W I S E R

The Women in Science and Engineering Research program is a dedicated opportunity for female Bachelor students that are eager to gain hands-on research experience within one of the School’s laboratories over summer.

Designed to support and encourage female students in their professional development, WISER facilitates early exposure to research environments while offering mentoring opportunities to get valuable insight into future pathways in science and engineering.

Open to 2nd and 3rd year female Bachelor students, the program provides an immersive research experience with the aim to strengthen academic profiles by developing confidence, communication and research skills. Participants will gain practical experience, learn to navigate challenges in STEM environments, and build connections with peers and mentors.

Through WISER, EPFL aims to address persistent structural imbalances in STEM. Women remain underrepresented across many scientific research fields and academic career paths, and factors such as visibility, role models, networks, and confidence can shape whether students see research as a path for themselves. By creating this supportive initiative, WISER helps make that path more visible and accessible.

Taking part in WISER allows you to…

…explore and deepen your interest in research

…gain clarity on potential research-oriented career paths

…acquire new technical competencies and methodologies

…receive guidance and mentoring from PhD students

…contribute to innovative projects in advanced research settings

…work and interact with first-rate researchers

Program experience

Participants spend eight weeks in an EPFL research group aligned with their interests. In addition to laboratory exploration, the program includes a mentoring scheme, workshops aimed at developing transversal skills essential for a scientific career and participation in a Research Symposium. Together, these complementary components provide participants with the knowledge, skills, guidance, and professional network needed to thrive in future professional environments.

Beyond the research component, participants become part of a cohort of peers who share a strong interest in scientific research. Throughout the program, they will also have the opportunity to connect with students from other EPFL programs, fostering valuable exchanges and expanding their network.

Calendar and timeline

The full-time internship lasts eight weeks between June and September. The exact start and finish dates are to be agreed with the laboratory. The internship takes place on-site in the agreed EPFL laboratory, which is located either in Lausanne (main campus) or in one of the associated campus in Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Geneva or Sion.

WISER includes compulsory workshops and a mentoring scheme. It concludes with a Research Symposium in September, attended by all Bachelor students from the enhanced learning programs that have pursued a research internship over summer, their supervisors, other members of the community and their guests.

Key information at a glance

A selective program with about ten female EPFL participants.
Eight weeks of research experience during the summer period (June to September).
A scholarship of CHF 4,000 for selected participants.
A mentoring scheme to receive guidance from PhD students.
Workshops on transversal and professional skills.
A final presentation of research work during a Research Symposium.
An official certificate of completion of the WISER Program conferred with the Bachelor’s degree.