University of Lausanne

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) was founded in 1537. Focusing on the human and social sciences, life sciences (including medicine) and environmental sciences, it now has over 17,000 students of almost 130 nationalities.

UNIL conducts leading-edge research, particularly in oncology, forensic science, digital humanities and sports science. The sophisticated infrastructure made available to its researchers contributes to its attractiveness. In addition, the Lake Geneva region is home to several research institutions, including the university hospital, within a relatively small area. This favourable environment attracts numerous multinationals, start-ups, small and medium-sized firms and international sporting organisations. The dynamism of its research activities is reflected in its international rankings, where UNIL is placed between the top 100 and 200 universities in the world, with particularly high scores for indicators linked to research and internationalisation. The Nobel Prize awarded in 2017 to Jacques Dubochet and two co-recipients for a major advance in the field of cryomicroscopy is emblematic of the quality of the research conducted at UNIL.

During their studies, students benefit directly from the results of the UNIL scientific community’s research activities. With 15 Bachelor’s and 42 Master's and doctoral programmes delivered in 26 disciplines, students are able to study the subject of their choice in depth while benefiting from high-quality infrastructure in a particularly pleasant working environment. In fact, UNIL’s main campus stands in a vast green space planted with ancient trees just a stone’s throw from the lake, with a magnificent view over the Alps.

UNIL has long been aware of the importance of sustainability issues and is committed to supporting and inspiring the major social changes we need by giving its community the means to think about and shape the world of the future. It can rely on the collective excellence of its research and teaching, and the civic commitment of its members, to achieve this aim.