Overview
ETH Zurich was established in 1855 as a Swiss federal public research university. It was founded to advance science, engineering and technological education in support of national and global development. The institution operates with a mandate to generate independent knowledge, educate future leaders, and contribute evidence-based solutions to societal challenges.
Mission and focus areas
ETH Zurich’s mission centres on excellence in research and education across science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Core focus areas include climate science, energy systems, environmental sustainability, digital technologies, materials science and life sciences.
The university contributes to sustainability and sustainable finance through interdisciplinary research on climate risks, energy transition, natural capital, resilience, and data-driven decision-making. Its work supports ESG analysis, climate modelling, transition pathways and policy-relevant research used by governments, investors and industry.
Structure and governance
ETH Zurich operates under the Swiss federal system and is part of the ETH Domain, overseen by the Swiss Federal Council. It is led by a President and Executive Board, supported by academic departments, research institutes and interdisciplinary centres.
The university’s structure enables collaboration across faculties, international partnerships, and joint initiatives with public and private sector actors, while maintaining academic independence and transparency.
Programs and offerings
ETH Zurich delivers a wide range of outputs, including peer-reviewed research, academic journals, policy-relevant studies, and open-access data. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education, as well as specialised programmes focused on sustainability, climate science and energy systems.
The institution also hosts research platforms, laboratories and innovation hubs that support applied research and technology transfer. These resources are widely used by policymakers, sustainability practitioners and finance professionals seeking rigorous scientific evidence to inform risk assessment, long-term investment strategies and sustainable value creation.
Our mission & strategy
Strategic Planning Environment
A specific strategic planning environment has been developed to help ETH Zurich fulfil its mission and achieve its goals. This reflects its unique qualities as a knowledge institution which is publicly funded while competing globally for the best talent to continue to serve Swiss society.The strategic planning environment contains three layers: 1) the four-year Strategic Plan of the external pageETH Board for the ETH Domain which provides guidance for 2) ETH Zurich’s Institutional Priorities and its four-year Development Plan for the respective Education, Research, and Innovation (ERI) periods; which provide the framework for 3) ETH Zurich academic and administrative Departments’ individual strategies.
- Institutional Priorities
- Development Plan
- Thematic Areas
- Strategic Framework
Strategic Framework
The Strategic Framework of ETH Zurich consists of the core activities and success factors that form the basis of the institution and three thematic areas: Environment & Resources, Health & Wellbeing, and Responsible Digital Transformations.
