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Bodies: Conceptions and Boundaries

University for Everyone

What counts as healthy, normal, or beautiful? A lecture series explores how ideas about the body are shaped by history, culture, and science—and how bodies are measured, optimized, represented, and experienced.

Collegium generale

News

Swiss language history

Family names tell stories

What do family names reveal about our origins? The new Atlas of Family Names in German-speaking Switzerland uses over 500 maps to show how dialects, occupations, and migration have shaped our names. It was developed at the University of Bern.

To the media release (in german)

Master’s in Business Administration

In-Demand Skills Despite AI

Across Switzerland, the unemployment rate for those with a master’s degree in business administration has risen from 3.5% to 8.5% within two years. At the University of Bern, however, it remains low at 3.1%. Why is that? Christian Matt analyzes the current trends.

To the uniAKTUELL article

Geology

Diamonds for research donated to the University of Bern

The University of Bern is receiving one of the world's largest diamond collections for research and teaching. Among other things, it will contribute to the discovery of new minerals and provide information on the formation of Earth's interior.

To the media release

Research

Research at a glance

Cellular biology

Fungal toxin blocks protein production in cells

Researchers at the University of Bern have discovered a fungal toxin that inhibits protein production in human cells. The discovery provides valuable insights into one of the most fundamental cellular mechanisms and opens up new therapeutic avenues.

To the media release

Neuromorphic computing

Novel learning mechanism for brain-inspired networks

An international research team led by the University of Bern has developed a learning mechanism that could make brain-inspired computer systems more efficient and help improve our understanding of learning processes in the brain.

To the media release

AI and Robotics

Who is responsible when an AI drone crashes?

Self-driving cars, delivery drones, and robots are increasingly shaping our everyday lives – and sometimes cause accidents. An AI expert and a philosopher discuss whether AI-controlled machines can be held responsible for this.

Read the interview

Evolution

Study reveals adaptation to be surprisingly local

A study by the University of Bern shows: Populations of the same fish species are more fine-tuned to their local environments than believed. Habitats that appear nearly identical to us can therefore make a decisive difference in evolution.

To the media release

Studies

Admissions Office (ZIB)

Career Service program

Everything for your professional future at a glance!

Click here to register

New students: Unsure about your choice of subjects?

You can still change your major until 10/15/26.

Check the requirements

People

Symposium on Criminology and Diversity

“Without Data, All We’re Left With Is Gut Feelings”

Criminologist Ineke Pruin explores how criminology addresses issues such as gender, migration, and mental health. In an interview with uniAKTUELL, she explains what needs to change.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Research is not a luxury

Preparing for the Next Pandemic

Nicola Low, a professor of epidemiology and public health, conducts research on communicable diseases and their prevention. She explains in the video that this also helps prepare for potential health crises.

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

Cell Biology

Tracking down the encapsulated genetic material

Cell biologist Peter Meister has been studying how our genome is organized within the cell nucleus for more than 20 years. A special type of nematode is helping him unravel this mystery.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Research is not a luxury

Learning from historical crises

Mirko Nowak, professor of Near Eastern Archaeology, studies ancient Mesopotamia, among other topics, and explains how he uses his excavations to draw conclusions about how early societies responded to water shortages and other crises.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Elite Sports and College Studies

Angeline Favre: First a Master’s Degree, Then the Olympics

Angeline Favre, an épée fencer on the Swiss national team and a master’s student at the University of Bern, successfully balances sports and her studies. Both areas require her full concentration and dedication. /

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Research is not a luxury

Understanding the building blocks of the universe

Michele Weber studies the elementary particles of the universe and the forces between them. In the video, he explains how his research generates fundamental knowledge and drives technological advancements.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Research is not a luxury

Lessons from Theater History

Theater historian Beate Hochholdinger Reiterer explains what insights she has gained from her research that are relevant to the present day – and why these insights are significant for society.

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

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.

University of Bern for

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