English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 1 Scope
1 This Act applies to the Federal Institutes of Technology Domain (ETH Domain) comprising the following: a. the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ); b. the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL); c. four research institutes (EMPA, EAWAG, PSI and WSL). 2 These institutions are subject to federal control.
Para. 1 let. c — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465).
Art. 2 Remit of the ETH Domain
1 The two federal institutes of technology and the four research institutes within the ETH Domain shall: a. educate students and specialists in scientific and technical fields and ensure continuing education and training; b. expand scientific knowledge through research; c. support junior scientific staff; d. provide scientific and technical services; e. ensure a dialogue with the public; f. exploit their research findings. 2 They shall take account of Switzerland’s needs. 3 They shall discharge their remit at an internationally recognised level and encourage international cooperation. 3bis The Federal Council may assign them additional responsibilities within the areas listed in paragraph 1; the two federal institutes of technology and the four research institutes within the ETH Domain shall be compensated for this. Alternatively, they may charge fees for this. 3ter They shall issue the orders required to fulfil their responsibilities. 4 The guiding principles for teaching and research
Art. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 27 Sept. 2024, in force since 1 May 2025 (AS 2025 198; BBl 2024 900). Para. 1 let. e — Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465). Para. 1 let. f — Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465). Para. 3bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 27 Sept. 2024, in force since 1 May 2025 (AS 2025 198; BBl 2024 900). Para. 3ter — Inserted by No I of the FA
Art. 3 Cooperation and coordination
1 The two federal institutes of technology and the four research institutes within the ETH Domain shall work with other domestic and foreign education and research institutions. They shall encourage the exchange of students and scientists and the mutual recognition of studies and qualifications. 2 For this purpose, they may sign agreements under public and private law. 3 They shall coordinate their activities and within the scope of federal legislation shall contribute to coordination of the Swiss higher education sector and research activities. They shall take part in the coordination of higher education policies at national level and share tasks in particularly cost-intensive areas. 4 The two federal institutes of technology shall notify the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions of their average teaching costs per student.
Para. 3 — Amended by Annex No II 3 of the Higher Education Act of 30 Sept. 2011, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 4103; BBl 2009 4561). Para. 4 — Inserted by Annex No II 3 of the Higher Education Act of 30 Sept. 2011, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 4103; BBl 2009 4561).
Art. 3a Cooperation with third parties
The two federal institutes of technology and the four research institutes within the ETH Domain may set up or hold shares in companies or cooperate in other ways with third parties in pursuit of their remit within the scope of the strategic objectives set by the Federal Council for the ETH Domain and the instructions given by the ETH Board.
Art. 3a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465). Amended by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 May 2017 (AS 2017 151; BBl 2016 3089).
Art. 4 Structure and autonomy of the ETH Domain
1 The ETH Domain shall report to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). The ETH Domain is independent in the way it regulates its affairs, subject to compliance with this Act. 2 The ETH Board is the strategic management body of the ETH Domain. 3 The two federal institutes of technology and the four research institutes within the ETH Domain shall fulfil those responsibilities not expressly assigned to the ETH Board.
Art. 4 — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465). Para. 1 — Term in accordance with No I 9 of the O of 15 June 2012 (Reorganisation of the Departments), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 3655). This amendment has been made throughout the text.
Art. 4a
Inserted by Annex No 3 of FA of 23 June 2006 (New Insurance Number for Old-age and Survivors’ Insurance) (AS 2007 5259; BBl 2006 501). Repealed by Annex No 9 of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Systematic Use of the OASI Number by Authorities), with effect from 1 Jan. 2022 (AS 2021 758; BBl 2019 7359).