Basic principles
EPFL is required to archive “documents that have legal, political, economic, historical, social, and cultural value.” It assumes this responsibility autonomously, in compliance with the provisions set out in the Archiving Ordinance (OLAr).
Archiving documents the management and activities of EPFL in relation to its missions, supports operational continuity, and enables oversight. It aims to protect the legitimate interests of the Institution, to build its documentary heritage, and to create the necessary conditions for historical, scientific, and social research.
Responsibilities
The EPFL Archives, established by decision of the Presidency in February 2024, are responsible for preserving and promoting all documents of archival value received from contributing units. They make these documents accessible as archives in accordance with legal provisions and take all necessary steps to protect them through appropriate technical and organizational measures.
Transfers are made voluntarily by services, laboratories, and units, and concern documents that are no longer needed for their activities. Appraisal, sorting, and possible destruction must be carried out in consultation with the Archives service. Transferred documents remain accessible within the limits set by law or according to specific obligations and protections (e.g., contracts).
The EPFL Archives support laboratories and units in managing their documents throughout their lifecycle and offer, upon request:
- pre-archiving assistance (processing, organizing, and sorting prior to transfer),
- support for day-to-day document management,
- tools and best practices,
- personalized advice.