Founded 150 years ago, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, known as EPFL, is dedicated to providing students with the best education in the fields of science, technology and architecture. EPFL offers twelve major fields of study, spread among 5 Schools: Basic sciences, Engineering Sciences and Techniques, Computer and Communication Sciences, Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Life Sciences. In addition, starting in 2003, several new fields of study will be added in Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering and Management of Technology.

Not only is EPFL a notable academic institution, but it is also internationally recognized as an outstanding center for research in science and engineering. Its research staff includes more than 3200 scientists, 40% of which come from foreign countries, mostly from Europe. Researchers benefit from an open and dynamic environment that encourages and supports transdisciplinary initiatives. Furthermore, EPFL has gained considerable recognition for the creation of several poles of excellence of international stature; Indeed, it has become a pioneer in the field of nanosciences and nanotechnologies. The increased collaboration between EPFL and its neighboring academic institutions, the Universities of Lausanne and Geneva, has also allowed the establishment, in 2001, of a Center for Functional Genomics.

Technology overview

EPFL has considerable technological competences in the emerging fields at the interface of the basic sciences, engineering and life sciences. Indeed, a large number of research units at EPFL are involved in these transdisciplinary fields: medical imaging, microsystems for biological applications, biomaterials for implants, techniques for separation of biomolecules, mathematical modeling of DNA, biochips, process regulation in biotechnology, biomechanics, neuromimetic calculations, etc. Considerable emphasis is currently being given to this type of research, specifically in the fields of neurosciences and genomics, with the recent inauguration of the new School of Life Sciences.

Perspective

These competences make EPFL an important source of innovation. EPFLs Technology Transfer Office (SRI) processed a total of 75 patent applications, and as much as 31 licences and technology transfer agreements were settled during the year 2001.In addition, 12 EPFL spin-offs were created last year. This entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged and supported by the Entrepreneurship Chair (CREATE) and the Incubator of the Scientific Park (PSE). It goes without mention that this entrepreneurial activity, most notably in the life sciences, actively contributes to the economic development of the region and helps attract foreign companies already interested in the potential for industrial collaboration that exists at EPFL in this field.