EPFL Hands Out 1,358 Degrees At Its 2025 Master's Graduation Ceremony

EPFL's annual Master's graduation ceremony is always a special occasion, and this year's event was no different. For the graduates who gathered with their loved ones this past Saturday in the main hall of the SwissTech Convention Center, the well-deserved celebration capped off five years or more of intense effort, learning, sleepless nights and moments of doubt, but also of interaction and unforgettable experiences. As most prepare to transition into working life, the 1,358 members of the class of 2025 can now proudly count themselves among the ranks of EPFL alumni.

Attending and speaking at the ceremony for the first time as EPFL's President, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral emphasized the diversity of the campus, with students and faculty from every corner of the globe sharing the same goal: to understand and shape the world through science and engineering. "When I think of your potential, I dream of all those challenges in the world and in society that call for people like you to be solved. You are among those who will bring answers to the greatest challenges of our time: from the energy transition to technological revolutions. I also think of the adoption of a human-centered AI that supports us and helps us move forward as a society, without manipulating us." She also told graduates: "EPFL is your home! Together we form this community. And remember that it's sometimes worth doing bold things, even if it feels like you're swimming against the tide."

Philanthropist André Hoffmann, member of the board of directors at Roche, co-chair of the World Economic Forum and former vice-president of WWF, spoke about the changes our planet is undergoing and the weaknesses of our system. He called for an approach that goes beyond mere financial success, one that also takes into account the impact of our organizations and the consequences of our activities on the world and society.

Appointed Doctor Honoris Causa, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), spoke via video message. He recalled his experience in Ukraine, where he crossed the front line to ensure nuclear safety in Zaporizhia, emphasizing that presence and direct action matter more than theoretical strategies. "I encourage graduates to find their own 'front line' in their fields, to persevere despite obstacles and to push boundaries to shape the future," he concluded. He will receive his diploma from Ambrogio Fasoli, Academic Vice President of EPFL, when he visits the campus for a conference on October 22.

Alumni Award trophy designed by students

Some alumni stand out for their remarkable achievements. One such person is Gaëlle Giesen, a 2012 Master's graduate who went on to earn a PhD in astrophysics from Université Paris-Saclay. Alongside her career as a space engineer, where she is working on two major international missions,she is also an elite scuba diver and skydiver. Another high-flyer is Steve Anavi, who graduated with a degree in microengineering in 2006. In 2016, he co-founded Qonto, a fintech startup that achieved unicorn status in 2022 when its pre-IPO valuation crossed the $1 billion mark. These two alumni each received a trophy that symbolized learning and collaboration: taking the form of a customized wafer - a silicon disk used in the manufacture of electronic components - it was designed by a group of students from different disciplines as part of a bachelor's-level social sciences and humanities project.

The EPFL Award for Best Teaching honors faculty members whose innovative teaching methods leave a lasting mark not only on student learning but also on the School's curriculum. This year's winner was Jürgen Brugger, a professor at the Microsystems Laboratory. As it does every year, the EPFL student association, AGEPoly, handed out the Polysphère awards in recognition of the best teacher in each school. This includes the highest distinction of all, the Polysphère d'Or, which went to David Strütt of the School of Basic Sciences.

The Outstanding Commitment Award, which recognizes an employee's exceptional contributions to the School community, was presented by the EPFL President to Farnaz Moser. Since 2015, Moser has headed the Science Outreach Department, which works to promote scientific and technological knowledge and to spark young people's interest in science. Moser and her team have developed a pioneering program of activities to encourage girls to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). They are also behind "Les Sciences, ça m'intéresse," a broader science outreach strategy.

Swiss singer-songwriter Flèche Love brought her captivating voice and lyrical energy to the stage with a performance that blended electro and oriental influences. The ceremony concluded with the School President's traditional photo with the audience.