Education

The Energy Science Center (ESC) fosters interdisciplinary education and exchange across ETH Zurich by supporting a range of academic programmes and initiatives in the field of energy.

At the Master’s level, the interdisciplinary Master of Science ETH in Energy Science and Technology (MEST), established in 2007, is jointly offered by D‑ITET, D‑MAVT, and D‑MTEC. The programme provides a comprehensive foundation in energy challenges, technologies, and systems, equipping students with the knowledge required to address complex questions of the energy transition. The ESC plays a pivotal role in coordinating the MEST programme, fostering its interdisciplinary character and ensuring close integration across departments, research domains, and stakeholders. Through its leadership and strategic oversight, the ESC contributes significantly to maintaining the programme’s academic excellence, relevance, and strong connection to emerging energy challenges.

The ESC also contributes to the Master in Integrated Building Systems (MIBS), hosted by D‑ARCH. This programme brings together the expertise of five departments (D‑ARCH, D‑BAUG, D‑MAVT, D‑ITET, and D‑MTEC) to deliver a science‑based education in building systems and technologies. A central focus lies on the energy performance of buildings and their environmental impact, reflecting the critical role of the built environment in achieving sustainability goals.

In addition, the ESC co‑hosts the Doctoral Seminar Series “Showcasing Doctoral Research in Modelling for Climate and Energy,” a 2 ECTS seminar series for doctoral students. Offered every second year since 2012 (formerly “Frontiers in Energy Research”), the course provides a platform for presenting research, fostering exchange across departments, and strengthening presentation and feedback skills.

Beyond the Master's degree programmes, the ESC promotes lifelong learning through the Certificate of Advanced Studies ETH in Applied Technology in Energy (CAS ETH ATE), part of the MAS ETH in Applied Technology. First offered in 2021, the CAS ETH ATE provides professionals with a solid technical foundation in energy systems and electrification, supporting them in navigating the ongoing energy transition.

Interdisciplinary exchange is further strengthened through the ESC’s co‑organisation of the bi‑annual Energy Summer School, in collaboration with the Albert Einstein School of Public Policy. Held in Monte Verità, Ascona, the one‑week programme combines lectures, case studies, excursions, and collaborative discussions. It enables participants to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between technology, policy, society, and the environment in the context of energy challenges.