FirstGen Network - Being the First in the Family to Attend University
Event details
| Date | 27.04.2026 › 05.05.2026 |
| Speaker | FirstGen Network |
| Category | Miscellaneous |
| Event Language | English |
FirstGen Academics Network (FirstGen Network) is an emerging network dedicated to supporting university students, academics, and graduates across Switzerland who are the first generation in their families to attend or have attended university or Swiss higher education.
Joining this community means recognising that the journey of being a first-generation academic, graduate, or student extends beyond achieving a university degree. It’s about acknowledging the persistent uncertainties, the feeling of not fitting in, and the ongoing challenge of adapting to the academic environment—even after graduation. Moreover, it’s about celebrating the unique strengths and resilience that individuals develop on this journey, qualities that continue to shape their lives long after their university experience is over.
The primary goal is to create a space where first-generation students, doctoral candidates, academics, and graduates at various stages of their careers can connect, exchange experiences, and find mutual support. The network understand the questions and obstacles that first-generation individuals face, and together, it provides valuable insights, encouragement, and inspiration. Additionally, the network strives to raise awareness within Swiss universities about the experiences and needs of first-generation students and academics.
The FirstGen Network is currently planning to expand the network to various locations to establish a local FirstGen Network community.
Two events are planned at EPFL :
27 APRIL 2026
Shared Roots, Different Routes: A Dialogue on Being the First in the Family to Attend University
Online Event - 17:00 to 18:30
What does it really mean to be the first in your family to enter the academic world? Whether you are a student just starting your studies or a researcher establishing a scientific career, being the “First in the Family” to attend university brings a unique set of perspectives—and challenges.
Shared Roots, Different Routes is a dialogue bringing together voices from various career stages. The session will explore how coming from a non-academic background influences life decisions, research paths, and resilience within the scientific community.
This event offers a platform for students to hear from those furter along the path, and for scientific staff to reflect on their own journeys. It is a unique opportunity to exchange experiences on navigating academia without a family legacy.
>>>>Register Here (and get the online link) <<<<
5 MAY 2026
From Roots to Results: An Interactive Reflection on Educational Family Background, Privileges, and Achievement
Meet and Greet Event on Campus (Lausanne), Room CE 1 104 - 17:30 to 19:00
Join the FirstGen Network for From Roots to Results, an interactive reflection on how your family’s educational background influences your own academic path. While our careers are shaped by many complex factors, the specific dimension of academic lineage—or being the first in the family to attend university—is often overlooked. In this event, the goal is to zoom in on this specific dimension. The FirstGen Network will look at how family educational background sets aspects of the stage, while celebrating the resilience and achievements that brought all of us to where we are today. This isn’t just about looking back—it’s about understanding the power of your own journey.
The event will be followed by an Apéro offered by EPFL's Equal Opportunity Office (VPH-WINC-DEI).
>>>>Register Here<<<<
Both events are co-organised by EPFL's Equal Opportunity Office (VPH-WINC-DEI) and the FirstGen Network
Joining this community means recognising that the journey of being a first-generation academic, graduate, or student extends beyond achieving a university degree. It’s about acknowledging the persistent uncertainties, the feeling of not fitting in, and the ongoing challenge of adapting to the academic environment—even after graduation. Moreover, it’s about celebrating the unique strengths and resilience that individuals develop on this journey, qualities that continue to shape their lives long after their university experience is over.
The primary goal is to create a space where first-generation students, doctoral candidates, academics, and graduates at various stages of their careers can connect, exchange experiences, and find mutual support. The network understand the questions and obstacles that first-generation individuals face, and together, it provides valuable insights, encouragement, and inspiration. Additionally, the network strives to raise awareness within Swiss universities about the experiences and needs of first-generation students and academics.
The FirstGen Network is currently planning to expand the network to various locations to establish a local FirstGen Network community.
Two events are planned at EPFL :
27 APRIL 2026
Shared Roots, Different Routes: A Dialogue on Being the First in the Family to Attend University
Online Event - 17:00 to 18:30
What does it really mean to be the first in your family to enter the academic world? Whether you are a student just starting your studies or a researcher establishing a scientific career, being the “First in the Family” to attend university brings a unique set of perspectives—and challenges.
Shared Roots, Different Routes is a dialogue bringing together voices from various career stages. The session will explore how coming from a non-academic background influences life decisions, research paths, and resilience within the scientific community.
This event offers a platform for students to hear from those furter along the path, and for scientific staff to reflect on their own journeys. It is a unique opportunity to exchange experiences on navigating academia without a family legacy.
>>>>Register Here (and get the online link) <<<<
5 MAY 2026
From Roots to Results: An Interactive Reflection on Educational Family Background, Privileges, and Achievement
Meet and Greet Event on Campus (Lausanne), Room CE 1 104 - 17:30 to 19:00
Join the FirstGen Network for From Roots to Results, an interactive reflection on how your family’s educational background influences your own academic path. While our careers are shaped by many complex factors, the specific dimension of academic lineage—or being the first in the family to attend university—is often overlooked. In this event, the goal is to zoom in on this specific dimension. The FirstGen Network will look at how family educational background sets aspects of the stage, while celebrating the resilience and achievements that brought all of us to where we are today. This isn’t just about looking back—it’s about understanding the power of your own journey.
The event will be followed by an Apéro offered by EPFL's Equal Opportunity Office (VPH-WINC-DEI).
>>>>Register Here<<<<
Both events are co-organised by EPFL's Equal Opportunity Office (VPH-WINC-DEI) and the FirstGen Network
Practical information
- General public
- Registration required
- This event is internal
Organizer
- VPH-WINC-DEI ; FirstGen Network
Contact
- Natasha Stegmann, Project Manager, VPH-WINC-DEI