Spring fever 2026: public programmes at the HSG

Everything from a single source. For the first time, a practical brochure summarises the HSG's public offerings: the creative programme at SQUARE, the legendary Public Lectures, the Monday Forum, the ‘Das andere Buch an der Uni’ (The Other Book at the University) series in the library, and the offerings of the ‘St. Gallen Symposium in Town’. 

The University of St.Gallen is not only an organisation of excellence supported by society, but also a stage for the exchange of knowledge. Public Lectures have been an integral part of the university's offerings for over 125 years. The lecture series span several evenings and allow visitors to immerse themselves in surprising and relevant topics. Since 2022, SQUARE has also been offering its curated public programme. 

Public Lectures – topics that move people 

The public lecture programme reflects the profile of the University of St.Gallen (HSG) – with topics ranging from economics, law and politics to computer science, history, art and society. Professors from HSG and external faculty members shed light on the topics from different perspectives. Visitors can also learn more about the city and region of St.Gallen in the lectures. 

The offerings are diverse, as four of the approximately 20 Public Lectures show: 

• Democracy demystified – what now? Prospects for Switzerland
  Tina Freyburg and Alexander Geisler discuss current challenges for democracy in Switzerland: polarisation, complex relations with the EU, debates about neutrality and the media landscape.  
   
• Office monsters: mastering career and work challenges 
  Working in organisations can be frustrating and challenging. Martin J. Eppler presents 25 typical work pitfalls and playfully suggests new solutions. 
   
• Sensors, AI and cryptography: How computer science shapes our everyday lives
  Jochen Müller and the team from the School of Computer Science at HSG show how new and established technologies shape our professional and private lives. 
   
• ‘I forget!’ On the basis of critical thinking
  Everyone knows what it's like to forget something. Recognising this as a starting point for critical thinking is surprising. Christine Abbt explores the question of why consciously dealing with forgetting can be a starting point for critical thinking. 

Public programme at SQUARE – experience a diversity of perspectives  

SQUARE sees itself as a meeting place for dialogue, academic exchange and social debate. This spring, SQUARE's public programme features cultural topics and international guests from the worlds of business, science, politics and art. Highlights include: 

• On 10 and 11 April, the Bundesjugendballett will transform SQUARE into a dance stage. The international company from Hamburg deliberately takes dance out of classical theatre spaces and brings it to life in unusual locations. Founded by the legendary John Neumeier, the ensemble stands for openness, curiosity and creative dialogue – values that also play a central role at SQUARE.  
   
• As part of the popular “Personalities in Residence“ format, eight personalities will spend several days at SQUARE and engage in academic exchange with students and the general public at various lectures/seminars. Spring guests include Swiss satirist and author Patti Basler (17 and 18 February), TV chef Tim Mälzer (24 to 26 March) and journalist and author Roger de Weck (20 to 22 April).
   
• The cinema@SQUARE format complements the programme with six carefully curated films on social, political and cultural issues. The programme includes films on the “politics of the body” and a series on highly political Iranian filmmaking. 
   
• In addition, the St.Gallen Strategy Days will take place for the third time at SQUARE on 26 and 27 March, a two-day geopolitical strategy game. Students, experts and executives from business, politics and academia will work together to develop solutions to global challenges.

Practical information  

The brochure and all dates can be found online at hsg-square.ch and on the website of the Public Lectures Programme. Brochures can also be ordered by email or telephone (oeffentlichesprogramm@unisg.ch, +41 71 224 33 39). 

The public programme at SQUARE is free of charge for all visitors, but registration is required. The Public Lectures are free of charge for members of the University of St.Gallen. External parties interested can attend the first lecture in a series free of charge or purchase a semester pass for CHF 20. 

Directly to the brochure