Münchenwiler seminar

Each spring, a weekend seminar is held in the Münchenwiler castle. The seminar provides members of the university with an opportunity of continuing education and self reflection and also provides a platform for developing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary questioning and skills in teaching and research.

Activism and Engagement – How Far Can the Academy Go?

Friday, May 8 to Saturday, May 9, 2026

When we talk about climate change, pandemics, or the distribution of wealth, many scholars find that their research is relevant to policy and public discourse. While some scholars argue that the scientific community must promote impartiality and objectivity and discourage activism, other scholars advocate specific policies, engage as scientists in political action, and understand their role to include persuading others to believe and act accordingly.

But how far can scholars go without compromising the rigorous standards of science? Can they be advocates of political interests, or should they keep to delivering objective information? How critical can they be without sacrificing science’s aspirations to neutrality? What is objectivity precisely, and how does it relate to broader values? At the Münchenwiler seminar 2026 we aim to discuss the confines within which scientists’ engagement with wider society can be fruitful and legitimate. We have invited speakers from a variety of academic disciplines to reflect on their experience and their self-perception, and the seminar is open to all members of the academic staff.

The seminar is open to all members of the teaching and research staff including doctoral and post-doctoral researchers at the University of Bern. Participation is free of charge.

Further information will be available in January 2026.

Program committee

Prof. Dr. Dr. Claus Beisbart, Institute of Philosophy
Prof. Dr. Heike Mayer, Vice-Rectorate Quality and Sustainable Development
Prof. Dr. Olivia Romppainen-Martius, Institute of Geography
Prof. Dr. Jens Schlieter, Unit for the Science of Religion
Sara Bloch, Collegium generale