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Permits

Certain events at ETH Zurich require prior internal approval. The assessment process usually takes two weeks.

Basic requirements

In line with ETH Zurich's regulations on the use of premises, external providers may only stage events, promotions, installations or direct marketing activities at ETH if these relate directly to ETH, education and research.
Confirmation that an event of a third or external party relates directly to ETH is given when an ETH unit assumes a supporting role.

Are you planning an event or activity that involves any of the elements below? If so, you'll need a permit. Please apply for this via Servix.

In general

  • Running time (incl. setting up and dismantling) outside of normal opening hours
  • Running time longer than two days
  • Exhibition or trade fair
  • Roadshow or company presentation
  • Promotion (general) 
  • Sales campaign
  • Celebration (apart from academic events) e.g. party, bar evening or Xmas party
  • Use of barbecue or cooking facilities
  • More than 500 people
  • Sponsors
  • Public tour, private group tour
  • Filming or photo shoots
  • Unmanned vehicles or aircraft (e.g. drones)

Outdoors

  • Research, exercises (e.g. soil drilling, measurements)
  • Open-air cinema
  • Drink/food stalls
  • Models (exhibits, buildings)
    If on display for over a month, these require a permit from the City of Zurich.
  • Musical performances
  • Sports events, grandstands and marquees

In particular

  • Events organised by ETH-associated entities (extraordinary use)
    • Institutions and bodies within the ETH domain; ETH authorities
    • ETH partner organisations
    • University of Zurich
  • Events organised by external entities (third-party use)
  • For every event in the Audi Max, you need to get the permission of the ETH Permits office.

Processing period

The processing of permit applications is based on ETH Zurich's regulations on the use of premises. There are also internal guidelines to ensure standardised practice for granting permits.

Whether a permit is required cannot always be judged conclusively. If in doubt, please contact us.

Permit requirement and process

Please note that we require some time for our internal enquiries. How much time we need depends on the complexity of the event or campaign in question.

Procedure

  1. Applicant: event organiser submits application or concept via Servix.
  2. Permit office: establishes whether there is a permit obligation; carries out initial evaluation of the concept (possibly with queries and corrections).
  3. Permit office: sends application under consultation to involved offices, and clarifies feasibility if necessary.
  4. Permit office: gathers feedback and makes a decision (permit, conditions, rejection).
  5. Applicant: receives the decision from the Permits office (by email or directly in Servix).

Involved offices

Complex applications are sent to the following ETH offices for evaluation:

  • Facility Services
  • Safety, Security, Health and Environment (SSHE)
  • Rectorate and Academic Services
  • 皇冠体育,皇冠体育app Services
  • Coordinator for partner organisations
  • Portfolio Management
  • Corporate Communications (CC)
  • Scientific Coordination Office

Permits from the City of Zurich

The permits issued by the ETH Permits office are internal. They do NOT replace permits from the City of Zurich.

For events at ETH Zurich, you require a permit from the City of Zurich Police Department if you are planning to:

  • use loudspeakers outdoors.
  • build temporary outdoor constructions (marquees, platforms, stages).
  • dispense food and drinks for payment.

If any of these criteria apply to your event, please contact us at least six weeks in advance. We will send you the relevant application form.

Planning permission

The positioning of exhibits on the ETH Zurich site and any construction work may require a permit from the City of Zurich.

This can take up to 3 months to process! Please contact us well in advance.

A specific internal ETH process has been defined for the granting of permits for scientific exhibits and structures. There are different procedures depending on the positioning, size and characteristics of the project.

In the case of educational and research-related events that do not require a permit such as presentations, seminars, workshops or lectures (please refer to the Regulations on Room Use), the room permit is issued directly by the Rectorate's room reservation function as part of its scheduling activities.

Online room reservation form

The use of rooms by third parties and for sponsor exhibitions at academic events is subject to room rental charges in accordance with the charges for room use for events.

The invoice will be issued by the responsible department.

Charges for room use

Definition of "Patronage for a third-party event"

In addition to the Room Utilisation Regulations (in German) and the ETH Zurich Event Policy, the following is set out in Section 4.

Use by third parties Art. 9
Purpose of use by third parties: Rooms may be made available for third-party events. First and foremost, events that are orientated towards education and the communication of scientific knowledge are considered.
Specifically, this means that third-party events must be directly related to and/or of benefit to ETH. To prove this, third-party events must have the patronage of an internal ETH body.

Only the following persons are authorised as patrons:

  • Members of the Executive Board
  • Heads of the departments of ETH Zurich
  • Professors of ETH Zurich
  • Heads of the departments
  • Managing Director of the ETH Zurich Foundation
  • Managing Director of ETH Industry Relations

By accepting a patronage, the patron confirms that the event has a direct connection with ETH or will be beneficial to the university. He/she also assumes responsibility for the content and organisation of the event.

The patron …

... accepts responsibility for ensuring that the event is in keeping with ETH’s role and reputation and that it directly or indirectly benefits the university.
... guarantees that the organiser is a recognised institution.
... guarantees that the event is not purely commercial.
... ensures that the event complies with the ETH regulations on room use.
... contributes personally to the event content, where possible.
... accepts a degree of organisational responsibility for the event or supports the organiser in implementing it.

We expressly do not welcome any patronage that is assumed purely out of goodwill towards the organiser.

Submit application for permit

Please submit your application online at least 3 weeks before you plan to hold your event. We will notify you of our decision by email. 
The permit process for large events such as conventions usually takes longer. Please therefore get in touch with us at least 6 weeks in advance

We are happy to help you with any questions you may have regarding the process.

Create application now

Contact

Permit office

ETH Zurich
皇冠体育,皇冠体育app Services
Binzmühlestrasse 130
OCT H 55-59
8092 Zurich
Switzerland

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