Microcity Building celebrates 50 years of microengineering
Professor and IMT50 committee president Christophe Ballif. 2025 Michael Mitchell EPFL CC BY SA
On September 4th, EPFL’s Neuchâtel campus celebrated the 50th anniversary of microengineering at the school with a milestone event uniting 450 alumni, engineers, and representatives from politics and industry.
Originally founded in 1975 at the University of Neuchâtel, the Microengineering Institute now forms part of the EPFL School of Engineering’s Institute of Electrical and Microengineering (IEM), located jointly at the main campus in Lausanne and in and the Microcity Building of the Neuchâtel campus. EPFL’s microengineering research activities span microsystems, photovoltaics, and watchmaking.
The 50th anniversary event held on September 4th was well attended by many of the institute’s alumni. The event’s program emphasizes the significant advances made by the institute over the past five decades, as well as its educational activities. EPFL speakers including industry representatives recounted stories from the history of microengineering at the school, while professors showcased active projects in the Microcity Building’s 12 research laboratories.
The day’s events began with a word of welcome from EPFL Vice President Ambrogio Fasoli. Emilie Blant, president of Neuchâtel’s Grand Council, and University of Neuchâtel vice-rector Evelyne Clerc also delivering opening remarks. The event ended with a word from IMT50 committee president Christophe Ballif, as well as a celebratory dinner.
Learn more about the Microcity Building and microengineering at EPFL.
