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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

Digital communication

Does my smartphone shape how I speak?

Sociolinguist Florian Busch researches how digital technologies change our use of language and create innovative forms of communication.

To the article

Equal opportunity

Reflecting Together on Racism in Higher Education

To the uniAKTUELL article (in German)

University

"Justice and fairness are core values for me"

Christoph Pappa has shaped the University of Bern for 21 years as Secretary General and Head of Legal Services – as a legal framework provider, political guide and first point of contact in crises. Now he is stepping down – but will remain connected to the university.

To the uniAKTUELL article

People

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)

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)

Studies

Admissions Office (ZIB)

Space Science

New Space Master builds on Bernese Space Heritage

The University of Bern’s newly established Master’s program “Space Sciences and Astronomy” begins in the Fall of 2026. Director of Studies Andrea Fortier talks about Bernese space heritage and what makes the Master's so unique.

The online magazine of the University of Bern

Short term mobility

Liven up your studies!

Application window now open

Research

Research at a glance

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)

Cell Biology

Nematodes show how lack of food shapes offspring

A study by the University of Bern shows: The nutritional conditions of a nematode mother influence the growth of her offspring. If she receives less food, she equips her offspring with fewer ribosomes, causing them to grow more slowly at first.

The media release

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

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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