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What constitutes language?

In focus

What do we mean when we talk about language? And how do we differentiate ourselves from animals and plants – and from artificial intelligence?

Read the uniAKTUELL article

News

Linguistics

The Scholar and “Matten English”

Linguist Florian Matter from the University of Bern visited the “Matten English Club.” uniAKTUELL accompanied the researcher as he explored the historical play language at the “Wöschhüsi.” What did he discover?

To the uniAKTUELL article (in German)

How do I say it?

Strategies for tough conversations

Applying for a job, breaking up, talking about money: some conversations can be difficult for us —partly because they overwhelm us. Experts from the University of Bern offer advice and explain why silence can sometimes be better.

Read the uniAKTUELL article (in German)

Law

Criminal prosecution: How to question?

In an interview with uniAKTUELL, criminal law expert Jonas Weber explains why he is dedicating the 10th Police Law Conference to questioning practices. The Méndez principles will be discussed there. What would they mean for Switzerland?

To the article

New research agreement

We want to move away from purely quantitative criteria

The University of Bern has signed an international agreement on reforming research assessment. In the interview, Andrew Chan explains the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment and its significance for early career researchers.

To the article

People

A winding career path

Climate researcher with a background in craftsmanship

As a climate scientist, Patrick Bigler has developed a mobile measuring tower that will enable more precise measurements of the urban climate in Bern. And as a trained metalworker, he is also constructing it himself.

The online magazine of the University of Bern (in German)

Top-level sport & studies

Javelin throw, studies, top performance

Simon Wieland is currently Switzerland's best javelin thrower – and studies at the University of Bern. 2025 was his most successful year to date. He revealed his achievements and his goals for 2026 in an interview with “uniAKTUELL”.

The online magazine of the University of Bern (in German)

Innovation

"I am grateful to be part of a dynamic community of innovators."

Planning a radiotherapy is a complex process with multiple iterations, resulting in patients having to wait for the therapy to begin. With his project, Amith Kamath aims to both speed up the process and enable treating physicians to track and quantify radiation effects in real-time based on contouring, ensuring maximum safety and efficiency. At the University of Bern, he finds a very supportive environment for the implementation of this goal.

To the interview

Medicine

“Sex and gender must be taken into account in research from the outset.”

Recognizing heart attacks, the right dosage of medication: Angèle Gayet-Ageron from the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Bern on why sex and gender should no longer be a blind spot in research and medicine.

The online magazine of the University of Bern (in German)

Innovation

"The product must be 100% user-centered"

Making hand therapy entertaining so that patients want to continue practicing at home – Samuel Knobel is realizing this vision with an egg-shaped training device and accompanying tablet software. His greatest motivation is to help people regain the dexterity they need for activities of daily living.

Read more

Sustainability

“We can’t expect judges to save us”

The Norwegian-German law professor, Christina Voigt, has been awarded the University of Bern’s Hans Sigrist Prize worth 100 000 Swiss Francs. This honor recognizes her achievements in advancing international climate law.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Innovation

“Our work could one day save lives”

A breakthrough discovery during her PhD has motivated Hang Gander-Bui to develop a drug compound that could become a game-changer in combatting fungal sepsis. Instead of fighting the fungus, the immunologist with a specialization in infectious diseases plans to reset the body’s own immune system to fend off the deadly infection.

Read more

Studies

Admissions Office (ZIB)

Career Service FS 26 program

Everything for your professional future at a glance!

Click here to register

Kickstart your research career!

Portal for Junior Academics – skills, funding, career paths

Find out more

Master’s open days 2026

Next Step: Master's Programs – A Look Back at the 2026 Master's open days

The online magazine of the University of Bern (in German)

Research

Research at a glance

Plant Science

Succulents as role models: new opportunities for plants under drought?

Researchers at the University of Bern have decoded how an inconspicuous succulent plant regulates its CO₂ uptake via the leaf surface so that it receives enough of it for photosynthesis without losing too much water.

To the media release

Biodiversity

How species-poor meadows become more colorful again

Researchers from the University of Bern tested various methods for restoring plant diversity in meadows and showed that they are effective: After four years, all the methods used had led to effective restoration, with an increase of 29 percent in the species.

To the media release

Psychology

Misogynistic media content reinforces negative reactions

Men and women have similar negative reactions towards women while consuming misogynistic media content. This is the result of a comprehensive meta-study by Christa Nater.

To the media release

Universe

From dust to planets

A research team has provided the first experimental evidence – obtained during parabolic flights in zero gravity – that a key physical process actually occurs under conditions similar to those in planet formation regions.

To the media release

Weiteres

Vice-Rectorate Teaching

Teaching Hub

The Teaching Hub offers you support in designing and administering your teaching. Find basics, methods, tools, advice, and support services quickly and tailored to your current needs.

Access to the Teaching Hub (in German)

International exchange opportunities

The University of Bern has over 300 partner universities all over the world. Find out from two of our students why they loved studying abroad.

University of Bern Internationals

Building bridges with Africa

Initiative Afrique

Our redesigned platform reflects our continued growth and commitment to showcasing how the University of Bern, together with African, European, and Swiss partners, advances cross-continental and interdisciplinary research collaborations with Africa.

Discover more about us here

Office for Equal Opportunities

Advisory service guide

The University of Bern now offers all employees a comprehensive counseling guide. This provides a clear overview of the wide range of counseling services and contact points available and helps employees quickly find the right support. A workshop will be held on October 21 from 12:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to present the counseling services available.

Learn more

Lifelong Learning

Continuing Education Programme 2026

Choose from over 140 continuing education programmes – tailored, practice-oriented and research-based.

Continuing education portal (in German)

War in Ukraine

Information and support

The University of Bern strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and supports Ukrainian students and researchers.

War in Ukraine

This is Bern

Learn more

The University of Bern is closely associated with the Swiss capital city of Bern. Academic excellence has earned Bern an international reputation. A large variety of education, sport and cultural opportunities as well as high living and environmental standards make Bern an attractive place for undergraduates, researchers and doctoral students.

Master’s open days

March 17-19, 2026

Ready to focus? Find out more about the master’s degree programs! Exchange ideas with students and lecturers, receive tips, and explore the university on site or online.

Register for the master’s open days today!

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