La Doctorale 2025

This fourth edition marked a new chapter in the history of the annual event, introducing a new format and a new name: La Doctorale. With this fresh start, EPFL aims to cultivate a lasting tradition that celebrates the remarkable achievement of crossing one of the most challenging thresholds in academic life while also fostering a sense of community within its vibrant research culture and recognizing exceptional research contributions.

This year, EPFL was delighted to honor doctoral candidates who successfully defended their thesis between November 2024 and November 2025. Many of them travelled from abroad to celebrate this milestone, accompanied by their families and friends. The event also offered a wonderful opportunity to reunite with former colleagues, peers, faculty, mentors, and members of the EPFL staff, sharing this special moment together.

The celebration featured a welcome address by the EPFL Direction represented by Prof. Ambrogio Fasoli, Vice President for Academic Affairs, followed by the presentation of the EPFL Research Awards by Annalisa Buffa, Associate Vice President for Research, and Anne-Marie Kermarrec, Associate Vice President for Doctoral Education and Lifelong Learning.

The program continued with the collective celebration of the new doctors, including the lecture of the Archimedean Oath – a symbolic commitment to integrity and responsibility in research – proudly read by doctoral graduate Jade Mai Cock. This was followed by an inspiring keynote address, by Clara Moldovan, EPFL Alumna and CEO of Swistor, a startup specializing in energy storage solutions.

The event concluded with an aperitif reception accompanied by live music - a joyful finale to a celebration filled with pride, emotion, and academic accomplishment.

Whether you missed the event or simply wish to relive the highlights, the video recording of La Doctorale is available on YouTube.