Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne – Full Review

Overview

Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL or the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne) is a leading research institution located in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities worldwide and is recognized for its research in science, engineering, technology, and architecture.

History

EPFL was founded in 1853 as a private college to train engineers and scientists. In 1946, it became a federal institute and underwent a period of expansion during which it established itself as a major research institution. Today, EPFL has a student population of over 10,000 and employs more than 6,000 staff members.

Organization

EPFL is structured into nine schools or faculties, each specializing in a particular field, including:

– School of Basic Sciences
– School of Engineering
– School of Life Sciences
– School of Computer and Communication Sciences
– School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering
– School of Management and Engineering Vaud
– School of Energy Sciences
– School of Biomedical Sciences
– School of Brain and Mind Sciences

Campus

EPFL’s main campus is located in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva. The campus covers an area of over 55 hectares and is home to more than 350 laboratories, research facilities, and teaching buildings. The campus also includes a startup incubator, a sports center, and a botanical garden.

Academics

EPFL offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in various fields. The courses are taught in English or French. The university is known for its research-oriented teaching style and emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary study, and international collaboration.

Colleges and Schools

EPFL is structured into nine colleges and schools, including:

– College of Engineering
– College of Management
– College of Humanities
– School of Architecture, Civil, and Environmental Engineering
– School of Computer and Communication Sciences
– School of Basic Sciences
– School of Life Sciences
– School of Energy Sciences
– School of Biomedical Sciences

Student Life

The EPFL campus has a vibrant student life, with over 120 student associations and clubs catering to various interests, such as sports, music, arts, and culture. The campus also has a student-run radio station and a cinema. EPFL hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and lectures.

Athletics

EPFL has a state-of-the-art sports center that provides various facilities for students, staff, and faculty. The sports center has a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a climbing wall. EPFL also has several sports teams that compete at the national and international level.

Notable Alumni

EPFL has produced several notable alumni, including:

– Albert Einstein, physicist
– Claude Nicollier, astronaut
– Martin Vetterli, electrical engineer
– Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, artist
– Andreas Mortensen, materials engineer

University Profile