News

EPFL researchers identify rubber-related chemicals in Swiss milk

Published:14.09.26 — Researchers at EPFL have identified several rubber-related chemicals in Swiss raw milk. The study, supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Food Safety, also suggests that dairy equipment may be an overlooked source of contamination.

Satellite imagery gives experts a better understanding of conflict

Published:11.09.26 — A study co-authored by researchers from EPFL, ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich shows how satellite data can support humanitarian conflict analysis, helping provide a clearer picture of the consequences of war and reduce the toll on civilians.

Hidden microplastic pollution in Swiss waters uncovered

Published:09.09.26 — A new technique developed by EPFL has revealed that tiny microplastics in Lake Geneva and surrounding waterways are far more abundant than previously thought.

Reimagining robotics for sustainability

Published:27.08.26 — Robots are often promoted for their increasing intelligence and autonomy. Yet a growing body of research at EPFL suggests that a robot's contribution to sustainability goals may be an equally important measure of success.

A tiny pore identifies cyanobacteria toxins in lake water

Published:03.08.26 — EPFL researchers have developed a nanopore sensor that distinguishes seven toxins from cyanobacteria blooms, and can detect one common toxin at concentrations far below World Health Organization guidelines.

Managing agricultural water under uncertainty

Published:16.07.26 — EPFL researchers developed a method to quantify how uncertainty in climate and hydrological models affects estimates of future crop water needs and sustainability.

Heatwaves hinder photosynthesis

Published:09.07.26 — An EPFL study shows that tropical forests regularly exceed the temperatures at which photosynthesis begins to fail, threatening the planet's ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

The hidden atmospheric cost of Arctic shipping

Published:22.06.26 — A study led by the EPFL suggests that shipping emissions influence climate-relevant cloud formation and may impact regional climate processes far beyond the polar region.

Permafrost is not simply a carbon time bomb

Published:18.06.26 — An EPFL study shows that permafrost thaw not only releases large amounts of carbon but can also trigger processes that remove it from the atmosphere. The study’s findings will help improve climate models.

Where water brings together the many facets of science

Published:12.05.26 — LéXPLORE is the most advanced research platform ever built on a lake. It’s equipped with cutting-edge instruments that collect high-resolution data for use in an array of fields.

When trees can no longer cool themselves

Published:08.04.26 — For five years, biologists subjected trees to prolonged drought conditions by reducing soil moisture, while also exposing them to experimental warming. Their findings show that trees can tolerate heat as long as sufficient water is available. However, under water stress, they lose their ability to cool themselves, which significantly increases their vulnerability.

How scientists prepare expeditions in remote environments

Published:30.03.26 — Scientific expeditions require months of planning before scientists can acquire the first data.

AI helps marine scientists track floating debris from space

Published:09.03.26 — Under the EPFL-led ADOPT project, researchers are combining AI satellite-image recognition with drift prediction models to improve the collection of plastic debris in the ocean. The technology has passed the proof-of-concept stage and is ready for field testing. 

Plastic, plastic everywhere

Published:23.01.26 — Plastic pollution is everywhere – including where you would least expect it, especially when it’s in tiny particle form. Today, scientists are working to measure the consequences of this contamination.

A scientific network around the Chamberonne river

Published:30.09.25 — Scientists from UNIL, EPFL, and other institutions have joined forces to create a network aimed at turning the Chamberonne river – which flows across their campus – into an open-air observatory. Motivated by the major renaturation works starting next year on campus, the initiative aims to foster research and teaching projects centered on the river. 

Living differently will help reducing your home's carbon footprint

Published:11.09.25 — An EPFL study measured the carbon footprint of 20’000 residential buildings in Vaud Canton. The authors’ findings show that a targeted approach will be key to lowering the emissions associated with residential real estate.

Scientists deployed an innovative fiber optics in Greenland

Published:13.08.25 — As part of the GreenFjord project led by EPFL, scientists have successfully tested a new fiber-optic technology to measure the dynamics of a glacier fjord in southern Greenland.

“I realized that, in Switzerland, you don't give students a zero!"

Published:17.07.25 — Alexis Berne, an expert in precipitation and weather radars, has no qualms about setting off on research expeditions to the Antarctic. And his extended absences don’t seem to bother his students either, as they named him best teacher for the environmental sciences and engineering section for 2024.

Appointments of ENAC professors

Published:11.07.25 — The Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology has appointed Daniel McCurry as Associate Professor of Water and Wastewater Chemistry and Aziza Chaouni as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Architecture and Sustainable Construction. Katrin Beyer, currently Associate Professor, was nominated as Full Professor of Civil Engineering. Congratulations to all!

City trees provide cooling even in extreme heat

Published:24.06.25 — Plane trees in cities have an important cooling effect even in extreme heat, according to a new study conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and EPFL. The next step is to identify which tree species are particularly effective at cooling.