Fostering discovery through three institutes with over 80 labs
Our researchers work at the crossroads of the built and natural environments, exploring the many facets of these systems – from underground microbial networks to complex urban mechanisms – with the aim of developing novel, sustainability-oriented solutions.
Each of our three institutes is recognized internationally for their research excellence, and they all use a cross-disciplinary approach. Our institutes also work with the broader scientific community and a number of prestigious public- and private-sector organizations.
Our labs are located at EPFL’s campuses in Lausanne, Fribourg and Sion and house state-of-the-art research equipment. They are designed to foster open science with reproducible data, paving the way to new discoveries and encouraging knowledge sharing.
Institute of Architecture and the City – IA
The Institute of Architecture and the city (IA) was established to promote research in architecture and urban planning. This fundamental mission reflects the fact that high-quality architecture, well-constructed structures and buildings that fit in seamlessly with their surroundings, natural and urban landscapes and cultural heritage are clearly in the public interest.
Civil Engineering Institute – IIC
The Civil Engineering Institute at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne performs research in the core disciplines of Civil Engineering : Geo-engineering, hydraulics and fluids, structures and materials, transport and mobility, buildings and energy systems.
Environmental Engineering Institute – IIE
IIE research units pioneer adaptation to environmental changes as part of sustainable design. Our emphasis is on translational science based upon rigorous understanding our environment, seamless integration of data and models, humans as integral parts of environmental systems, and development of novel, leading-edge technologies.