Programme 2026

Note on registration
All tests and health check-up stands can accommodate two people at a time. One of the two places requires prior booking, while the second is accessible without registration, on a queuing basis. By registering, you can reserve your tests and health check-ups for a fixed date and time. Should registration be full, please feel free to drop by in person. Our trainers will be delighted to welcome you when a place becomes available.

JOINT MOBILITY
29 september to 1 october | 11h -16h

Prolonged sitting has a detrimental effect on your joint mobility. Find out how it affects you and what you can do to improve it!

Length of test : 10 minutes
Recommended: Loose-fitting, full-length clothing (no dresses or skirts) that allows freedom of movement.

Link to register

With CHUV physiotherapists and physiotherapy students from HESAV.

ANTHROPOMETRY
28 september to 2 october | 11h – 14h30 (dietitian availability) and 14h30 – 16h (no registration required, measurement only)

Come and analyze your body composition (% muscle mass, fat mass, body fat, etc.) and receive personalized nutritional advice.

Length of test: 20 minutes
Link to register

Contraindications: pregnant women and people with pacemakers.

CARDIOVASCULAR
28 september to 2 october | 11h – 14h30 (coach availability) and 14h30 – 16h (no registration required, measurement only)

Join us on a walking course that mimics a standard everyday movement. During the effort, your heart rate is measured, so you can learn more about your physical condition.

Length of test : 10 minutes
Recommended: Loose-fitting, full-length clothing (no dresses or skirts) that allows freedom of movement.

Link to register

THE SECRETS OF PENDULATION (no registration required)
28 september to 2 october | 11h – 14h30 (coach availability) and 14h30 – 16h (measurement only)

What if stability meant knowing how to adapt continuously?
During this interactive experience, step onto an unstable platform and observe, in real time on a screen, your ability to find balance through movement. Discover the dynamic process that underlies stability, built on a succession of the body’s natural adjustments.

This activity highlights the importance of physical and mental relaxation, which allows movements to become fluid and harmonious. By focusing on your breathing and practicing heart coherence exercises, you will experience how physical relaxation promotes mental calm and contributes to psychological well-being. This experience invites participants to better manage stress, develop their adaptability, and regain a state of balance—essential resources in an academic environment.

Pendulation is one of the 15 principles of the educational program developed by the Unil+EPFL Sport and Health Service, which you can discover at the entrance of the Unil+EPFL Sport and Health Centre.

EPFL WELLBEING & INCLUSION
Tuesday 29 september to Thursday 1 october | 11:00–14:30

The Wellbeing and Inclusion unit of the Vice Presidency for Human Development (VPH-WINC) is committed to promoting equal opportunities, respect for diversity, and the inclusion of all members of the EPFL community. It actively fosters wellbeing in its physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, while working to prevent conflict and harassment in close collaboration with trusted partners. Its mission is to help ensure a safe, respectful, and equitable environment on campus. The unit also provides access to a range of support services for individuals facing relational or psychological challenges, as well as in case of specific needs.

SANTÉPSY.CH
Tuesday 29 september to Thursday 1 october | 11:00–14:30

Ages 16–26: a time of possibilities… and major challenges!
Asserting oneself; finding one’s place; becoming independent. Choosing a path; developing autonomy; entering adulthood. Learning to manage money, administrative tasks, relationships, love, career orientation, and work. Coping on one’s own… without always having the necessary reference points.
The transition to adulthood is an intense and stimulating period, but also a deeply destabilizing one that can weigh on mental health. Santépsy.ch offers resources, advice, and personal stories to encourage everyone to take care of their mental well-being and to navigate this stage with confidence through simple yet essential actions.

STOP SUICIDE ASSOCIATION
Tuesday 29 september | 11:00–14:30

STOP SUICIDE is active in suicide prevention among young people aged 15 to 29 in French-speaking Switzerland. Its mission: to break the taboo, open up dialogue, and connect people with support platforms through a positive and caring approach. Its stand features an interactive quiz designed to challenge misconceptions about suicide, along with useful resources, prevention materials, and above all, a space for open, judgment-free conversation. Trained volunteers are present to answer questions, listen, provide information, and guide individuals toward practical solutions

POINT SANTÉ
Tuesday 29 september to Thursday 1 october | 11:00–14:30

Point Santé is made up of two entities: nursing consultations offer clinical assessments in general medicine, mental health, vaccination, and STI screening for the entire EPFL community; occupational health, specialized in the interactions between individuals and their work environment, is reserved for staff, with the aim of promoting and protecting the health and well-being of everyone working at EPFL.

GENERAL PSYCHIATRY UNIT, CHUV
Tuesday 29 and Thursday 1 october | 11:00–14:30

Come and see us to get informed, have fun, and test your knowledge about mental health. There will be plenty of tasty treats to enjoy!

We are the General Psychiatry Department of CHUV, which provides student consultations for UNIL and EPFL. Our goal is to help you take care of your mental health and to ensure you know how to support yourself — either on your own or with help — through the psychotherapy consultations available to students on the EPFL and UNIL campuses (first session free, available during and after the Health Village).

THE BULIMIA AND ANOREXIA ASSOCIATION
Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 semptember | 11:00–14:30

In a warm and caring environment, the Association Boulimie Anorexie (ABA) offers a space for meeting, listening, support, and information for anyone directly or indirectly affected by an eating disorder.
With more than thirty years of experience in the field, it is recognized as a trusted partner by the medical and social sectors, as well as by the General Directorate of Health of the Canton of Vaud. Its activities extend throughout French-speaking Switzerland, with its headquarters based in Lausanne.

EPFL CHAPLAINCY
Tuesday 30 september | 11:00–14:30

The Chaplaincy invites you to enjoy a soup while learning about its activities, which promote spirituality, conviviality, dialogue, reflection and mutual learning. Please note that the Chaplaincy is open to all religions, beliefs, philosophies and free thought. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their origin, their social status, their culture, their affective/sexual orientation, their religious or political convictions.

VAUD FOUNDATION AGAINST ALCOHOLISM (FVA)
Tuesday 29 september to Thursday 1 october | 11:00–14:30

FVA is a foundation distinguished by two main areas: socio-therapeutic support and prevention. It operates in various settings, including festive events, the sports sector, businesses, and more. Its main objective is to prevent risks related to alcohol consumption by providing several tools, such as the BeMyAngel app, NightlifeVaud, and the drug checking service.

SWISS FEDERATION OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED (SVB)
Tuesday 29 september to Thursday 1 october | 11:00–14:30

Come and discover our interactive booth dedicated to raising awareness about visual impairment. Learn how to use a white cane, explore assistive technologies, and try out the innovative devices we use every day.
Whether you are curious, a professional, or simply interested in gaining a better understanding, our team welcomes you to exchange, experiment, and see the world differently.

AGEPOLY PREVENTION & AGEPOLY SPORT
Tuesday 29 september to Thursday 1 october | 11:00–14:30

AGEPoly is the student association of EPFL. Its statutory aims are to: represent the students of the School and defend their general interests; inform and consult its members on all decisions taken by the EPFL Direction that concern them, as well as foster students’ awareness of their role within EPFL; bring life to the EPFL campus; and provide services to students in order to improve and facilitate campus life, notably through its Sport and Prevention teams.

PRO JUVENTUTE
Wednesday 30 september | 11:00–14:30

The Pro Juventute Foundation works to promote the well-being and rights of children, young people, and families in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It provides practical support and programs that strengthen young people’s skills and social and psychological resilience, helping them face challenges in an increasingly complex world. Also active at the political and social levels, it amplifies their voices and encourages participation. At the Health Days 2026, it highlights its free and confidential online services.

LA MAIN TENDUE VAUD
Tuesday 29 september and Thursday 1 october | 11:00–14:30

Active since 1966, La Main Tendue Vaud is a non-profit organization offering anonymous and confidential support to anyone in distress, 24/7. Whether by phone at 143, by email, or via chat on www.143.ch, professionally trained volunteers are there to support you without judgment. A free, accessible emotional first-aid service for everyone. 📞 021 652 24 11 ✉ lausanne@143.ch 🌐 www.143.ch

SOCIAL CONSULTATION
Tuesday 29 september | 11:00–14:30

The EPFL Social Consultation Service invites you to take part in an exchange based on a Wheel of Fortune game and a quiz.
At EPFL, the Social Consultation Service offers students and doctoral candidates guidance and individual solution-focused support, providing practical and concrete ways to address challenges encountered in everyday life, whether related to studies or personal matters. Consultations are free of charge, confidential, and available in either French or English.

EXHIBITION “LE PARDON, UN NOUVEL HORIZON”
28 september to 8 october | Free access | Rolex Learning Center

“Forgiveness, a new horizon?” explores the many facets of forgiveness through both ordinary and extraordinary stories. What would a world without forgiveness look like, one marked by resentment and the desire for revenge? Conversely, how can forgiveness contribute to the health of individuals and societies?

Organized by the Unil + EPFL chaplaincy, this exhibition invites visitors to discover forgiveness as a path to renewal, peace, and healing. Rooted in the history of humanity, it runs through societies, philosophies, and spiritual traditions, while also being recognized today as an important factor in psychological and physical well-being.

VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE
Tuesday 29 september | 11:30–14:30 | Rolex Learning Center (dedicated tent)

The CHUV Psychiatry Department invites you to come and try its virtual reality exposure therapy headset!
Learn to tame your fears and addictions (phobias, social anxiety, dependencies, etc.) through simple and accessible techniques. Regain self-confidence and move forward at your own pace in a friendly and reassuring environment. An enriching experience awaits you!

Duration: 20 minutes.
Link to register

LIGHT THERAPY WORKSHOP
Tuesday 29 september | 11h30 – 14h30 | Rolex Learning Center (dedicated tent)

Enjoy the benefits of light to restore energy, balance, and well-being. Through simple and accessible sessions, boost your vitality, improve your mood, and naturally regulate your biological rhythm. In a calming and guided environment, treat yourself to a restorative moment and take gentle care of yourself. Workshop organized by the CHUV Psychiatry Department.

Duration: 15 minutes.
Link to register

RUBBER HAND ILLUSION
Tuesday 29 september | 12:00–14:00 | Rolex Learning Center

The brain can play tricks on us! Come and try the Rubber Hand Illusion, a fascinating experiment where your senses become intertwined, offered by the CHUV Psychiatry Department.
In just 10 minutes, discover how your brain constructs the perception of your body. Ready to lose control of your sensations?

Duration: 10 minutes.
Link to register

LIVE COOKING
Tuesday 29 september to Thursday 1 october | 14:30 – 15:30 | Rolex Learning Center

Compass Group invites you to take part in cooking healthy, tasty and energising snacks.

Tuesday: Energy Balls
Thursday: Homemade cut fruit jellies

Registration required

BUILD COLLECTIVE RESILIENCE AND COMPASSION
Coline de Senarclens

Monday 28 September | 12h- 14h | FR | POL/340.1

This workshop invites participants to explore care at a collective level, moving beyond individual-centered approaches. Through the conceptual tools of care — highlighting structural issues — we will examine how to place responsibility for care at the heart of the collective. This approach will be translated into concrete practices and shared mindsets to help build teams that are resilient, supportive, and genuinely caring.

Link to register

Coline de Senarclens is a gender expert and facilitator. She founded Empowr.ch to support individuals and organizations in strengthening their approach to equality-related issues. Since 2024, she has been offering feminist intellectual self-defense workshops and uses this methodology to reinforce postures at a time when equality seems both self-evident and yet far from fully achieved.

Registration required

INTRODUCTION TO SELF-HYPNOSIS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT
Dre Béatrice Gay

Monday 28 September | 12:15–13:45 | FR | EPFL.RCL A1230

After a presentation of some basic hypnosis theory, wel’ll practise group exercises to identify and experience the hypnotic trance state for stress management.

Link to register

After training as a nurse, Béatrice Gay studied medicine. She specialised in general internal medicine, then medical oncology, before finally devoting herself to psychiatry and psychotherapy, which she mainly practises at the CHUV and for young people in training. In parallel with her medical training, Béatrice Gay took a course in medical hypnosis 20 years ago, which she now passes on to her various patients. She has been teaching this discipline in hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland for a number of years on behalf of the Institut Romand d’Hypnose Suisse.

Registration required

THE POWER OF BREATH : YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING ALLY
Diane Duperret

Monday 28 September | 12h30-13h30 | FR | RLC Espace Tinguely

We all breathe, but do we breathe well? Breathing is a powerful key to greater well-being, calm, and energy. Automatic yet often overlooked, it forms a direct link between body and mind, influencing our emotions, stress levels, and overall health.
In this interactive workshop, you will learn to rediscover your breath and become aware of its central role in your well-being and health. You will try out several simple techniques to develop new breathing habits that help you relax, refocus, and strengthen your daily vitality and mental clarity.

Link to register

>> Link to view online

Diane Duperret supports students, employees, and leaders in managing stress and developing personal resources to navigate daily challenges more calmly. A former executive with 18 years of corporate experience — including 13 in multinationals — and a certified sophrologist, she relies on structured approaches and practical tools, including breathing techniques, to promote inner balance, mental clarity, and sustainable performance in demanding environments.

JOIN A RACE ACROSS THE EPFL AND UNIL CAMPUSES – 5.6KM AND 11.2KM (2x 5.6KM)

A warm-up will be led by students from Unil’s Institute of Sport Sciences. A snack will be offered to all runners.

Schedule:
12:00 – 14:00: Bib pickup under the Rolex Learning Center, east side
16:45: Group warm-up
17:00: Start of the 5.6 km race (costumes welcome!)
17:45: Start of the 11.2 km race

An awards ceremony will take place at the end of the races for the top 3 finishers.

Bonus: Prizes will be reserved for those who come in costume for the 5.6 km race.

Booths will be set up under the Rolex Learning Center, east side.

Sign up here ????

Registration required

MYBREAK TONIC (30′)
Service SSUE

Tuesday 29 September | 10:00-10:30 | FR + EN | Place Cosandey

A 30-minute session focusing on exercises using bodyweight only. The “Tonic” orientation is ideal in the morning to awaken your postural tone with a sequence of muscle-strengthening exercises.

Link to register

The Service Sport Santé Unil+EPFL (SSUE) offers more than 120 physical and sporting activities on campus to get the Lausanne academic community moving, in the exceptional setting of the Dorigny Sports Centre. With sustainable health in mind, the Service SSUE invites students and staff from Unil and EPFL to work out together in an open environment that respects differences.

Registration required

POSITIVE INTELLIGENCE AS A WAY TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL
Rodrigue Ambara

Tuesday 29 September | 12:15–13:45 | EN | RLC A1230

Join us for a transformative workshop on Positive Intelligence at EPFL. First, Participants will identify their internal saboteurs, responsible for stress, anxiety, and low productivity. Then we will learn about Positive Intelligence Qotient (PQ) Reps, exercises that lower stress and facilitate access to the part of the mind associated with positive emotions and clear-headed focus (wise mind). Practicing PQ Reps enhances mental well-being, increase productivity, strengthen resilience, and unlock full potential both academically and personally.

Link to register

Rodrigue Ambara is a social counselor at the EPFL social consultation, is certified as a positive intelligence coach. He integrates the positive intelligence program developed by Shirzad Chamine into his practice.

Registration required – Lecture open to the general public

“MAN UP AND SHUT UP” MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH IN QUESTION
Association minds

Tuesday 29 September | 12:30-13:30 | FR | RLC Espace Tinguely

Don’t cry.” “Be strong.” “Perform.” Most men have heard these injunctions at some point, and in academic settings, the culture of competition amplifies them tenfold, leaving little room for vulnerability. Yet in Switzerland, a third of men report feeling emotionally exhausted, and more than one in ten report moderate to high psychological distress.* Gender stereotypes and the pressure to suppress emotions significantly worsen this suffering and discourage help-seeking. This talk offers concrete keys to understanding these dynamics and breaking the taboos, for yourself and for others.

*Data from the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan) and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)

Link to register

>> Link to view online

Founded in 2018, minds is a Swiss association based in Geneva working to promote mental health and combat stigma. Driven by a multidisciplinary team combining psychology, public health, and behavioral science, it works within schools, universities, and organizations through a positive, inclusive, and evidence-based approach. Minds has dedicated a full report to men’s mental health: Cry like a man!*

*Anyone who identifies as a man, or who was socialized as one.

Registration required

MY BREAK MINDFULNESS
Monique Borcard-Sacco

Tuesday 29 September | 12:30-13:00 et 13:00-13:30 | FR + EN | CH B2 355

Introduce yourself to the art of meditation and mindfulness for 30 minutes, during which attention is focused intentionally and non-judgmentally on the experience of the present moment.

Link to register

Monique Borcard-Sacco is a psychologist and sophrologist. She teaches mindfulness at the Unil+EPFL Sport Health Service and has worked in scientific research for several years.

Registration required

MOVE YOUR BACK (30′)
Physiotherapy students from the Haute École de Santé (HESAV)

Tuesday 29 September | 16:00-16:30 | FR | Place Cosandey

A healthy back takes practice. Join short, accessible physical activity sessions specially designed for your back’s health. In just 20 to 30 minutes, discover simple exercises suited to all levels.

Link to register

The physiotherapy program at the Haute École de Santé (HESAV) trains professionals who combine expertise in the body, pain, and movement with strong interpersonal skills.

Registration required

DOING WRONG TO THINK RIGHT
Dre. Solange Denervaud

Tuesday 29 September | 17:30–18:30 | RLC Espace Tinguely

Our learning experiences shape our relationship to error, exploration, and uncertainty. This talk offers a neuroscientific perspective on educational environments, from school to university, viewed as ecosystems that influence motivation, adaptation, and the way we learn. Research in neuroscience and developmental psychology shows that these structures, particularly assessment methods, are not neutral: they steer learning toward error avoidance, performance optimization, and competition. In a context that values both excellence and innovation, a tension emerges: how can we explore when making mistakes comes at a cost, and what effect does this have on mental health? This talk invites us to rethink these environments and raises a central question: what kinds of minds are we shaping?

Link to register

>> Link to view online

Solange Denervaud is a neuroscientist at EPFL’s CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging. Trained in bioengineering, she earned her PhD in neuroscience at CHUV in collaboration with the Swiss Center for Affective Sciences in Geneva. A former Montessori teacher, she studies the neurodevelopment of key mechanisms such as error detection, cognitive flexibility, creativity, and social learning. Her work combines behavioral approaches with neuroimaging.

Registration required

MEN, LET’S TALK MENTAL HEALTH
Association minds

Tuesday 29 September | 17:30-19:30 | FR | CO 216

This interactive workshop is a safe, non-judgmental space for open conversation, designed specifically for men on campus. Through participatory exercises and small-group discussions, participants explore their relationship with emotions, masculine stereotypes, and behaviors that support good mental health. The goal: to leave with concrete tools to take care of yourself, support those around you, and above all, to have dared to speak up. Because there are a thousand and one ways to be a man.

Link to register

Founded in 2018, minds is a Swiss association based in Geneva working to promote mental health and combat stigma. Driven by a multidisciplinary team combining psychology, public health, and behavioral science, it works within schools, universities, and organizations through a positive, inclusive, and evidence-based approach. Minds has dedicated a full report to men’s mental health: Cry like a man!

*Anyone who identifies as a man, or who was socialized as one.

Registration required

MYBREAK TONIC (30′)
Service SSUE

Wednesday 30 september | 10:00-10:30 | FR + EN | Place Cosandey

A 30-minute session focusing on exercises using bodyweight only. The “Tonic” orientation is ideal in the morning to awaken your postural tone with a sequence of muscle-strengthening exercises.

Link to register

The Service Sport Santé Unil+EPFL (SSUE) offers more than 120 physical and sporting activities on campus to get the Lausanne academic community moving, in the exceptional setting of the Dorigny Sports Centre. With sustainable health in mind, the Service SSUE invites students and staff from Unil and EPFL to work out together in an open environment that respects differences.

Registration required

MINDFULNESS
Martina Schmidt

Wednesday 30 september | 12:15–12:45 | FR + EN | CM 1545

30 minutes to get started with meditation. A session in which attention is intentionally and non-judgmentally focused on present-moment awareness.

Link to register

Martina Schmidt is a protestant chaplain and pastor. The Unil+EPFL Chaplaincy offers mindfulness meditation sessions throughout the year.

Registration required

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS BEHIND OUR DECISIONS
Sophie Gertsch

Wednesday 30 september | 12:15–13:15 | FR | SOC, Bâtiment Unicentre

In the field of career guidance, decision-making is central but often proves challenging. This workshop will help you deepen your understanding of this complex process and provide you with some tools to move forward in your thinking, particularly in relation to your studies

Link to register

Sophie Gertsch is a psychologist specializing in academic and career guidance at Unil’s Vocational Guidance and Careers Service Guidance and Careers Service (SOC). Also trained in skills assessment and coaching, she supports and guides students, as well as graduates, through periods of transition in their studies or professional careers.

Registration required

TALKING ABOUT MENOPAUSE AND ANDROPOSE IN THE WORKPLACE
Aurore Müller-Gaudard

Wednesday 30 september | 12:30-13:30 | FR | RLC Espace Tinguely

Hot flashes, fatigue, trouble concentrating, decreased motivation: menopause and andropause affect millions of working adults, yet remain largely invisible topics in the workplace. This talk invites you to open up the conversation with compassion and pragmatism, to better understand these biological transitions and clear up misunderstandings. It will offer concrete ways to talk about these periods of change at work.

Link to register

>> Link to view online

CEO of Gaudard Energies and founder of Queenager, Aurore Müller-Gaudard has built her career over many years in large corporations, including an international track record. In 2025, she identified a gap: there was no platform where women could learn about what happens to them during perimenopause and menopause. In 2026, she launched Queenager, which works with companies to raise awareness among executives and their teams about the challenges of perimenopause and menopause, helping women stay active in their careers and protect their health.

Registration required

MOVE YOUR BACK (30′)
Physiotherapy students from the Haute École de Santé (HESAV)

Wednesday 30 september | 16:00-16:30 | FR | Place Cosandey

A healthy back takes practice. Join short, accessible physical activity sessions specially designed for your back’s health. In just 20 to 30 minutes, discover simple exercises suited to all levels.

Link to register

The physiotherapy program at the Haute École de Santé (HESAV) trains professionals who combine expertise in the body, pain, and movement with strong interpersonal skills.

Online only

FROM WORK TO RETIREMENT: REDEFINING IDENTITY
Prof. Ariane Froidevaux

Wednesday 30 september | 16:00-17:00 | FR | online

Professional trajectories are marked by transitions. For sustainable careers, the literature highlights the importance of well-being, health, and employability, particularly for active aging. The work-to-retirement transition represents a major challenge: adapting to it requires redefining one’s identity in relation to both working life and post-retirement life. Beyond the opposition between discontinuity and continuity, this presentation examines the coexistence of multiple identities and the role of their (in)congruence in adjustment to retirement.

>> Link to view online

Ariane Froidevaux holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Lausanne and is Associate Professor of Management at the University of Texas at Arlington. An expert on retirement transition, her research in this area is notably funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. She also delivers training in French-speaking Switzerland on the psychological preparation for retirement.

Registration required

FACING SUICIDE TOGETHER: SUPPORT AND COLLECTIVE ACTION
STOP SUICIDE

Wednesday 30 september | 18:15-19:45 | FR | CO 216

This interactive workshop aims to open a dialogue about suicide, helping to challenge common misconceptions and break down taboos. Participants will explore ways of supporting someone who may be struggling while respecting their own boundaries and limitations. The workshop also provides information about available support resources and promotes everyday solidarity, empowering everyone to take action at their own level.

Link to register

Founded in 2000, the STOP SUICIDE association works to prevent youth suicide in French-speaking Switzerland. It runs awareness initiatives for a range of audiences: a theater play for the general public and a prevention workshop for young people, a volunteer program, as well as training sessions for professionals in contact with young people and the media.

Registration required

MYBREAK TONIC (30′)
Service SSUE

Thursday 1 october | 10:00-10:30 | FR + EN | Place Cosandey

A 30-minute session focusing on exercises using bodyweight only. The “Tonic” orientation is ideal in the morning to awaken your postural tone with a sequence of muscle-strengthening exercises.

Link to register

The Service Sport Santé Unil+EPFL (SSUE) offers more than 120 physical and sporting activities on campus to get the Lausanne academic community moving, in the exceptional setting of the Dorigny Sports Centre. With sustainable health in mind, the Service SSUE invites students and staff from Unil and EPFL to work out together in an open environment that respects differences.

Registration required

SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES FOR FALLING ASLEEP
Fanny Van De Poel in collaboration with Point Santé

Thursday 1 october | 12:15–13:45 | FR | RLC A1 230

Sleep is not a luxury! It plays a vital role in concentration, memory, learning processes, and mood. In this workshop, we’ll share practical tips to help you fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep. You’ll also discover simple self-hypnosis techniques that promote relaxation and deep rest, helping to calm your mind and body at bedtime. These are practical, natural tools with no side effects that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to sleep better. All that is required is an open and curious mind.

Link to register

Fanny Van De Poel, a social counselor at EPFL, is passionate about helping relationships, the workings of the human mind, and solution-oriented approaches. Trained in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and hypnosis, she integrates certain aspects of these into her work with EPFL students to guide, support, and facilitate their academic success. She also works in a private practice in Neuchâtel.
The nursing team of Point santé includes primary care nurses trained in health prevention and promotion.

Registration required – Lecture open to the general public

ACADEMIC BURNOUT: EXCELLENCE TO EXHAUSTION?
Dre Hélène Richard-Lepouriel

Thursday 1 october | 12:30-13:30 | FR | RLC Espace Tinguely

In academic environments, the pursuit of excellence is often associated with intense pressure, heavy workloads, and high performance expectations. At the same time, ideals of achievement, the valorization of resilience under stress, and the taboo surrounding vulnerability can contribute to making burnout less visible.

This lecture explores both the structural and individual factors that contribute to burnout among students, doctoral candidates, and university staff. It will also highlight strategies for preventing exhaustion and invite participants to rethink the balance between high expectations and wellbeing.

Link to register

>> Link to view online

Dr. Hélène Richard-Lepouriel is an Associate Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Unit at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG). A specialist in psychiatry, she also holds a Master’s degree in Pharmacoepidemiology, a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Public Mental Health, a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and several additional professional qualifications.
She teaches at undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education levels. Her clinical and research activities focus on mood disorders and the issue of stigma in mental health.

Registration required

MYBREAK OUTDOOR TRAINING
Service SSUE

Thursday 1 october | 12:30-13:00 et 13:00-13:30 | FR + EN | Place Cosandey

A 30-minute outdoor physical activity session.

Link to register

The Service Sport Santé Unil+EPFL (SSUE) offers more than 120 physical and sporting activities on campus to get the Lausanne academic community moving, in the exceptional setting of the Dorigny Sports Centre. With sustainable health in mind, the Service SSUE invites students and staff from Unil and EPFL to work out together in an open environment that respects differences.

Registration required

MOVE YOUR BACK (30′)
Physiotherapy students from the Haute École de Santé (HESAV)

Thursday 1 october | 16:00-16:30 | FR | Place Cosandey

A healthy back takes practice. Join short, accessible physical activity sessions specially designed for your back’s health. In just 20 to 30 minutes, discover simple exercises suited to all levels.

Link to register

The physiotherapy program at the Haute École de Santé (HESAV) trains professionals who combine expertise in the body, pain, and movement with strong interpersonal skills.

No registration required

CYCLING: PRACTICAL Q&A SESSION
Point Vélo (no registration required)

Thursday 1 october | 17:00-19:00 | FR + EN | Point Vélo EPFL

Whether it’s about choosing a bike, repairing it, or planning your trips or a journey with it, come and find your answers with the cycling community!

Link to register

The Point Vélo is the heart of cycling at EPFL. It offers bicycle sales and rentals, affordable repair services, cycling equipment, self-service tools, and free bike maintenance workshops. A practical and sustainable service designed to encourage and support everyday cycling on campus.

Registration required – Lecture open to the general public

“WHAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR PLATE TO FEED BOTH BODY AND MIND”
Prof. Marcel Salathé, Prof. Dominique Truchot-Cardot, Dre. Naika Prince and Dr. Federico Matteini

Thursday 1 october | 12:30–13:30 | FR + EN | RLC Espace Tinguely

This panel discussion explores the interactions between nutrition, the microbiota, and the brain. Discover how they influence physical and mental health, with an impact on cognitive function, and learn more about personalized nutrition tailored to your biological needs. Drawing on the latest research, this session offers fresh insight into rethinking what we put on our plate.

Link to register

>> Link to view online

Naika Prince is a Postdoctoral researcher in microbiology at the University of Lausanne. Her research focuses on the gut microbiota–brain axis, exploring how intestinal microbes, and nutrition interact to influence brain function and health. Using preclinical models, she investigates the mechanisms underlying gut–brain communication. She is interested in translating microbiome research into knowledge that can inform health and nutrition.

Marcel Salathé is a scientist working at the interface of AI, health, and computer science. Associate Professor at EPFL, he heads the Digital Epidemiology Lab and co-directs the EPFL AI Center. He has published numerous scientific papers in the biological, medical, and computational fields. He works at the forefront of AI and its application in health, science, and society. He founded MyFoodRepo, a project advancing personalized nutrition, alongside AIcrowd.com and the AMLD Intelligence Summit. He is also a bestselling author on AI and a leading voice in the public debate around AI strategy and governance.

Dominique Truchot-Cardot is a nutritionist physician with a degree in political science. She combines scientific expertise with a strategic vision of health policy. As a full HES Professor and head of the Source Innovation Lab (SILAB) at the Institut et Haute École de la Santé La Source, she develops innovative projects at the intersection of nutrition and pedagogy. Her work focuses on nutritional deficiencies and sustainable solutions to improve population health.

Federico Matteini is Executive director of the Center for Food Challenges. With over ten years of experience in technology transfer spanning start-ups, academia, and industry, he specializes in turning research into societal benefits. His background includes designing, launching, and leading multi-stakeholder programs — including a platform bringing together universities, start-ups, and companies to accelerate innovation.

Registration required

THE ROLE OF BELIEFS IN SUFFERING AND RECOVERY
Andrew G. Ryder

Friday 2 october | 08:30-10:00 | FR | MAX 410

Cultural-clinical psychology shows that beliefs play a central role both in the development of suffering and in healing processes. This presentation will demonstrate that beliefs do more than simply interpret suffering and recovery: they help shape them. When an experience is perceived as dangerous or meaningful, and this perception is shared by those around the individual, a syndrome can emerge and persist through the interaction of attention, bodily responses, and social dynamics. Recovery likewise relies on shared beliefs that enhance the credibility and effectiveness of clinical interventions.

Link to register

Andrew G. Ryder is a Professor of Psychology at Concordia University in Montreal, an affiliated researcher with the Culture and Mental Health Research Unit at the Jewish General Hospital, and a member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec. His research examines how cultural context shapes symptom experience, assessment, and psychotherapy. His work contributes to the development of cultural-clinical psychology.

Registration required

SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES FOR FALLING ASLEEP
Fanny Van De Poel in collaboration with the Point Santé

Friday 2 october | 12:15–13:45 | EN | RLC AA1230

Sleep is not a luxury! It plays a vital role in concentration, memory, learning processes, and mood. In this workshop, we’ll share practical tips to help you fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep. You’ll also discover simple self-hypnosis techniques that promote relaxation and deep rest, helping to calm your mind and body at bedtime. These are practical, natural tools with no side effects that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to sleep better. All that is required is an open and curious mind.

Link to register

Fanny Van De Poel, a social counselor at EPFL, is passionate about helping relationships, the workings of the human mind, and solution-oriented approaches. Trained in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and hypnosis, she integrates certain aspects of these into her work with EPFL students to guide, support, and facilitate their academic success. She also works in a private practice in Neuchâtel. The Point Santé team includes frontline nurses, trained in health prevention and promotion.

Registration required

AWE WALK
Prof. Francine Petersen

Friday 2 october | 12:30-13:30 | EN | EPFL – Espace Tinguely

Einstein is credited with saying, “the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; it is the source of all true art and all science”. The “mysterious” evokes the powerful emotion called “awe”. This workshop will help training your eye to notice awe-inspiring moments, big or small, and practice this new skill during a short guided walk by our lakeside.

Link to register

Francine Espinoza Petersen is Associate Professor of Marketing at HEC Lausanne. Her research focuses on emotions and well-being and on understanding what makes individuals happy. She is particularly interested in how people can make better choices for themselves, society, and the environment. She holds a PhD from the University of Maryland, was an associate professor at ESMT Berlin, Visiting Scholar at Columbia Business School, INSEAD, and HEC Paris and has experience as a marketing manager and marketing research consultant. She teaches seminars related to consumer psychology and well-being.

Note on registration
All tests and health check-up stands can accommodate two people at a time. One of the two places requires prior booking, while the second is accessible without registration, on a queuing basis. By registering, you can reserve your tests and health check-ups for a fixed date and time. Should registration be full, please feel free to drop by in person. Our trainers will be delighted to welcome you when a place becomes available.

JOINT MOBILITY
5 to 8 october | 11h -16h

Prolonged sitting has a detrimental effect on your joint mobility. Find out how it affects you and what you can do to improve it!

Length of test : 10 minutes
Recommended: Loose-fitting, full-length clothing (no dresses or skirts) that allows freedom of movement.
Link to registrer

ANTHROPOMETRY
5 to 8 october | 11h – 14h30 (dietitian availability) and 14h30 – 16h
(no registration required, measurement only)

Come and analyze your body composition (% muscle mass, fat mass, body fat, etc.) and receive personalized nutritional advice.

Length of test: 20 minutes
Link to registrer

Contraindications: pregnant women and people with pacemakers.

CARDIOVASCULAR
5 to 8 october | 11h – 14h30 (coach availability) and 14h30 – 16h (no registration required, measurement only)

Join us on a walking course that mimics a standard everyday movement. During the effort, your heart rate is measured, so you can learn more about your physical condition.

Length of test : 10 minutes
Recommended: Loose-fitting, full-length clothing (no dresses or skirts) that allows freedom of movement.

Link to register

THE SECRETS OF PENDULATION (no registration required)
5 to 8 october | 11h – 14h30 (coach availability) and 14h30 – 16h (measurement only)

What if stability meant knowing how to adapt continuously?
During this interactive experience, step onto an unstable platform and observe, in real time on a screen, your ability to find balance through movement. Discover the dynamic process that underlies stability, built on a succession of the body’s natural adjustments.
This activity highlights the importance of physical and mental relaxation, which allows movements to become fluid and harmonious. By focusing on your breathing and practicing heart coherence exercises, you will experience how physical relaxation promotes mental calm and contributes to psychological well-being. This experience invites participants to better manage stress, develop their adaptability, and regain a state of balance—essential resources in an academic environment.

Pendulation is one of the 15 principles of the educational program developed by the Unil+EPFL Sport and Health Service, which you can discover at the entrance of the Unil+EPFL Sport and Health Centre.

NURSING CONSULTATIONS – ACCUEIL SANTÉ
Monday 5 to 8 october | 11:00–14:30

The mission of Accueil santé is to support students and teaching assistants in maintaining their health and to help foster an environment conducive to studying and teaching. The team works to promote the health, integration, health literacy and the wellbeing of the university community. You will have the opportunity to discuss the topic of vaccination and vaccination recommendations in Switzerland.

Please feel free to bring your vaccination record(s) or any other proof of vaccination for assessment by our healthcare professionals.

VAUD FOUNDATION AGAINST ALCOHOLISM (FVA)
Monday 5 to 8 october | 11:00–14:30

FVA is a foundation distinguished by two main areas: socio-therapeutic support and prevention. It operates in various settings, including festive events, the sports sector, businesses, and more. Its main objective is to prevent risks related to alcohol consumption by providing several tools, such as the BeMyAngel app, NightlifeVaud, and the drug checking service.

SUSTAINABILITY ON CAMPUS
Monday 5 to Tuesday 6 october | 11:00–14:30

The Competence Centre in Sustainability is the service dedicated to sustainability issues at Unil. It supports teachers, researchers, student associations, faculties, administrative services, and the Rectorate, as well as the broader Swiss society, in addressing ecological and social transition challenges.

GENERAL PSYCHIATRY UNIT, CHUV
Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 october | 11:30–14:30

Come and see us to get informed, have fun, and test your knowledge about mental health. There will be plenty of tasty treats to enjoy!

We are the General Psychiatry Department of CHUV, which provides student consultations for UNIL and EPFL. Our goal is to help you take care of your mental health and to ensure you know how to support yourself — either on your own or with help — through the psychotherapy consultations available to students on the EPFL and UNIL campuses (first session free, available during and after the Health Village).

EQUALITY OFFICE
Monday 5, 6 and 7 octobre | 11:00–14:30

The Equality Office is the centre of expertise for equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) issues at Unil. Working in collaboration with its internal and external partners, it initiates, accompanies and supports steps towards a more inclusive campus. It organises initiatives to raise awareness of discrimination and inequality, and develops support services for families.

UNIL + EPFL CHAPLAINCY
Tuesday 6 october | 11:00–14:30

The Chaplaincy, a joint service of Unil and EPFL, supports the spiritual and mental well-being of the university community. It offers a welcoming, non-judgmental space and organizes activities focused on community, spirituality, dialogue, and well-being: mindfulness meditation, shared meals, nature outings, and more.
Open to all beliefs and convictions, the Chaplaincy welcomes everyone without distinction. Come and discover its activities over a free soup served between 12 pm and 2 pm!

LA MAIN TENDUE VAUD
Monday 5 and Thursday 8 october | 11:00–14:30

Active since 1966, La Main Tendue Vaud is a non-profit organization offering anonymous and confidential support to anyone in distress, 24/7. Whether by phone at 143, by email, or via chat on www.143.ch, professionally trained volunteers are there to support you without judgment. A free, accessible emotional first-aid service for everyone. 📞 021 652 24 11 ✉ lausanne@143.ch 🌐 www.143.ch

STOP SUICIDE ASSOCIATION
Tuesday 8 october | 11:00–14:30

STOP SUICIDE is active in suicide prevention among young people aged 15 to 29 in French-speaking Switzerland. Its mission: to break the taboo, open up dialogue, and connect people with support platforms through a positive and caring approach. Its stand features an interactive quiz designed to challenge misconceptions about suicide, along with useful resources, prevention materials, and above all, a space for open, judgment-free conversation. Trained volunteers are present to answer questions, listen, provide information, and guide individuals toward practical solutions.

PRO JUVENTUTE
Monday 5 october | 11:00–14:30

The Pro Juventute Foundation works to promote the well-being and rights of children, young people, and families in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It provides practical support and programs that strengthen young people’s skills and social and psychological resilience, helping them face challenges in an increasingly complex world. Also active at the political and social levels, it amplifies their voices and encourages participation. At the Health Days 2026, it highlights its free and confidential online services.

THE BULIMIA AND ANOREXIA ASSOCIATION
Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 october | 11:00–14:30

In a warm and caring environment, the Association Boulimie Anorexie (ABA) offers a space for meeting, listening, support, and information for anyone directly or indirectly affected by an eating disorder. With more than thirty years of experience in the field, it is recognized as a trusted partner by the medical and social sectors, as well as by the General Directorate of Health of the Canton of Vaud. Its activities extend throughout French-speaking Switzerland, with its headquarters based in Lausanne.

SANTÉPSY.CH
Monday 5 to 8 october | 11:00–14:30

Ages 16–26: a time of possibilities… and major challenges!
Asserting oneself; finding one’s place; becoming independent. Choosing a path; developing autonomy; entering adulthood. Learning to manage money, administrative tasks, relationships, love, career orientation, and work. Coping on one’s own… without always having the necessary reference points. The transition to adulthood is an intense and stimulating period, but also a deeply destabilizing one that can weigh on mental health. Santépsy.ch offers resources, advice, and personal stories to encourage everyone to take care of their mental well-being and to navigate this stage with confidence through simple yet essential actions.

PROJET SOLIDAIRE
Monday 5 to 8 october | 11:00–14:30

An interfaculty student association that provides support to students with disabilities and/or difficulties during their studies at Unil.

ONCE A MONTH LAUSANNE
Monday 5 to 8 october | 11:00–14:30

The Once A Month Lausanne association, founded by female students, aims to combat menstrual poverty in Lausanne and break taboos surrounding menstrual health through inclusive actions. It organizes activities on the University of Lausanne campus to raise funds for menstrual and hygiene products, which are then distributed to local organizations supporting people in need.

VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE
Monday 5 october | 11:30–14:30 | Forum of l’Eprouvette

The CHUV Psychiatry Department invites you to come and try its virtual reality exposure therapy headset!
Learn to tame your fears and addictions (phobias, social anxiety, dependencies, etc.) through simple and accessible techniques. Regain self-confidence and move forward at your own pace in a friendly and reassuring environment. An enriching experience awaits you!

Duration: 20 minutes.
Link to registrer

LIGHT THERAPY WORKSHOP
Monday 5 october | 11h30 – 14h30 | Forum of l’Eprouvette

Enjoy the benefits of light to restore energy, balance, and well-being. Through simple and accessible sessions, boost your vitality, improve your mood, and naturally regulate your biological rhythm. In a calming and guided environment, treat yourself to a restorative moment and take gentle care of yourself. Workshop organized by the CHUV Psychiatry Department.

Duration: 15 minutes.
Link to registrer

RUBBER HAND ILLUSION
Tuesday 6 october | 12:00–14:00 | Hall du bâtiment Amphipôle

The brain can play tricks on us! Come and try the Rubber Hand Illusion, a fascinating experiment where your senses become intertwined, offered by the CHUV Psychiatry Department.
In just 10 minutes, discover how your brain constructs the perception of your body. Ready to lose control of your sensations?

Duration: 10 minutes.
Link to registrer

EXHIBITION “Forgiveness, a new horizon”
Monday 5 to 8 october | Free access | Rolex Learning Center

“Forgiveness, a new horizon” explores the many facets of forgiveness through both ordinary and extraordinary stories. What would a world without forgiveness look like, one marked by resentment and the desire for revenge? Conversely, how can forgiveness contribute to the health of individuals and societies?

Organized by the Unil + EPFL chaplaincy, this exhibition invites visitors to discover forgiveness as a path to renewal, peace, and healing. Rooted in the history of humanity, it runs through societies, philosophies, and spiritual traditions, while also being recognized today as an important factor in psychological and physical well-being.

Registration required

MYBREAK TONIC (30′)
Service SSUE

Monday 5 october | 10:00-10:30 | FR + EN | South entrance of Amphipôle

A 30-minute session focusing on exercises using bodyweight only. The “Tonic” orientation is ideal in the morning to awaken your postural tone with a sequence of muscle-strengthening exercises.

Link to register?

The Service Sport Santé Unil+EPFL (SSUE) offers more than 120 physical and sporting activities on campus to get the Lausanne academic community moving, in the exceptional setting of the Dorigny Sports Centre. With sustainable health in mind, the Service SSUE invites students and staff from Unil and EPFL to work out together in an open environment that respects differences.

Registration required

INTRODUCTION TO SELF-HYPNOSIS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT
Dre. Béatrice Gay

Monday 5 october | 12:15–13:45 | FR | POL/338

After a presentation of some basic hypnosis theory, practise group exercises to identify and experience the hypnotic trance state for stress management.

Link to register

After training as a nurse, Béatrice Gay studied medicine. She specialised in general internal medicine, then medical oncology, before finally devoting herself to psychiatry and psychotherapy, which she mainly practises at the CHUV and for young people in training. In parallel with her medical training, Béatrice Gay took a course in medical hypnosis 20 years ago, which she now passes on to her various patients. She has been teaching this discipline in hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland for a number of years on behalf of the Institut Romand d’Hypnose Suisse.

Registration required

AWE WALK
Prof. Francine Petersen

Monday 5 october | 12:30-13:30 | EN | POL/340.1

Einstein is credited with saying, “the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; it is the source of all true art and all science”. The “mysterious” evokes the powerful emotion called “awe”. This workshop will help training your eye to notice awe-inspiring moments, big or small, and practice this new skill during a short guided walk by our lakeside.

Link to register

Francine Espinoza Petersen is Associate Professor of Marketing at HEC Lausanne. Her research focuses on emotions and well-being and on understanding what makes individuals happy. She is particularly interested in how people can make better choices for themselves, society, and the environment.
She holds a PhD from the University of Maryland and has served an associate professor at ESMT Berlin. She has also been a Visiting Scholar at Columbia Business School, INSEAD, and HEC Paris. In addition to her academic work, she brings experience as a marketing manager and marketing research consultant. She teaches seminars on consumer psychology and well-being.

Registration required

MOVE YOUR BACK (30′)
Physiotherapy students from the Haute École de Santé (HESAV)

Monday 5 october | 16:00-16:30 | FR | South entrance of Amphipôle

A healthy back takes practice. Join short, accessible physical activity sessions specially designed for your back’s health. In just 20 to 30 minutes, discover simple exercises suited to all levels.

Link to register

The physiotherapy program at the Haute École de Santé (HESAV) trains professionals who combine expertise in the body, pain, and movement with strong interpersonal skills.

Registration required

MEDITATION: A PATH TOWARD INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE HEALTH?
Kamlesh D. Patel followed by a discussion with Prof. Jacques Besson

Monday 5 october | 17:00-19:00 | FR + EN | Max 351

The world’s great wisdom traditions have long intuited it, and endogenetics—at the intersection of neuroscience and epigenetics—is beginning to demonstrate it: our inner world shapes our biology far more deeply than once imagined.
At a time when health, social, and environmental challenges are prompting us to rethink the way we live in and relate to the world, health is increasingly understood as a relational phenomenon connecting individual, collective, and environmental well-being. In this talk, Kamlesh Patel will explore the measurable effects of just a few minutes of daily meditation on the body and invite participants to discover how personal transformation may well hold one of the keys to healing the world.

Link to register

Kamlesh Patel is the global guide of the Heartfulness meditation practice. Trained as a scientist, he is deeply passionate about the evolution of consciousness and brings together practical experience, philosophical reflection, and scientific insights in his teaching. He is the author of several internationally acclaimed books, including the bestseller The Heartfulness Way and Spiritual Anatomy, both of which explore the transformative potential of meditation and inner development.

Jacques Besson is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne and former Head of the Community Psychiatry Service at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV). His work focuses on the links between neuroscience, spirituality, and addiction.

Registration required

MYBREAK TONIC (30′)
Service SSUE

Tuesday 6 october | 10:00-10:30 | FR + EN | South entrance of Amphipôle

A 30-minute session focusing on exercises using bodyweight only. The “Tonic” orientation is ideal in the morning to awaken your postural tone with a sequence of muscle-strengthening exercises.

Link to register

The Service Sport Santé Unil+EPFL (SSUE) offers more than 120 physical and sporting activities on campus to get the Lausanne academic community moving, in the exceptional setting of the Dorigny Sports Centre. With sustainable health in mind, the Service SSUE invites students and staff from Unil and EPFL to work out together in an open environment that respects differences.

Registration required

MINDFULNESS
Natalie Emch

Tuesday 6 october | 12:15–13:00 | POL 249

Take a genuine midday break and discover meditation and mindfulness. Through simple and accessible practices, you will learn to return to the present moment, welcome your sensations with kindness, and cultivate greater calm and clarity.
This workshop is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and release the tensions of daily life. A restorative pause that can help reduce stress and bring more clarity to your day.

No prior experience is needed, come as you are, with curiosity and the desire to take a mindful break.

Link to register

Natalie Emch is trained in yoga and mindfulness meditation (Mindfulness Training Institute). Since 2020, she has been leading introductory mindfulness workshops, with a focus on making the practice accessible and providing an inclusive environment. She is a Project Manager at the Equality Office of the University of Lausanne (UNIL).

Registration required

MYBREAK MINDFULNESS
Monique Borcard-Sacco

Tuesday 2 october | 12:30-13:00 et 13:00-13:30 | FR + EN | CH B2 355

Introduce yourself to the art of meditation and mindfulness for 30 minutes, during which attention is focused intentionally and non-judgmentally on the experience of the present moment.

Link to register

Monique Borcard Sacco is a psychologist and sophrologist. She teaches mindfulness at the Service Sport Santé UNIL+EPFL and has worked in scientific research for several years

Registration required

SURVEY ON WELL-BEING AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AT UNIL
Prof. Koorosh Massoudi

Tuesday 2 october | 12:30-13:30 | FR | MAX 414

This presentation is based on a survey conducted among a sample of 1,685 members of the UNIL community, commissioned by the University’s Direction. Respondents report high levels of satisfaction and highlight significant resources in terms of autonomy, support, and recognition from their hierarchy.
However, the results also reveal constraints for specific groups: job insecurity among early-career research staff, difficulties in balancing work and private life in teaching and research, and a lack of career advancement opportunities for administrative staff.
These findings will be discussed in light of the challenges of contemporary work, as well as potential actions for improvement.

Link to register

>> Link to view online

Koorosh Massoudi is a professor of psychology at Unil and an affiliated researcher at the LIVES Swiss Centre of Expertise for Life Course Research. His research focuses on the challenges of contemporary work and their impact on health and well-being. He regularly collaborates with companies and institutions to promote supportive and healthy work environments.

Registration required

MOVE YOUR BACK (30′)
Physiotherapy students from the Haute École de Santé (HESAV)

Tuesday 6 october | 16:00-16:30 | FR | South entrance of Amphipôle

A healthy back takes practice. Join short, accessible physical activity sessions specially designed for your back’s health. In just 20 to 30 minutes, discover simple exercises suited to all levels.

Link to register

The physiotherapy program at the Haute École de Santé (HESAV) trains professionals who combine expertise in the body, pain, and movement with strong interpersonal skills.

Registration required

FACING SUICIDE TOGETHER: SUPPORT AND COLLECTIVE ACTION
Stop Suicide

Tuesday 6 october | 18:15-19:45| FR | POL/340.1

This interactive workshop aims to open a dialogue about suicide, helping to challenge common misconceptions and break down taboos. Participants will explore ways of supporting someone who may be struggling while respecting their own boundaries and limitations. The workshop also provides information about available support resources and promotes everyday solidarity, empowering everyone to take action at their own level.

Link to register

Founded in 2000, STOP SUICIDE is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth suicide prevention in French-speaking Switzerland. It carries out awareness-raising and prevention activities for a wide range of audiences, including a theater production for the general public, prevention workshops for young people, a volunteer program, and training courses for professionals working with youth as well as media professionals.

Registration required

MYBREAK TONIC (30′)
Service SSUE

Wednesday 7 october | 10:00-10:30 | FR + EN | South entrance of Amphipôle

A 30-minute session focusing on exercises using bodyweight only. The “Tonic” orientation is ideal in the morning to awaken your postural tone with a sequence of muscle-strengthening exercises.

Link to register

The Service Sport Santé Unil+EPFL (SSUE) offers more than 120 physical and sporting activities on campus to get the Lausanne academic community moving, in the exceptional setting of the Dorigny Sports Centre. With sustainable health in mind, the Service SSUE invites students and staff from Unil and EPFL to work out together in an open environment that respects differences.

Registration required

A VIDEO GAME TO RAISE AWARENESS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Aline Rochat

Wednesday 7 october | 12:00-14:00 | FR | Bureau de l’égalité, le Vieux Pressoir

The workshop will begin with an introduction to intimate partner violence, particularly among young people, and will continue with an introduction to the video game ALTernatives.
This game explores five themes related to violence within relationships. By taking on different characters, participants will learn to recognize early signs of violence, better understand abusive dynamics, and identify appropriate responses, whether as a witness, victim, or perpetrator.

The game is played on the participant’s personal computers.

Link to register

Aline Rochat is a project officer at the Equality Office of the University of Lausanne. The Equality Office’s mission is to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at Unil. It provides advice and information on all matters related to equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as awareness-raising events and training.

Registration required

OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION DURING YOUR STUDIES
Stefania D’Onofrio

Wednesday 7 october | 12:15-13:15 | FR | POL/340

This one-hour workshop will introduce practical tools and strategies to help overcome procrastination during academic studies. The information shared may also prove useful in the workplace. We will explore the reasons why people tend to postpone tasks and discuss effective solutions. Reflection activities and practical exercises will be offered during the workshop and can be continued at home.

Link to register

A work psychologist, Stefania D’Onofrio is trained in coaching. Within the Career Services, she supports students throughout their studies and accompanies graduates as they transition into the world of work.

Registration required

MOVE YOUR BACK (30′)
Physiotherapy students from the Haute École de Santé (HESAV)

Wednesday 7 october | 16:00-16:30 | FR | South entrance of Amphipôle

A healthy back takes practice. Join short, accessible physical activity sessions specially designed for your back’s health. In just 20 to 30 minutes, discover simple exercises suited to all levels.

Link to register

The physiotherapy program at the Haute École de Santé (HESAV) trains professionals who combine expertise in the body, pain, and movement with strong interpersonal skills.

Registration required

CAN WE PROTECT BRAIN HEALTH AS WE AGE?
Marcus Böhme, Raffael Kalisch, Giacomo Koch, Carla Nasca and Dídac Vidal-Piñeiro

Wednesday 7 october | 17:15-18:15 | EN | SV 1717

This public roundtable will explore a question that concerns all of us: what helps keep the brain healthy and resilient as we age? Bringing together leading researchers from neuroscience, brain stimulation, microbiome science, and global brain health, the discussion will examine how stress, daily habits, and the wider social and environmental context can influence brain health over time. It will also address what science is beginning to reveal about early signs of vulnerability, what kinds of interventions may help (from lifestyle and stress regulation to more targeted approaches) and what remains uncertain. The goal is to offer an engaging and accessible discussion on how we may better understand, protect, and strengthen brain health across the lifespan.

Link to register

>> Link to view online

Giacomo Koch, MD, PhD, is Full Professor of Physiology at the University of Ferrara and Director of the Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Laboratory at IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation in Rome. Internationally recognized for his work on stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias, his research combines non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, neuroimaging, and EEG to develop personalized approaches to neurological disorders. He has authored more than 350 scientific publications (H-index 75) and leads numerous clinical trials in the field.

Carla Nasca, PhD, is Head of the Laboratory of Epigenetics & Systems Neuroscience and Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Physiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Her research explores the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders and resilience. Previously, she led a research group at Rockefeller University and trained with leading neuroscientists including Bruce McEwen and Eric Nestler. She has received multiple NIH, NIMH, and NARSAD grants, as well as the prestigious Blavatnik Award for Innovative and Creative Research.

Marcus Böhme, PhD, is Global Science & Technology Lead for Mental Health at Novonesis. A neuroscientist with more than 14 years of experience in life sciences and R&D, he specializes in the microbiome–gut–brain axis and its role in brain health, resilience, and aging. He has authored 27 scientific publications, including in Nature Aging and Molecular Psychiatry, with more than 8,000 citations. Previously, he held research positions at Nestlé Research and the APC Microbiome Institute, where he investigated microbiome-mediated mechanisms of mental and cognitive health.

Raffael Kalisch, PhD, is Professor of Human Neuroimaging at the University Medical Center Mainz and Group Leader at the Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Germany. A leading figure in resilience science, he studies the biological, neural, and psychological mechanisms that help individuals maintain mental health despite stress, trauma, and adversity. His work aims to improve the prevention and treatment of stress-related disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He is also the founding spokesperson of the International Resilience Alliance and organizer of the International Symposium on Resilience Research.

Dídac Vidal-Piñeiro, PhD, is a researcher at the Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC) at the University of Oslo. His work seeks to understand why some individuals maintain cognitive health with aging while others experience decline. Combining neuroimaging, cognitive, genetic, biomarker, and environmental data, he investigates the factors that shape brain aging and resilience across the lifespan. His research spans development, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease, with a particular focus on memory decline, brain age, and the biological mechanisms that support healthy cognitive aging.

Registration required

MYBREAK TONIC (30′)
Service SSUE

Thursday 8 october | 10:00-10:30 | FR + EN | South entrance of Amphipôle

A 30-minute session focusing on exercises using bodyweight only. The “Tonic” orientation is ideal in the morning to awaken your postural tone with a sequence of muscle-strengthening exercises.

Link to register

The Service Sport Santé Unil+EPFL (SSUE) offers more than 120 physical and sporting activities on campus to get the Lausanne academic community moving, in the exceptional setting of the Dorigny Sports Centre. With sustainable health in mind, the Service SSUE invites students and staff from Unil and EPFL to work out together in an open environment that respects differences.

Registration required

MINDFULNESS
Martina Schmidt

Tuesday 8 october | 12:15–13:00 | FR + EN | POL 249

30 minutes to try out meditation. A session in which attention is intentionally and non-judgmentally focused on the present-moment experience.

Link to register

Martina Schmidt is a Protestant chaplain and pastor. The Unil+EPFL Chaplaincy offers mindfulness meditation sessions throughout the year.

Registration required

MYBREAK OUTDOOR TRAINING
Régiane Steffen, Service SSUE

Thursday 8 october | 12:30-13:00 et 13:00-13:30 | FR + EN | Place Cosandey

A 30-minute outdoor physical activity session.

Link to register

The Service Sport Santé Unil+EPFL (SSUE) offers more than 120 physical and sporting activities on campus to get the Lausanne academic community moving, in the exceptional setting of the Dorigny Sports Centre. With sustainable health in mind, the Service SSUE invites students and staff from Unil and EPFL to work out together in an open environment that respects differences.

Registration required

IMPROVE YOUR CONCENTRATION
Stefania D’Onofrio

Thursday 8 october | 12:15-13:15 | FR | SOC, Bâtiment Unicentre

This one-hour workshop offers an opportunity to discuss attention-related difficulties and explore practical strategies to improve focus and concentration.

Link to register

Work psychologist Stefania D’Onofrio is trained in coaching. Within the Career and Guidance Service (Service d’orientation et carrières), she supports students throughout their studies and helps graduates navigate their transition into the workforce.

Registration required

MOVE YOUR BACK (30′)
Physiotherapy students from the Haute École de Santé (HESAV)

Thursday 8 october | 16:00-16:30 | FR | South entrance of Amphipôle

A healthy back takes practice. Join short, accessible physical activity sessions specially designed for your back’s health. In just 20 to 30 minutes, discover simple exercises suited to all levels.

Link to register

The physiotherapy program at the Haute École de Santé (HESAV) trains professionals who combine expertise in the body, pain, and movement with strong interpersonal skills.

CREAPOLY, AN EXHIBITION SHOWCASING THE PEOPLE OF EPFL
In collaboration with Les Culturelles

Thursday 8 october | 18:00-20:00 | FR + EN | Foyer SG

Come and discover the artistic talents of EPFL staff members and PhD candidates at CREApoly!

Conceived as a space for free, creative, and supportive expression, this exhibition showcases the artistic worlds of those who bring EPFL to life every day. An invitation to discover the creative richness of our community from a new perspective.

Exhibition: 9–12 October 2026
SG Building Foyer, EPFL

A community project organized as part of the Health Days and the Fall 2026 Cultural Week.

Registration required

“I SWEAR”
A movie suggested by the Federation of Student Associations of the University of Lausanne (FAE)

Thursday 8 october | 18:30 | FR + EN | MAX/410

Scotland, 1983. At 15, John’s life is turned upside down with the onset of severe and uncontrollable tics. In a time when Tourette syndrome was poorly understood, John faces exclusion, anxiety, and depression. Inspired by a true story, this uplifting film retraces fifty years of a deeply moving fight for dignity. A powerful work on mental health that shows how empathy and community action can break isolation and change mindsets.

Kirk Jones is a renowned British director. With I Swear, he delivers a committed and deeply human film, placing his cinema at the service of inclusion and mental health.

Link to register

FAE stands for the Federation of Student Associations of the University of Lausanne. Each faculty has its own student association(s), and these have come together to form a federation in order to defend and represent students at both the university and cantonal levels. The FAE is therefore mainly made up of students serving other students!

As part of the Health Days, the FAE is organizing an event called “Speedfriending”, aimed at encouraging social interaction among students.