History
The University of Lausanne was founded in 1537. Its purpose was to train pastors. It was the only French-language Protestant school of theology, and at the time enjoyed a high profile.
As the centuries passed, the number of faculties increased and diversified until, in 1890, the Academy received the name and status of a university.
In 1970, the university moved progressively from the old city of Lausanne, around the Cathedral and the Château, to its present site at Dorigny. The end of the 20th century witnessed the beginnings of an ambitious project aiming at greater co-operation and development among the French-speaking universities of Lausanne, Geneva and Neuchâtel, together with the EPFL. In 2003, two new faculties were founded concentrating on life and human sciences: the Faculty of Biology and Medicine; and the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment.
Timeline
For 500 years, the University of Lausanne has played a part in the history of Switzerland, both large and small, and in the education of regional, national and international elites.
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1970–2010: Dorigny 40
Forty years of the Dorigny campus, a crossroads of research, art, culture, sustainability and practical life, past and present.
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1982–2012: La Grange is 20 years old
Twenty years of shows at La Grange. Flyers, posters, programmes, photos and films of shows and concerts.
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1987–2017: Anthropole 30
Thirty years of the Humanities Faculties 2 building (Anthropole), home to the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies.
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Nobel Prize
Discover the prestigious Nobel Prizes awarded to great names in science who spent part of their careers at the University of Lausanne.
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Honorary doctorate: Benito Mussolini
The University of Lausanne is clearly facing up to its past, a history of commitment to its fundamental values.
Faculties and Schools
History of UNIL's Faculties and Schools. Developments in their philosophy, fields of activity, changes of name and management, from their beginnings to the present day.
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies
- Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
- Faculty of Business and Economics
- Faculty of Sciences (FBM and GSE)
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine
- School of Pharmacy
- Engineering School (EPUL - EPFL)
- Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology
- School of French as a Foreign Language
- Intensive French Courses
Insights
The highlights, anecdotes, changes, decisions and discoveries that have shaped the University of Lausanne since 1537, as well as the history of the Faculties and Schools that have brought knowledge to life.
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UNIL symbols
The history of UNIL's various official symbols over the centuries, from their creation to their evolution.
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Mercator Globe
Expertise, authentication, analysis, restoration, etc. The scientific adventure surrounding the discovery of globes by Gérard Mercator.
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The birth of a logo
The story of the creation of the UNIL logo, revealing the inspirations and processes that gave birth to this emblematic brand.
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Chronicles and other anecdotes
Chronological accounts and fascinating anecdotes from the unique history of our prestigious institution.