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What if things had turned out differently?

Zeitgedanken with Florian Illies

As part of the «Zeitgedanken» event series, the Burgergemeinde Bern and the University of Bern invite you to an evening with Florian Illies on 20 May 2026. At Casino Bern, he will explore what we can learn from the contingency and contradictions of the past for our understanding of the present.

Event details

News

UniBE talks

Research in uncertain times

At the "UniBE talks" on May 6, researchers and members of the university management discussed the impact of geopolitical upheavals on science. The focus was on uncertainty, international cooperation and the increasing pressure to make decisions in research.

To the uniAKTUELL article (in German)

Bern's Largest Housing Project

The Viererfeld Becomes a Research Laboratory

Within 20 years, 3,000 people are expected to live in Bern's Viererfeld. The Institute of Geography has launched research projects to monitor the transformation of this land reserve in the northern part of the city into a new neighborhood.

To the uniAKTUELL article (in German)

Strategy

Publication of the annual report 2025

Last year, the University of Bern strengthened its position as a leading international university despite financial challenges.

View annual report

Top women philosophers

Jennifer Lackey gives Anna Tumarkin Lectures

When we give others too little credibility, more than truth is lost. From May 5 to 7, Jennifer Lackey shows how bias becomes injustice—and how “rounder stories” can help repair the harm.

To the uniAKTUELL article (in German)

People

Brain health

Recognition for commitment to brain health

Neurologist Claudio Bassetti has been awarded the honorary title of “Huésped de Honor” in Buenos Aires. With this distinction, the Argentine capital honours international personalities who have rendered outstanding services to science and society.

To the media release (in German)

Planetology

«The theory, the abstract fascinates me.»

Astrophysicist Oliver Schib researches how planets form – and shows in a new model how the gas and dust disks around young stars develop and how instabilities can lead directly to the formation of giant planets.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Language

More than small talk: Communicating better at work

Speak clearly, listen attentively, defuse conflicts: Eva Schürch from the Institute of Psychology teaches conversation management and gives in the video tips and tricks for good communication in everyday working life.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Biosafety

Trusted expertise for safer laboratories

Kathrin Summermatter was a member of a WHO expert panel investigating the origins of COVID-19. In the interview, she discusses her role as a biosafety expert and explains why the University of Bern’s involvement with the WHO is important.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Physics

Dancing with the elementary particles

Thomas Becher deals with "short distances and high energies": What happens when protons collide with each other at almost the speed of light? In search of answers, the physicist has moved from Bern to the USA - and back again.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

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)

Studies

Admissions Office (ZIB)

Between lectures

Creative Learning Spaces at UniBE

Exploring the Campus

Student exchange

Application SEMP (Erasmus) studies

Starting May 15

Exam period

Tips for avoiding stress

Universities of Bern Counselling Centre

Research

Research at a glance

Medicine

How abdominal immune cells "remotely control" the healing of wounds

Bernese researchers show that immune cells in the abdomen can accelerate the healing of skin wounds, even in distant parts of the body. The results offer new possibilities for predicting and treating wound healing disorders after surgery.

To the media release

Medicine

Liver diseases continue to rise

Nearly 780 people die from liver disease every day in Europe – many of these deaths would be preventable. An international analysis with Bernese participation shows that behind this development are not only medical, but also social and health policy factors.

To the media release (in German)

Climate change

More intense ice ages due to weakening ocean currents

Researchers show that slower ocean currents in the North Atlantic played a decisive role in causing longer and more intense ice ages. The results could help to better understand future climate change scenarios as well.

To the media release

Universe

Between eternal night and day: climate maps of two Earth relatives

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, an international team has created detailed climate maps of two Earth-like planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. Extreme temperature differences between day and night indicate that they lack dense atmospheres.

To the press release (only 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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