Each year, students have the opportunity to nominate the professor they consider most deserving. The professor receiving the most votes will be awarded the "Polysphère d’Or"—the student-voted prize supported by EPFL. A prize is also awarded to the top-ranked professor from each faculty.
You can vote here: https://polyspheres.agepoly.ch
Whilst there are many accolades that teachers can receive for their research, publications and discoveries, it is important not to overlook the vital aspect of their career that is teaching. Teaching skills, the ability to listen, the time devoted to students and the sharing of knowledge are just a few of the valuable qualities that make an excellent teacher.
The prizes are presented at the Magistrale (the graduation and awards ceremony) every autumn.
The 2026 laureates are as follows.
Polysphère d’Or
Dr. Jamila Sam – Faculté IC
Faculty Polysphères
Professor Ivo Furno – SB Faculty
Dr. Ahmed Belkhodja – ENAC Faculty
Professor John McKinney – SV Faculty
Professor Vivek Subramanian – STI Faculty
Professor Michaël Aklin – CDM College et SHS
To consult the list of all previous laureates, see the Polysphères archive page.
Rules
Votes for a teacher are weighted according to the number of students attending the courses taught by that teacher and are cast online. A teacher may only be elected once every three years.
The election process and the presentation of the Polysphères are the responsibility of the AGEPoly Board, which is required to keep students informed and to maintain the strictest confidentiality regarding the winners until the graduation ceremony. The Board reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.
For more info: Official rules of the Polysphères.