The 120% Model in practise
The 120% Model was initiated in 2010 at the Vetsuisse Faculty. The aim is to contribute to a better balance between career and family life and to ensure continuity in the professional career. Postdocs, residents and doctoral students with care responsibilities, e.g. parenthood, may apply to reduce their workload from 100% to 60% for a maximum of one year and with the appointment of a supplementary technician or doctoral student for ≤ 60%.
The joint level of employment is 120%. During this year, the technician or doctoral student will increase their existing level of work to the same extent that the sponsored person reduces his/her workload. They take over urgent, non-adjustable clinical or laboratory work so that the ongoing research projects can be continued within the existing time framework. Training can take place before the 120% period begins. It goes without saying that the people working together in the 120% model have to understand each other well, should be cooperative and maintain an open communication. As a consequence of the more intensive cooperation, new ideas can also emerge.
Flexibility in support is important
People who wish to be supported by the 120% Model submit a request to the Commission for Academic Promotion of Young People and Gender Equality (KANG). In assessing these applications, it is crucial that the provided support be used in pursuance of the next career objectives. However, a broad-minded assessment of the applications is also important to us. For example, one woman taking part in the scheme asked whether she could use a portion of the amount for additional day care. In doing so, she could calmly evaluate results and publish them. Of course, this plan was supported! Another woman planned during pregnancy to collect clinical data in a large cattle herd located abroad. After unexpected pregnancy problems arose, the amount could be used for another person to take her place and collect the clinical data.
Conclusions from supported people and the Vetsuisse Faculty
Feedback from people who have been supported has been very positive: all confirmed that the model created greater manoeuvrability for day-to-day management of family life and work. Breastfeeding was perceived to be more stress-free, there was the possibility to introduce children with more flexibility into their new care system and hectic moments of family life could be dealt with in a more composed manner. Within the framework of the 120% Model, not only were crucial tasks completed and projects finished in a timely manner, there was also more space for the individuals themselves. This led, amongst other things, to new projects being tackled more purposefully. All supported individuals were able to write publications and conference papers during the supported year, or even complete their habilitation.
On the basis of these positive experiences, the Vetsuisse Faculty is of the opinion that the 120% Model is goal-oriented and also a cost-effective support measure. The examples show that thanks to these allowances, research projects can be successfully pursued and the transition back into the working world can be made in a more flexible way.
Make a request and benefit from the 120% Model!
The creation of so-called 120% solutions (20% overlap) in clinics and research can bridge absences during pregnancy or later for childcare. For 100% positions, for example:
Postdoc 60% and technical assistance 60%
Postdoc 70% and technical assistance 50%
Postdoc 80% and technical assistance 40%
The maximum amount is 12'160.- per person and the maximum duration is 12 months. Requests from people with a lower degree of employment are adjusted accordingly. Applications for this allowance can be made by young academics during pregnancy and up to two years after giving birth.
Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae
Reasons for application
Recommendation letter from the supervisor
Amount requested
Applications can be submitted at any time to Prof. Dr. med. vet. Gaby Hirsbrunner gabriela.hirsbrunner@vetsuisse.unibe.ch, who will also happily provide any further information required.
