“I am going to cure multiple sclerosis!”

A portrait of Britta Engelhardt

Britta Engelhardt is the first woman as director of the Theodor Kocher Institute and has performed research on the brain barriers for almost 40 years. The story of a woman with a mission.

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Intercultural knowledge

All articles about intercultural knowledge

People

Pioneer with a feminist perspective

Sabine Strasser questions rigid thought patterns and strengthens a feminist perspective in science and in the promotion of early career researchers.

A question for Christa Nater

How does a university attract more women to professorships?

It is well researched that “masculine standards” in organizational cultures make it difficult for women to succeed professionally - even at universities. Christa Nater from the Institute of Psychology knows what to do about it.

From Anna Tumarkin to Virginia Richter

The history of women at the University of Bern

Julia Richers and Carmen Scheide critically trace the history of women at the University of Bern. Their expertise in the history of Eastern Europe is illuminating, as there was once a “Russian colony” in Bern.

Scientist portrait

Understanding Islamophobia and anti-Judaism

Katharina Heyden is researching the “co-production” of Christian, Jewish and Islamic traditions. Islamophobia and anti-Judaism, she says, can only be understood through the history of their stereotypes and fears.

Politics and administration

All articles about politics and administration

Scientist portrait

Changing power structures with law

Judith Wyttenbach is a specialist in constitutional and international law. She sees the law as an instrument for changing power structures – and not as dry as many people think. As a mother, however, she sometimes wishes she had a 36-hour day.

Scientist portrait

How people form political opinions

Isabelle Stadelmann-Steffen conducts research into how people make decisions in different political contexts. This is particularly important in Switzerland with its direct democracy. In the video, she also talks about why she works part-time (80%).

World Trade Institute

Will Trump derail world trade?

The World Trade Institute (WTI) has been a major influence on international trade law for 25 years. Founder Thomas Cottier and director of studies Isabelle Van Damme discuss what the Trump presidency means for world trade and what the WTI can contribute to solving the current challenges.

Guest lecture

Edward L. Glaeser asks: what makes cities competitive?

In a lecture at the University of Bern, American economist Edward L. Glaeser discussed the question of how cities can better prepare for challenges. After all, urbanization is increasing, which means there is a need for sufficient housing and efficient infrastructure.

Sustain-
ability

All articles about sustainability

Climate Roadmap 2030

Climate protection with Emmental biogas

The Uni Bern is working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. A contribution is being made to climate protection for emissions that are difficult to avoid. One example of this is the biogas plant on the Schürch family farm in Kirchberg.

Biodiversity

Two new fish species discovered in Swiss waters

The public can take part in a survey to decide on the names of two fish species discovered by Bárbara Calegari and her colleagues. In this interview, the biologist explains where they live and how to make the diversity of our waters visible.

Explainer video

Unstable Atlantic current?

We owe the mild climate in Europe to the North Atlantic Current. But it could weaken as a result of climate change. Climate researcher Jens Terhaar explains in the video whether this is already the case.

Nils Tinner

The mind behind the warning system for tropical nights

The "Bernometer" weather app helps the people of Bern to cope with heatwaves. The initiator of the project is Nils Tinner, a Master's student at the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research.

Matter and universe

All articles on matter and universe

People

Between mysteries and measuring instruments

Salome Gruchola researches the mysteries of space from the laboratory in Bern – and would like to see more women in physics.

Scientist portrait

«As a woman, you are in a male-dominated field»

Biologist Eva Ringler researches the behavior of amphibians and reptiles. In the video, she talks about the hurdles that make it difficult for women to develop their careers.

Scientist portrait

"As a woman, you're often alone but also highly visible"

Audrey Vorburger is a planetary scientist and a mother of three children. In the video, she talks about the search for life beyond Earth and her experiences in a male-dominated professional field.

Scientist portrait

«I am like a molecular architect»

Eva Hevia is researching chemical compounds that combine metals and organic components. Her aim is to develop new molecules in a more sustainable manner. In the video, she talks about the challenges of her role as a professor.

Daniel Batora

Developer of a healthy flavour enhancer

Daniel Batora is a postdoc at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. He wants to use a newly discovered class of plant molecules to help food manufacturers make their products healthier.

FOKUS

Women in Science

Comprehensive equality

From the advancement of women and diversity to equal opportunities

Claudia Willen, head of the Equal Opportunities Office, explains how the University of Bern is setting new priorities in equality and inclusion – going beyond the traditional advancement of women, in which it has been a Swiss pioneer since 1990.

Photography

Future dreams in pictures

Their enthusiasm is clearly seen when they talk about their dream jobs. Our series of photos captures the big dreams of five girls and young women who can imagine a future in science.

Gender roles

First as a woman, then as a man in professional life

What is it like to work in the academic world as a woman or as a man? Law scholar Martin Föhse is familiar with both gender roles: He lived as a woman for ten years, during which time he completed his doctorate and taught. He has been living as a man again for several years now.

University and studies

All articles about university and studies

Better Science Initiative

“Rethinking excellence”

Excellence at the University is to be rethought to make it easier to reconcile an academic career and a family. This is what the “Better Science Initiative” demands, explains Heike Mayer, co-initiator and Vice-Rector of the University of Bern.

Aniversary celebration

Anna Tumarkin – the University of Bern celebrates its pioneer

Many prominent female figures and a packed auditorium: on the occasion of Anna Tumarkin's 150th birthday, the University of Bern honored its first fully-fledged female professor – and thus the first female professor in history.

A question for Katrin Karl

Research and teaching – how do you manage the balancing act?

Balancing research and teaching is challenging. A professor of Slavic linguistics explains what exciting things can come out of it and why she values the exchange with students.

Top athlete Sascha Lehmann

From the climbing wall to the lecture course

The European champion in lead climbing and Olympic participant maintains a balance between top athletic performance and intellectual inquisitiveness. How does he manage to combine his passion for climbing with a challenging course of study at the University of Bern? A glimpse into the everyday life of the athlete.

Health and medicine

All articles about health and medicine

A question for Thomas Nevian

Do women’s and men’s brains differ?

Neurophysiologist Thomas Nevian knows the current state of science on this question.

Equal opportunities

Science and family: New ways of making them compatible

Reconciling a family and an academic career is full of high hurdles and sacrifices. Young doctors and researchers want to change this, supported by initiatives that want to create better framework conditions.

Scientist portrait

“Many diseases are linked to changed microbiota”

Stephanie Ganal-Vonarburg investigates how the gut microbiota can influence the human immune system. In the video, she talks about her research and the challenges of doing science as a mother of young children.

Animal research

A “thank you” to animal caretakers

Researchers and animal caretakers got to know each other at a breakfast at the University of Bern. The aim is to intensify personal contact and make the mutual appreciation of their joint work visible.