A new analysis confirms that EPFL and all institutions within the ETH Domain uphold their commitment to gender equality, fairness, and transparency in salary practices.
EPFL achieved excellent results in the equal pay analysis, alongside all institutions of the ETH Domain (ETH Zurich, PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag). Commissioned by the ETH Board and conducted by the consulting firm Kienbaum AG, the in-depth review of the current salary system also confirmed that it provides a sustainable foundation for the ETH Domain and is applied consistently. Several action recommendations were proposed and will be reviewed in the coming months.
The study on equal pay analyzed over 10,000 data points covering all staff categories. It combined descriptive statistics and regression analysis, taking into account factors such as job level, experience, and workplace location. The results showed adjusted pay gaps ranging from +0.2% to –0.6% across ETH Domain institutions—well below the 5% threshold at which systemic discrimination is considered likely. Overall, the corrected gap stands at 0%.
The previous analysis, conducted in 2022, had revealed gaps ranging from +2% to –1.4% across ETH Domain institutions.
Regular evaluations and transparent practices are essential to building fair and inclusive work environments. It’s gratifying to see improvements over time.
These findings are fully aligned with the principles of the Charter for Equal Pay, which the ETH Domain has signed. The Charter encourages public institutions to conduct regular and transparent reviews to ensure compliance with the constitutional principle of equal pay for work of equal value.
“These particularly positive results show that pay equity is respected despite the diversity of institutions within the ETH Domain, and confirm that the ETH Domain is an attractive employer in the long term—for both current staff and future talent,” wrote Professor Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, in a letter to ETH Domain employees (in French).
These encouraging results reflect a shared and long-term commitment to equality and excellence. As Helene Füger, EPFL’s Equal Opportunities Delegate, noted: “Regular evaluations and transparent practices are essential to building fair and inclusive work environments. It’s gratifying to see improvements over time.”