📜 The History of the Oath
The Archimedes Oath was written in the 1990s by students at EPFL. Observing the world around them, they wanted to write this oath as a promise not to use their knowledge to worsen the state of the world around them. For 30 years now, each graduating class at EPFL has made a promise to reflect on the consequences of their actions. Historically, each alumnus and alumnae signed the oath to receive their diploma.
Since then, the Oath has spread to other countries and universities, promoting EPFL's ethics even abroad. In 2021, the Oath was updated to include the environmental impact of the actions we may take as future engineers. More than ever, this Oath and its values resonate with each and every one of us. In 2025, the Oath was reworked in collaboration with the VPA to enable it to be read at the Magistrale and to align it with EPFL's values (even though we believe it was already aligned).
👉 The project
The goal is for all EPFL students to take the oath at the end of their studies. The best way to do this is to take the oath together during the Magistrale ceremony. This gives the text central importance, without the need to sign it, which simplifies the administrative process for the sections organizing the signing in the afternoon. In addition, this will strengthen the community bond between new alumni, who will be united by the same promise.
This first goal has been achieved 🎉 !! The Oath was read on the morning of the Magistrale on October 4, 2025.
Next steps: continue to convey the importance of the Oath. Taking the Oath at the end of one's studies is good, but it is very important to be aware during one's studies that it will take place and that it is an important text that underpins the values of EPFL.
Today, as a graduate of EPFL, I make the following commitments and will strive towards the ideal they represent:
- I will practice my profession for the good of people, respecting human rights* and preserving the environment.
- In the choice and realization of my projects, I will remain attentive to their context and their consequences, notably from technical, economic, social and ecological points of view, and in particular to their potential military uses.
- I will assume fair responsibility for the projects in which I participate.
- I will endeavour to promote equitable relations between human beings and help build a fairer society.
- I will pass on information rigorously and honestly if it represents an asset for society, or if withholding it constitutes a danger.
I will then ensure that the information leads to concrete action. - I will always put the values of ethics and justice before my personal interests or those of my profession.
- I will strive to ensure that the concerns expressed in this oath are taken into account by those around me, both professionally and personally.
I solemnly promise, freely and on my honour.
* According to the UN Universal Declaration of December 10, 1948