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Beckett’s view of Nazi Germany

Literary discovery

“What a Schererei”: Samuel Beckett’s legendary German Diaries are published for the first time. This edition by the Universities of Bern and Reading reveals the Nobel laureate’s sharp eye for everyday life, language and ideology in Nazi Germany.

To the media release

News

Medicine

Physicians are allowed to express their emotions

A study from Bern shows : When physiciants express their own emotions or share personal experiences during conversations about serious illnesses, they come across as more trustworthy to the Swiss public without compromising their professionalism.

To the media release

Swiss surpluses

Why not let it rain money?

Some Swiss cantons post surpluses year after year. Why doesn't this money simply find its way back into taxpayers' accounts? Economist Pierpaolo Benigno explains why he isn't convinced by the idea.

To the uniAKTUELL interview

Studies

Admissions Office (ZIB)

For prospective students

Looking for the right subject of study?

Discover the Online-Self-Assessments

Spring semester 2026

Renewal of Semester Registration

Now open

People

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)

Research is not a luxury

For a sustainable future

Maddy Thakur studies how climate change is affecting biodiversity. He explains that his work is essential for gaining knowledge, taking preventive measures, and ensuring a livable future.

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

Research

Research at a glance

Medicine

A strict gatekeeper in the gut

Researchers in Bern show that fecal transplant success depends not on quantity or diversity of gut bacteria, but on whether a few suitable strains permanently colonize the gut. This could make microbiome therapies more targeted.

To the media release

Digital medicine

Bernese AI-tool improves quality of medical research

Bernese researchers have developed an AI model that calculates the risk of postoperative infections just seconds after surgery and even more accurately than previous models. This allows at-risk patients to be identified early and monitored in a targeted way.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

UniBE AIMday

Rethinking Food Systems

On October 15, 2026, researchers will have the opportunity to discuss real-world challenges related to food systems directly with organizations from the private and public sectors as well as civil society, and to plan potential collaborations.

Innovation Office, EngagedUniBE, ENLIGHT

Innovation

9 Inno Grants to transform society

Strategies to combat heat and insomnia, insights into research progress, personalized therapies, support for business and local energy production—nine ideas from the University of Bern are being implemented thanks to Inno Grants.

Innovation Office

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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