Dies academicus of the University of Zurich

We look forward to welcoming you to the Dies academicus at Irchel Campus, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich, on Friday, 8 May 2026. Together we will celebrate 193 years of UZH!

The Dies academicus is not a graduation ceremony, but a celebration of the founding of the University of Zurich. The program includes speeches (including from our President), the presentation of awards (both to students and staff) and, above all, the presentation of honorary awards. Guests include a large number of people associated with the university, such as students, staff, politicians and other prominent figures from Zurich. The ceremonial part of the event, which will also include musical performances, will last around two hours. After the ceremony, all guests are invited to attend the “Apéro”, a social gathering with light refreshments and drinks. The Apéro is a central part of Swiss culture and offers an opportunity to talk to other guests and make new contacts in a relaxed atmosphere. Seating is available.

Program

• Moderator: Tanya König

Access and Cloakroom 

We recommend entering via the “Cafeteria Seerose” (Building Y21). Coats and luggage can be checked one floor below, in the “Theatersaal”. All relevant stations (cloakroom, badge desk, Lichthof, Green Kitchen Lab) will be clearly signposted. 

Name Badges 

Name badges for all registered guests will be available at the distribution point in the faculty foyer. Please note that academic titles or similar designations will not be included on the name badges.

Ceremonial Entry

All honorary guests will proceed to the Auditorium together at the beginning of the ceremony. The lineup begins at 1:50 PM next to the Green Kitchen Lab.

Accompanying persons do not take part in the procession. Once the doors open, please proceed to the auditorium. Seats are available in the rows marked “Accompanying Guests” in the front rows of the Auditorium. Once the doors open, please proceed to the auditorium.  Escorts are free to choose other seats.
Information about the lineup for the ceremonial entry (PDF, 91 KB) 
Seating arrangement (PDF, 437 KB)
(Information regarding honorary seats will be given at a later point.)

Honors and awards

Information regarding the procedures for honors and awards will be communicated individually. During the ceremony, honorees will be asked to come forward to receive their awards as part of the respective speeches. The event does not feature any acceptance speeches from honorees. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at dies-academicus@uzh.ch!

Dress code

Festive attire suitable for the occasion. You can find photos for orientation online (Apéro Dies academicus 2025). Representatives from Swiss universities are not required to wear academic robes. 

Getting to UZH Irchel Campus by public transport

Tram lines 7, 10, and 51 run directly from Zurich’s main station to the Irchel Campus (stops “Universität Irchel” or “Milchbuck”). Line 9 runs from Bellevue by the lake to the Irchel Campus (stops “Universität Irchel” or “Milchbuck”). Trams operate every 6 to 8 minutes, and from both stops it is a short walk through a park to the lecture hall building.

Driving and parking

Parking is available on site; fees apply for the parking garage.

Information on participating in the Dies Academicus at the University of Zurich for people with disabilities

University of Zurich
Campus culture| Events Office
Rämistrasse 71
8006 Zürich

https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/portrait/dies.html
dies-academicus@uzh.ch