English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Section 1 Status and Duties of the Federal Institu
Art. 5 Autonomy
1 ETHZ and EPFL are autonomous public-law institutions established by the Confederation and have their own legal personality. 2 Each is independent in the regulation and administration of its affairs. Each has equal status and the individual characteristics of each shall remain intact. 3 They shall enjoy freedom in terms of teaching, learning and research. 4 …
Para. 4 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, with effect from 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465).
Art. 6 General objectives
The two federal institutes of technology shall prepare their students to carry out independent work using scientific methods. They shall encourage cross-disciplinary thinking, personal initiative and a willingness to continue in education and training.
Art. 7 Scientific disciplines
1 The two federal institutes of technology shall teach and conduct research in engineering sciences, natural sciences, architecture, mathematics and related disciplines. 2 They shall integrate the humanities and social sciences into their activities. 3 They shall encourage cross-disciplinary teaching and research.
Art. 8 Teaching
1 The two federal institutes of technology shall discharge their teaching duties in particular by: a. educating students in specialist studies at university level leading to academic titles; b. offering the opportunity for doctorates; c. providing postgraduate courses and other continuing education; d. organising special courses; e. offering courses for those returning to the employment market. 2 In order to do this, they shall rely in particular on the research work of the teaching staff.
Para. 1 let. a — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465) Para. 2 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465)
Art. 9 Research
1 The two federal institutes of technology shall discharge their research duties by: a. conducting scientific studies; b. participating in national and international research projects. 2 They shall take account of the needs of teaching.
Art. 10 Services
1 The two federal institutes of technology may take on teaching and research assignments and render other services provided they are compatible with their primary responsibilities in teaching and research. 2 If services can be provided equally well by the private sector, the two federal institutes of technology shall not distort competition.
Art. 10a Sale of energy
1 The two federal institutes of technology and the research institutes may sell at market prices energy produced by their own installations or any energy purchased for their own consumption that remains unused. 2 The Federal Council shall regulate the use of the proceeds of such sales.
Art. 10a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Nov. 2021 (AS 2021 603; BBl 2020 715).
Art. 10b Quality assurance
1 The two federal institutes of technology shall review the quality of teaching, research and services at regular intervals and are responsible for sustainably maintaining and improving quality. 2 They shall create and operate a quality assurance system under Article 27 of the Higher Education Act of 30 September 2011. 3 They shall obtain institutional accreditation.
Art. 10b — Originally Art. 10a. Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465). 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. 2 — SR 414.20
Art. 11 Social and cultural services
1 The two federal institutes of technology shall establish social and cultural services for the benefit of their members or participate in existing services. They shall introduce measures to facilitate childcare. 2 They may grant scholarships or loans. 3 They shall encourage university sport.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465). Para. 3 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465).
Art. 12 Languages
1 The two federal institutes of technology shall provide instruction in German, French and Italian and, depending on usage in teaching and research, English as well. 2 The Executive Board may authorise other languages of instruction. 3 The two federal institutes of technology shall support Swiss national languages and encourage the understanding of associated cultural values.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465).
Section 2 Federal Institutes of Technology Members
Art. 13 Definition of member
1 The following are members of the federal institutes of technology: a. teaching staff (full professors, associate professors, assistant professors, Privatdozenten, maîtres d’enseignement et de recherche and lecturers); b. assistants, scientific staff and doctoral students; c. students and «auditors» admitted to lectures; d. administrative and technical staff. 2 The ETH Board may specify other categories of teaching staff.
Para. 1 let. a — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465).
Art. 14 Teaching staff
1 Teaching staff shall teach and carry out research independently and on their own authority within the scope of their teaching and research mandate. 2 At the proposal of either of the two federal institutes of technology, the ETH Board shall appoint full and associate professors and assign their teaching and research fields. 3 At the proposal of either of the two federal institutes of technology, the ETH Board shall appoint assistant professors for a maximum of four years. It may reappoint them for one further period of four years until they reach the maximum duration of their employment as specified in Article 17b paragraph 2 letter a. A limited-term contract of employment may be terminated subject to due notice. 4 The Executive Board shall award the status of venia legendi and appoint maîtres d’enseignement et de recherche and lecturers.
Art. 14 — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465) Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Nov. 2021 (AS 2021 603; BBl 2020 715).
Art. 15 Assistants
1 The Executive Board shall employ assistants to perform teaching and research duties for temporary periods. The assistants shall have the opportunity to continue their education through research or attending courses. 2 and 3 …
Art. 15 — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465). Para. 23 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, with effect from 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465).
Art. 16 Admission
1 The following shall be admitted as students in the 1st semester of the Bachelor’s degree cycle: a. those with a federal or federally recognised baccalaureate or an equivalent qualification from a Swiss or Liechtenstein baccalaureate school; b. those with another qualification recognised by the Executive Board; c. those with a degree from a Swiss university of applied sciences; or d. those who have passed an entrance examination. 2 The Executive Board shall establish the admission requirements and procedure for: a. entry to a higher semester of the Bachelor’s degree cycle; b. the Master’s degree cycle; c. doctoral studies; d. advanced studies programmes; e. attendance of lectures without awarding of credits.
Art. 16 — Amended by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 15 Feb. 2013 (AS 2013 389; BBl 2012 3099).
Art. 16a Limits on admission
1 The ETH Board may, at the request of the Executive Board, limit admission to the Bachelor’s degree cycle or to the Master’s cycle for students holding foreign qualifications if there is insufficient capacity. The limits may apply to specific fields of study or to the total number of study places available at the federal institute of technology. 2 The ETH Board may, at the request of the Executive Board, impose limits on admission for all students applying for a preparatory course for a Master’s cycle in medicine. 3 Decisions of the ETH Board are published in the Federal Gazette. 4 If admission is limited, then candidates shall be admitted on the basis of their aptitude. 5 The Executive Board shall establish the admission requirements and procedure.
Art. 16a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 15 Feb. 2013 (AS 2013 389; BBl 2012 3099). Art. 16a — Amended by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 Feb. 2017 (AS 2017 151; BBl 2016 3089). Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 Feb. 2017 (AS 2017 151; BBl 2016 3089). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 Feb. 2017 (AS 2017 151; BBl 2016 3089).
Art. 16b Terms of employment for members of the ETH Board, the ETHZ and EPFL presidents and research institute directors
1 The Federal Council shall regulate the terms of employment and occupational pension scheme of the full-time members of the ETH Board, and the director of each of the four research institutes within the ETH Domain in accordance with the Federal Personnel Act of 24 March 2000 (FPA) and des PUBLICA Act of 20 December 2006. 2 The other members of the ETH Board have a public-law contractual relationship with the Federal Government. The Federal Council determines the compensation and the other terms of the contract.
Art. 16b — Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Nov. 2021 (AS 2021 603; BBl 2020 715). Para. 1 — SR 172.220.1 Para. 1 — SR 172.222.1
Art. 17 Terms of employment for staff and professors
1 The terms of employment for staff and professors are based on the FPA. The ETH Board is the employer within the meaning of Article 3 paragraph 2 FPA for the ETH Domain. 2 The ETH Board shall issue General Terms of Employment for Staff and General Terms of Employment for Professors and submit these two documents to the Federal Council for approval. 3 The General Terms of Employment for Staff may specify alternative salary levels and salary progressions for the following categories of employees in derogation from Article 15 Paragraph 1 FPA: a. employees hired for a limited duration as part of their training; b. employees hired for a limited duration to work on third-party funded research projects; c. employees hired for a limited duration to carry out specific tasks. 4 For the employment relationships under paragraph 3, it shall define the criteria for determining the salary level for the aforementioned categories in the General Terms of Employment of Staff in line with the specific re
Art. 17 — Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Nov. 2021 (AS 2021 603; BBl 2020 715). Art. 17 — Footnote not relevant to English text. Para. 1 — SR 172.220.1 Para. 7 — SR 831.10
Art. 17a Teaching Assignments
1 External lecturers shall be employed on the basis of an employment contract in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations unless agreed otherwise. 2 The employment contract may be established for a series of fixed terms, each of limited duration. However, the total period of employment may not exceed five years. If this five-year period is exceeded, the employment contract shall be regarded as one of unlimited duration. 3 The two federal institutes of technology and the four research institutes within the ETH Domain shall regulate the remuneration payable for teaching assignments.
Art. 17a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Aug. 2008 (AS 2008 431; BBl 2007 1223). Para. 1 — SR 220
Art. 17b Duration of employment
1 Employment shall be for an unlimited duration unless a limited period is indicated on the employment contract. 2 Limited-term employment may be renewed several times for: a. assistant professors within a maximum period of eight years; b. assistants, senior assistants and other employees carrying out a similar function within a maximum period of six years; if an assistant is promoted to a senior assistant position, the years spent working as an assistant are not taken into account; c. employees hired to work on teaching and research projects as well as persons hired to work on third party-funded projects, within a maximum period of nine years; d. all other employees within a maximum period of five years. 3 The limits in paragraph 2 letters a and b may on request be extended in the event of lengthy absence due to illness, accident, maternity, adoption or other good cause.
Art. 17b — Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 14 Dec. 2012, in force since 1 July 2013 (AS 2013 1493; BBl 2011 6703). Para. 3 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Nov. 2021 (AS 2021 603; BBl 2020 715).
Art. 18 Scientific publications
Scientific publications must list all those who have made a scientific contribution.
Art. 18 — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465).
Art. 19 Academic titles, venia legendi and certificates
1 The two federal institutes of technology shall confer: a. Diplome; abis. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees; b. doctorates; c. venia legendi. 2 The ETH Board may create other academic titles. 3 The two federal institutes of technology may issue references and certificates.
Para. 1 let. abis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465).
Art. 20 Titular professors and honorary doctors
1 The ETH Board may confer the title of professor on private docents, maîtres d’enseignement et de recherche and lecturers of particular merit. 2 The two federal institutes of technology may confer the title of honorary doctor on persons who have rendered particular service to science.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4265; BBl 2002 3465).
Section 3 Scientific Integrity and Good Scientific
Inserted by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 May 2017 (AS 2017 151; BBl 2016 3089).
Art. 20a Rules, procedures and penalties
1 The two federal institutes of technology and four research institutes within the ETH Domain shall establish binding rules of scientific integrity and good scientific practice for their members. 2 They shall determine the procedure for suspected non-compliance with these rules 3 Penalties for non-compliance with these rules are governed by the provisions of personnel law and provisions on the revocation of academic titles.
Art. 20b Provision and obtaining of information
1 Bodies of Swiss or foreign higher education institutions, research institutes and research funding institutions responsible for detecting and sanctioning scientific misconduct may submit a specific written request in individual cases to the ETH Board, the two federal institutes of technology and four research institutes within the ETH Domain for information on the following: a. if their members have failed to comply with the rules of scientific integrity and good scientific practice or where there is a well-founded suspicion of such a failure to comply; b. the penalties imposed on the persons concerned. 2 For their part, the ETH Board, the two federal institutes of technology and four research institutes within the ETH Domain may request information from the competent institutions concerning incidences of non-compliance with these rules or a well-founded suspicion of such non-compliance by their member or members of other institutions with which they maintain or wish to enter into re
Art. 20c Notification given to person concerned
1 The ETH Board, the two federal institutes of technology or the given institute within the ETH Domain shall give written notice to the person whom the information being provided or obtained concerns, at the latest when the information is provided or obtained, of the following: a. to whom the information is given or from whom it is obtained; b. the purpose for which the information is provided or obtained. 2 The ETH Board, the two federal institutes of technology or the given institute within the ETH Domain may refuse, restrict or postpone the provision of information regarding the person in question if the information could hamper criminal proceedings. 3 If the reason for the refusal, restriction or postponement ceases to apply, then the person concerned must be notified immediately, unless this is not possible or only possible with undue effort.