International
The EPFL Direction would like to express compassion for everyone in our community who is directly or indirectly affected by the current international events.
EPFL condemns the recent rise in tensions within our community in relation to this crisis. We support any initiative aimed at creating space for well-meaning, constructive dialogue, but we will not tolerate divisive, potentially hurtful actions.
It is up to all of us to make EPFL a multicultural university that welcomes political, religious and other kinds of differences. We will back any non-political and non-religious demonstrations within our community as long as they promote peace.
Announcement, 12 October 2023
EPFL condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians, as well as all acts contrary to international humanitarian law. The President of EPFL and the School’s management express their compassion for all those affected by the situation. They encourage the EPFL community to avoid political escalation and to contribute to calming tensions and to promoting a peaceful outcome. The EPFL management supports its community in organizing any non-political and non-religious demonstration in favor of peace.
Whether you’re a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD student, or a staff member, we provide various forms of support for situations such as this. Please make the most of them.
If your situation is urgent, please reach out directly to Kathryn Hess Bellwald, associate VP for student affairs and outreach.
For Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students
We’d like to remind you of our various counseling services, which can help you with cope this stressful situation.
For staff members and PhD students
We encourage you to contact your supervisor and/or HR manager to find out what sort of support and special arrangements are possible during this period.
And for all students and staff members, EPFL’s the Trust and Support Network is another helpful source of support: https://trust-point.epfl.ch/en/.
Students and staff should also feel free to call on EPFL’s spiritual care service for support.
To better understand what help is needed, we would like to give you the opportunity to inform us about your concerns and the problems that you face currently, which you can do via the online form. Please feel welcome to share any other requests, questions, or suggestions you may have.
Travel ban on Israel and Lebanon
Following an in-depth risk assessment in collaboration with our partner, International SOS, and in line with the latest advice from the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAE), EPFL’s Direction has decided to prohibit all travel to Israel and Lebanon, taking effect immediately and until further notice. More information
Monetary donations
For your private donations:
Please check the Ukraine: help and support webpages
EPFL has been member of SAR since 2014, and is also part of the Swiss section of SAR, which is supported by swissuniversities and the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences.
Previous initiatives
In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the border region between Turkey and Syria, we would first like to express our deep solidarity with you. Our hearts go out to you and your families. And for those of you who have lost loved ones in this disaster, the entire upper management wishes to offer its deepest condolences.
Counseling and support services
We remind you that counseling services are available for students (bachelor, master, and PhD) which can help you find your way this stressful situation.
You can also reach out to Turcopoly, the association of Turkish-speaking students in Lausanne, and share your thoughts and concerns with its members.
Students and staff should also feel free to call on EPFL’s spiritual care service for support.
Staff members are welcome to contact their supervisor and/or HR manager to find out what sort of support and special arrangements are possible during this period.
Support
If you have any questions, requests or suggestions, please send them to us via the online form.
Monetary donations
For your private donations:
In the wake of the terrible earthquake that hit Morocco on Friday 8 September, we would first like to express our profound sympathy to you. Our hearts go out to you and your families. And for those of you who might have lost loved ones in this disaster, the entire upper management wishes to offer my deepest condolences.
Whether you’re a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD student, or a staff member, we provide various forms of support for situations such as this. Please make the most of them.
For Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students
We remind you that counseling services are available for students (bachelor, master, and PhD) suffering from this stressful situation.
You can also reach out to APML, the association of Moroccan students in Lausanne, and share your thoughts and concerns with its members.
Students and staff should also feel free to call on EPFL’s spiritual care service for support.
For staff members and PhD students
We encourage you to contact your supervisor and/or HR manager to find out what sort of support and special arrangements are possible during this period.
And for all students and staff members, EPFL’s Trust and Support Network is another helpful source of support.
If you have any questions, requests or suggestions, please send them to us via the online form.
If you have a problem or concern that must be addressed immediately, please reach out directly to Kathryn Hess Bellwald, associate VP for student affairs and outreach.
As an institution that advocates the broad dissemination of knowledge and free will, EPFL considers that everyone should be able to study and express opinions freely. As a federal entity, this position is in line with that of the Swiss Confederation, which has already formally addressed the Iranian President Ebrahim Raissi on this subject.
We are also in discussion with our colleagues in the ETH domain and other universities to assess whether ad hoc action is justified and whether additional measures can be put in place.
Support
To better understand what help is needed, we would like to give you the opportunity to inform us about your concerns and the problems that you face currently, which you can do at this address [email protected].
Please feel welcome to share any other requests, questions, or suggestions you may have.
If your situation is urgent, please reach out directly to Kathryn Hess Bellwald, associate VP for student affairs and outreach.
Counseling services
We remind you that counseling services are available for students (bachelor, master, and PhD) suffering from this stressful situation.
Students and staff should also feel free to call on EPFL’s spiritual care service for support.
Staff members are welcome to contact their HR manager for advice on further sources of support.
Support
To better understand what help is needed, we would like to give you the opportunity to inform us about your concerns and the problems that you face currently.
For example, if you are currently stranded in Russia, or if you experience difficulties in continuing your research due to disrupted collaborations with Russian scientists, please let us know at this address [email protected].
We also encourage you to share any other concerns, requests, questions, or suggestions you may have.
If your situation is urgent, please reach out directly to Kathryn Hess Bellwald, associate VP for student affairs and outreach.
Counseling services
We remind you that counseling services are available for students (bachelor, master, and PhD) suffering from this stressful situation.
Students and staff should also feel free to call on EPFL’s spiritual care service for support.
Staff members are welcome to contact their HR manager for advice on further sources of support.