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Discover Changins
Discover Changins
Mission & vision
By 2035, Changins will establish itself as the leading centre for training and research in the fields of viticulture, oenology and fermented beverages. Recognised in Switzerland and internationally, the school is shaping the future of these sectors by training professionals who are able to anticipate developments and respond to societal, environmental, economic and technological challenges.
To achieve this ambition, Changins offers cutting-edge training programmes aligned with market needs, conducts applied research in close collaboration with industry players and develops innovative solutions that integrate sustainability, digital technology and the principles of the circular economy. It promotes the transfer of knowledge between research, training and practice, while strengthening exchanges and partnerships at national and international level.
Objectives and priority areas
Enhancing Changins' appeal
Changins is enhancing its appeal by focusing on educational innovation, scientific excellence and openness to new audiences. The school strives to attract and support a diverse range of students, while offering training and research activities in line with developments in professions and industries.
Priorities:
broaden and diversify student recruitment;
offer innovative training courses in line with market and technological developments;
conduct high-level research to address professional, environmental and economic issues.
Affirming Changins' positioning
Changins affirms its identity and its role as a leading player in Switzerland and internationally. The school is strengthening its institutional impact and developing an image based on commitment, responsibility and accessibility.
Priorities:
develop strategic academic and industry partnerships in Switzerland and internationally;
act in an exemplary manner in terms of sustainability, ethics and social responsibility;
promote and share the culture of wine, fermented beverages and agriculture through awareness-raising activities, events and publications.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of Changins' DNA. As a leading training and research centre in the fields of viticulture, oenology and agronomy, the school is committed to promoting practices that respect the environment and natural resources. This commitment is reflected both in the management of the campus, with a focus on mobility, energy efficiency and responsible choices, and in its educational and scientific activities. Through its teaching, applied research projects and collaborations with the professional community, Changins trains individuals capable of meeting the agricultural and viticultural challenges of today and tomorrow, combining performance, innovation and environmental responsibility.
Equality
Changins places equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of its values. The school strives to provide a respectful study and working environment based on equal opportunities, integrity and responsibility. It is committed to ensuring conditions that enable every individual, whether a student or member of staff, to develop their full potential in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. The principles of diversity and non-discrimination are integrated into the school's institutional practices and culture, so that everyone can find their place, flourish and actively contribute to the Changins community, within the organisational framework and available resources.
The history of Changins
1948
Changins was founded in 1948 by the cantons of French-speaking Switzerland, Bern, and Ticino, who wanted to establish a higher education program in viticulture, oenology, and arboriculture.
These cantons, later joined by Jura, created a foundation that still governs the institution today.
1975
After starting out in Montagibert, north of Lausanne, the school moved to Changins in 1975, to the site of the agricultural research station (Agroscope) with which it has always had close ties.
2002
The buildings and teaching facilities were completely renovated in 2002. The school now has excellent teaching facilities, particularly laboratories and sensory analysis equipment. The teaching winery has significantly increased its activities, with the aim of enabling students to carry out a wide range of winemaking processes.
2008
Since 2008, a two- to four-week summer university program in English has been offered to HES students at partner universities in California, South Africa, Europe, and Australia. The program is repeated every year and has been hugely successful.
2013
The higher education institution for viticulture technicians opened its doors in 2013 with 19 students. Today, the challenge is to consolidate this program.
In September 2013, the first cohort of students enrolled in the Viticulture and Oenology track of the HES-SO Master of Science in Life Sciences program began their studies at Changins.
2014
In early 2014, the Changins engineering school became Changins and repositioned its three schools. The university of applied sciences (HES), the higher education institution (ES), and the wine school each found their rightful place in the national center for higher professional training in viticulture and wine. A new logo was created to represent the whole.
At the start of the academic year that same year, the wine school broke new ground by launching preparatory courses for the Federal Sommelier Certificate, with nearly 20 students enrolled.
2015
With its membership reduced from 32 to 11, the Changins Foundation Board held its first meeting in October 2015. A professional advisory board was created, giving an important role to organizations in the sector.
2016
From June 27 to 30, 2016, in collaboration with HES-SO, Changins is hosting Macrowine, an international symposium on viticulture and oenology, thereby confirming its commitment to international outreach. 200 scientists from around the world are attending.
2017
In May 2017, the university brought together 120 researchers from around the world for the Œnoviti general assembly and organized a symposium on new resistant grape varieties and alternatives to pesticides in viticulture for the production of quality wines.
Launched in 2014 as a research project, the Swiss Wine Market Observatory (OSMV) at Changins became the national center of expertise in wine economics in June 2017.
2018
On January 1, 2018, the HES-SO Bachelor of Science in Oenology became the HES-SO Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Oenology, reflecting the equal value of the skills acquired during the course of study.
In February of the same year, Changins organized the first edition of the Swiss Spirit Awards, a professional competition set up by the European magazine Vinum with the aim of certifying the current quality level of Swiss spirits.
Seven third-year students, accompanied by economics professor Alexandre Mondoux, participated in the first wine economics seminar at Cornell University in the United States from June 18 to 22, 2018.
2019
In September 2019, Changins launched ApéroVinoScience, a series of evening events aimed at the general public and professionals, during which two researchers each give a 20-minute presentation on the practical results of their work. All aspects of wine are covered, and a convivial aperitif afterwards encourages discussion.
2020
Revised and strengthened by a European partnership, the new Master of Science in Life Sciences (MLS) HES-SO program specializing in Viticulture and Oenology began in Changins in September 2020. The first year takes place in Switzerland, and the second at a partner university in Germany, Spain, Italy, or Portugal.
In November 2020, the Changins Foundation Board adopted a vision for 2030. Ambitious and inspiring, it places innovation and sustainability at the heart of its teaching and its institution.
2023
In June 2023, Changins will celebrate its 75th anniversary over three days, bringing together nearly 2,000 participants.
About
Changins is a unique training center in Switzerland and the national center of excellence for higher education in viticulture, winemaking, and arboriculture.
It comprises three schools:
The University of Applied Sciences (HES) offering courses in viticulture and oenology, training students to become oenologists (Bachelor of Science HES-SO in viticulture and oenology, and/or Master of Science in Life Sciences HES-SO specializing in viticulture and oenology, and the Vinifera EuroMaster.
The Higher Education School (ES), which trains students to become winegrowers and winemakers or offers courses leading to certificates and master's degrees in winegrowing, wine cellar management, and arboriculture.
The Wine School (EDV), which offers continuing education courses for amateurs and professionals and leads to a federal sommelier certificate.