News EPFL

EPFL scientist gains fresh insight into the origins of earthquakes

Published:14.10.20 — The speed and intensity with which seismic waves propagate after an earthquake depend mainly on forces occurring deep inside the rocks along a fault line, according to a study by EPFL scientist François Passelègue. His sophisticated models are giving us fresh insight into the factors that can trigger an earthquake. 

Bike-and-ride, an innovative opportunity for the Lake Geneva region

Published:13.10.20 — As part of his Master's project at EPFL's Urban Sociology Laboratory (LASUR), Felix Boesch conducted a survey on the combined use of bicycles and trains in the Lausanne and Nyon urban agglomerations. Based on the assumption that supply creates demand, Boesch has formulated several proposals for boosting the modal share of this type of transportation, which is still underused in the region.

Using electric current to stabilize low-permeability soils

Published:13.10.20 — EPFL scientists have developed a new approach to stabilizing clay soils. The method involves using a battery-like system to apply electric current to carbonate and calcium ions in order to promote soil consolidation. Their findings were published yesterday in Scientific Reports.

EPFL tests out self-driving delivery service

Published:12.10.20 — Starting on 12 October, EPFL’s Lausanne campus will serve as a testing ground for a high-tech delivery service that uses a self-driving van. A pioneering initiative that is set to develop further.

Mechanical forces of biofilms could play role in infections

Published:12.10.20 — Studying bacterial biofilms, EPFL scientists have discovered that mechanical forces within them are sufficient to deform the soft material they grow on, e.g. biological tissues, suggesting a “mechanical” mode of bacterial infection.

Get ready for a different Scientastic in 2020

Published:09.10.20 — The program for EPFL’s annual science fair, which will be held the weekend of 7–8 November, once again contains a rich variety of topics, but in a more condensed format. Only a limited number of tickets will be available, but the talks and demonstrations will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Trust Valley sets off at EPFL

Published:08.10.20 — An alliance for excellence supported by multiple public, private and academic actors, the "TRUST VALLEY" was launched on Thursday, October 8, 2020. Cantons, Confederation, academic institutions and captains of industry, both local and international, come together to co-construct this pool of expertise and encourage the emergence of innovative projects.