MAKE Initiative

“Hardly a day goes by that I don't build something”

Published:27.06.24 — Over two decades ago, Stéphane Clerc started getting involved in the technical work behind some high-profile projects involving EPFL – including Alinghi and Solar Impulse. For the past six years, he’s been drawing on that experience as a coach at EPFL’s SKIL workshops.

Living life in the fast lane

Published:03.06.24 — Mechanical engineering student Jade Gibouin is this year’s CEO of the EPFL Racing Team, which will unveil its new electric racing car on this Monday evening. She devotes all spare time to this project – and she’s proud that women now make up one-quarter of the team.

Portable method lets scientists identify plant DNA out in the field

Published:14.05.24 — In EPFL’s GenoRobotics project, a cross-disciplinary team of students is developing a novel method for identifying plant DNA – one that’s faster, cheaper and less energy-intensive than the conventional one. The team hopes their new protocol, designed for use out in the field, will make it easier to categorize plants and ultimately help protect biodiversity.

Making construction sustainable by reusing materials

Published:21.03.24 — One way to lighten the construction industry’s heavy carbon footprint is to reuse existing materials – an approach being explored by numerous researchers. Here’s a look at some of their ideas, ahead of an upcoming speaker event at EPFL.

SP80 boat ready to take off

Published:05.12.23 — The SP80 team has just attached a kite to its sailboat, in another step towards its goal of breaking the current world record and reaching a speed of 150 km/h. The SP80 venture, now in its fifth year, is pooling the skills of EPFL students and alumni to build an ultra-fast sailboat powered only by the wind.