1904–1911: From a polytechnic institution to a university
In 1911 the Federal Polytechnic School was renamed the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology). This marked the end of an intensive debate on reform which had been going on since 1905.
Key dates during this era:
The shift towards an academic research institution
The name “Polytechnic School” had become very popular and would live on for a long time to come in the affectionate nickname “Poly”, but it had also become something of a handicap: any polytechnic institution wishing to be seen as progressive had to adopt the German model and call itself a “Technische Hochschule” (“Institute of Technology”). The change of name took into account the new direction in which the institution was moving, something which had been discussed over the preceding years and which brought about three decisive changes.
First, the so-called separation contracts of 1905 and 1908 established the Federal Polytechnic School as an entity separate from the University of Zurich and the City and Canton of Zurich. Buildings, collections and facilities which had hitherto been used and managed jointly were neatly split up and responsibilities were reallocated. The simplification of the legal situation enabled the Federal Polytechnic School board to embark on long-cherished building projects.
Secondly, the institution’s study programme was thoroughly reorganised. Starting in 1908, standardised curricula were drawn up for each subject with the aim of ensuring that courses of study were as effective as possible. These guidelines were not binding in the same way as the old curricula, and allowed a certain degree of freedom. The students of the polytechnic school became fully-fledged university students.
Thirdly, 1908 was also the year in which the Federal Polytechnic School finally won the right to award doctorates. This paved the way for it to establish itself as a centre for academic research. Chemistry benefited in particular from this new development, which it had always advocated. Six chemists were awarded doctorates the very next year.