Research

UNIL brings together more than 400 researchers interested in sustainability issues in its 7 faculties. They have a wide range of expertise, covering economic, governance, environmental, health and social issues, as well as history, beliefs and narratives.

To increase the visibility of sustainability skills within the university, a Sustainability Portal has been created, thanks to a collaboration between UNIL, EPFL and IMD. This portal highlights the research groups and individual researchers involved in the study of sustainability at these three institutions.

UNIL has a number of units aimed at bringing together communities of scientists and stimulating the production of research on different aspects of sustainability: 

• University Observatory for Cycling and Active Mobility
• City research network | CIRENE
• University Observatory of the City and Sustainable Development
• Sustainability and health platform
• Observatory of Narratives and Imaginaries of the Anthropocene
• Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Ethics
• Interdisciplinary Mountain Research Centre
• Centre for Climate Impact and Action | Climact
• Enterprise for society | E4S
• Biodiversity observatory on campus
• Research Center for Grand Challenges | RCGC
• Environment and Climate Unit
• Expertise Center for Climate Extremes | ECCE
• Institute of Geography and Sustainability

In 2023, the Management of UNIL has launched STRIVE, a major research programme focusing on the processes of societal transformation. It includes 3 inter/transdisciplinary projects, a seed-funding line and aims to lead a dynamic research community on this theme at UNIL.

For more information, visit the programme website