School of Basic Sciences

The School of Basic Sciences combines intellectual excellence with unique infrastructure, to provide an outstanding educational and research environment in mathematics, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering and beyond. From the creation of new knowledge to fostering innovation, we develop cutting-edge technologies and transfer them to the world.

News

New benchmark helps solve the hardest quantum problems

Published:18.10.24 — Predicting the behavior of many interacting quantum particles is a complicated process but is key to harness quantum computing for real-world applications. A collaboration of researchers led by EPFL has developed a method for comparing quantum algorithms and identifying which quantum problems are the hardest to solve.

EPFL, Zurich Instr, WithWave, SKKU partner for new quantum amplifiers

Published:17.10.24 — In a new initiative, Zurich Instruments has teamed up with EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Withwave, and Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) to enhance the performance and market-readiness of quantum limited amplification technology. The strategic partnership aims to elevate the capabilities of traveling-wave parametric amplifiers (TWPAs), which are essential for the precise readout of qubits and the scaling up of quantum computing technologies.

Michael Grätzel. Credit: Alain Herzog (EPFL)

Michael Grätzel: Doctor Honoris Causa from NKUA

Published:11.10.24 — Professor Michael Grätzel at EPFL’s School of Basic Sciences has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

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Research

Chemistry

Research at the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), on the main Lausanne campus and in Sion, Wallis, spans fundamental studies in theoretical chemistry and biochemistry to applications in catalysis, drug discovery and diagnostics, sustainability and the environment.

ISIC

Mathematics

Mathematics plays a fundamental role in science and technology. Mathematical models are essential tool for scientists and engineers to solve complex problems requiring abstraction in all theoretical and applied scientific research, but also in the financial and insurance domains.

MATH

Physics

The Institute of Physics (IPHYS) is responsible for cutting-edge research over the whole spectrum of physics and in related domains, in collaboration with other disciplines. Research covers the following five domains of physics: quantum science, condensed matter, biophysics and complex systems, particle physics and astrophysics, energy.

IPHYS

Education

Chemistry

The chemistry and chemical engineering section of EPFL trains students in chemistry, chemical engineering and biotechnology and offers one Bachelor of Science program, two Masters programs (Molecular and Biological Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology) and one PhD program in chemical engineering.

SCGC

Mathematics

The mathematics section of EPFL offers high-quality education programs in theoretical and applied mathematics at the three university levels (Bachelor, Master and PhD) to students of the whole EPFL and of several other curricula at the local universities (UNIL, HEP).

SMA

Physics

The Physics Section at the EPFL offers advanced theoretical and experimental training in fundamental and applied physics. Our bachelor, master and PhD programs provide state-of-the-art education in the most innovative fields of modern physics, astrophysics, quantum sciences, condensed matter physics, biophysics and energy.

SPH