative systems practice and how these modes of knowing can mutually strengthen one another in complex, living contexts. It investigates multispecies and ecological communication within post-anthropocentric worldviews, aesthetic intelligence, relational epistemologies, and somatic participation as ways of sensing and interpreting the world beyond purely cognitive frames.

2. Contemporary Nomadism, Habitual Opening, Immersive Leadership & Complexity Didactics
Main Mentor: Tobias Luthe

This sphere explores how professionals navigate paradox, uncertainty, and emergence in systemic change processes, and how leadership and learning can be cultivated to remain adaptive in rapidly changing conditions. Drawing inspiration from contemporary nomadism, the Quest reflects on mobility, adaptability, and design for disassembly — in both physical systems and organizational or cognitive structures.

3. Ethical Journalism, Multimedia Narration & Community Integration
Main Mentor: Michael Grimm

This sphere focuses on responsible storytelling within complex societal transitions, where narratives can either polarize or enable shared orientation and agency. It explores ethical journalism, multimedia narration, narrative framing in regenerative change, and communication across ideological divides. 

Download and read the entire scholarship announcement: here.

ETH Zurich SDLs detailed program information and the online application form link:
https://systemicdesignlabs.ethz.ch/cas-eth-beyond-systems-thinking/

If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us: drrs@ethz.ch