The University of Lausanne Charter

The University is a place of freedom, creativity and responsibility.

Today, the challenges posed by the internationalisation of knowledge, the emergence of new knowledge, new ways of disseminating knowledge and the commercialisation of knowledge are calling into question the role and organisation of universities in our society.

UNIL and its mission

UNIL receives its mission from the Canton of Vaud, which formulates it in general terms in its Law on the University of Lausanne. In fulfilling its mission, UNIL has chosen to focus on human beings and living organisms in their natural and social environment.

UNIL and its values

The Charter is a founding document; it specifies the essential values through which UNIL defines its identity, in the interactions it develops with:

- knowledge
- its social, academic and political environment
- the members of its community.

These values do not take an absolute form, a potential source of dogmatism; complementary or opposing, they coexist in a state of permanent tension.

UNIL expects all its bodies and all its members to embrace its values and bring them to life.

Critical thinking

UNIL aims to produce and transmit knowledge that is validated by collective verification mechanisms, which imply honesty, independence, interdisciplinarity, debate and transparency.

UNIL stimulates the ability to criticise and question the knowledge it transmits and develops.

The construction of knowledge is in a perpetual state of flux; its transmission takes note of its historical development, its current state, emerging questions and future avenues of research.

University teaching is inseparable from research.

Autonomy

In order to fulfil its mission, UNIL demands an autonomy that guarantees the university dimension of its teaching and research.

UNIL's autonomy demands that its bodies and members take full responsibility for the use of its resources.

UNIL guarantees its members academic freedom in line with the teaching and research programmes of the university community.

Universalité

UNIL deals with knowledge that brings together and integrates the humanities and life sciences.

UNIL contributes to universal knowledge by being simultaneously involved in the regional, national and international scientific community.

Areas of excellence are developed in line with UNIL's mission.

Civic involvement

UNIL is driven by the desire to serve the community and contribute to its scientific, cultural, economic and political influence; it interacts with its social environment.

UNIL considers knowledge to be a public good; it intends to make it available to society in order to address the major issues of our time in all their complexity.

UNIL expects its researchers to constantly assess their responsibilities with regard to the potential consequences of their work.

UNIL contributes to the education of citizens who are humanists, critical and responsible, autonomous and supportive, eager to constantly develop their skills and driven by a lifelong desire to surpass their achievements.

Recognition of people

Through the quality of its study and work environment, UNIL aims to foster the personal development of all its members as they contribute to the fulfilment of its mission.

Access to courses of study and teaching as well as to academic or professional positions at UNIL is subject to criteria based strictly on the competence of individuals.

UNIL guarantees its members respect for fundamental human rights. It gives them complete freedom of conscience and belief, while respecting the rules of community life.