Site Search for ETH Swiss GeoLab: More Than 40 Property Submissions
Lucerne - ETH Zurich is seeking a site in the Canton of Lucerne for the ETH Swiss GeoLab, a new centre of excellence for Earth observation. By the submission deadline of 30 November 2025, more than 40 concrete property proposals had been submitted. ETH Zurich intends to decide on a location in the first quarter of 2026.
Over the next ten years, ETH Zurich plans to establish an interdisciplinary centre of excellence for Earth observation in the Canton of Lucerne. The research topics of the centre will range from the early detection of natural hazards to forecasting agricultural yields. With the publication of the requirements profile defined by ETH Zurich, the site selection process for the future ETH Swiss GeoLab officially began in early November (see media release of 4 November 2025).
By the submission deadline of 30 November 2025, more than 40 concrete property proposals were submitted to Lucerne Business. «We are very pleased with the strong interest shown in the ETH Swiss GeoLab,» says Felix Seidel of ETH Zurich, Managing Director of the new centre. Andreas Zettel from Lucerne Business also expressed his appreciation, stating: «We would like to thank the municipalities as well as private property owners for their committed and creative contributions through their submissions. We highly value the opportunity to present ETH Zurich with a broad range of highly promising locations.»
Next steps
ETH Zurich will now carefully analyse and assess the submitted proposals. «In the first quarter of 2026, we will carry out a detailed evaluation of all properties and make a site decision based on the criteria published in the requirements profile,» says Seidel.
The Canton of Lucerne is supporting the project as an infrastructure partner. Cantonal Councillor Fabian Peter notes: «The wide range of proposals demonstrates that Lucerne offers not only excellent framework conditions, but also highly attractive sites. We are very much looking forward to ETH Zurich’s decision.»
