Welcome to the autumn semester 2025 at the University of Lucerne! This semester is a special one, as our university will celebrate its 25th anniversary on 25 October 2025. The University Act, approved by more than 72 percent of Lucerne voters, came into force on 1 October 2000. At that time, the University of Lucerne began with three faculties: Theology, Humanities (renamed the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2007) and Law.

Our university is the youngest of the twelve accredited Swiss universities. Yet the tradition of higher education in Lucerne goes back to the late 16th century, when the Jesuits established a theological school in Lucerne during the Counter-Reformation. Compared with most other Swiss universities, the development of a modern university in Lucerne began much later – a delay that is understandable given the Catholic character of society at the time.

Since its foundation, the University of Lucerne has grown with remarkable dynamism into a multifaceted and diverse institution, now comprising six faculties rooted in the human sciences and nearly 4,000 students. Notable milestones include the move to the main building on Frohburgstrasse in 2011; the opening of the Faculty of Economics and Management in 2016; the creation of the Department of Health Sciences and Medicine in 2019, which became an independent faculty under the new University Act of 2023; and, most recently, the establishment of the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Psychology, which began operating just a year ago.

The young yet rich history of our university demonstrates that change and innovation are deeply embedded in its identity. You, dear students, continue to shape this history through your commitment both inside and beyond the lecture hall. Take an active part in academic life and help bring together tradition and progress.

I wish you an inspiring and successful semester!

Professor Bernhard Rütsche, Vice President, University Development