Medieval prints on digital platforms

Places at the University of Bern

The Center Historical Collections at the University of Bern catalogs and preserves centuries-old materials and makes them digitally accessible – A look behind the scenes.

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Matter and universe

All articles on matter and universe

Universe

CHEOPS detects a new planetary "disorder"

The latest discovery by the CHEOPS space telescope calls into question the current understanding of planet formation.

Universe

Streaks on Mercury show: Mercury is not a "dead planet"

A study by the University of Bern has discovered bright streaks on Mercury that are presumably caused by the outgassing of volatile material. This indicates that Mercury is not a dead planet, but could be geologically active.

Astronomy

Even sharper images from the Zimmerwald Observatory

Air turbulence impairs observations of the universe from Earth. The Swiss Confederation has granted CHF 3 million to the Zimmerwald Observatory to support the development of an optical system that will correct the disruptive effects in real time.

Sustainable water management

Humans and environment exacerbate drought in southern Spain

The Axarquía region in southern Spain experienced an extreme water crisis between 2019 and 2024. Victoria Junquera from the University of Bern sheds light on the causes.

Planetary sciences

Jonas Kühn captures images of very distant planets

Professor of Astronomical Instrumentation Jonas Kühn has developed a new type of instrument. It is based on liquid crystals, as we know them from smartphones, and will image planets outside our solar system on a new telescope.

MicroBooNE collaboration

No evidence of sterile neutrinos

There is no evidence for the existence of sterile neutrinos – a fourth type of the elementary neutrino particle. This is shown by the international MicroBooNE collaboration at the US research center Fermilab with the participation of the University of Bern.

2025 Einstein Lectures

The Nobel Laureate Who Makes Molecular Movies

This year’s Einstein Lectures involve sharp shooting. But not bullets, of course. It’s ultrashort laser pulses. On three evenings in Bern, physicist Donna Strickland explains how her Nobel-winning inventions enrich science and medicine.

Intercultural knowledge

All articles about intercultural knowledge

Slowing Climate Change

Improving our understanding of environmental behavior by examining the brain

Human behavior is a major driver of climate change. Consequently, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of how individuals make environmental decisions. Two researchers from the University of Bern demonstrate how neuroscientific approaches may contribute to the development of more effective climate protection strategies.

An underestimated source of power

Humor makes life easier

Humor helps to reduce stress, strengthens relationships and protects the psyche. Developmental psychologist Pasqualina Perrig-Chiello shows why humor is much more than just entertainment, how we can use it meaningfully in everyday life, and how we can train it in a targeted way.

Is laughing allowed?

What a story about religious humor reveals

Throughout history, Jews, Christians and Muslims have laughed more at each other than with each other. A legend about three travel companions provides an insight into the background.

Women’s Health

Menstruation and Menopause: A Workplace Taboo

Periods and menopause make adaptations in the workplace necessary: Studies by gynecologist Petra Stute and gender researcher Christine Bigler show us where are the areas that need improving and what are the needs of the female body.

University and studies

All articles about university and studies

Groundbreaking climate research

University of Bern and ETH Zurich lead new National Center of Competence in Research

The University of Bern and ETH Zurich are leading the new National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR CLIM+ on climate and weather extremes. Researchers from the University of Bern are also involved in the NCCR Genesis.

2025 – What will remain?

Reviewing 2025 with Virginia Richter

Rector Virginia Richter reflects on a memorable year, sharing her defining moments of 2025 and discussing what 2026 holds for the University of Bern.

Simon Wieland

Javelin, university studies, top achievement

Javelin thrower Simon Wieland recently catapulted himself to the top with a record throw. He’s now aiming for his bachelor’s degree at the University of Bern.

A question for Andreas Michel

How important is humor for professional success?

Andreas Michel is Head of HR Development and Recruiting at the University of Bern and explains how humor can be used profitably in the workplace and what needs to be considered when doing so.

Obituary

Prof. em. Dr Martin Täuber (1951—2025)

The news of Martin Täuber’s death was met with great sadness and dismay. The former Rector passed away on December 7, 2025, after a long and serious illness.

FOKUS

Funny, isn't it?

In focus

Have you laughed today?

When and how often we laugh depends, among other things, on our age, our environment, and our expectations. A look at the data shows how these factors work—and what they trigger in us.

Machine laughter

Do ChatGPT and Co. understand humor?

Language models such as ChatGPT know millions of jokes. But do they understand why they are funny, or do they just pretend they do? Malte Elson deals with the psychology of digitalization and knows the answer.

Is laughing allowed?

What a story about religious humor reveals

Throughout history, Jews, Christians and Muslims have laughed more at each other than with each other. A legend about three travel companions provides an insight into the background.

Health and medicine

All articles about health and medicine

Prepared for the next pandemic

«You hope you'll never need the insurance»

After 18 intensive months, enrollment for the 'Bern, get ready' (BEready) study has been completed. This globally unique collection of data on infectious diseases in humans and pets is intended to help mitigate the effects of the next pandemic.

Sleep research

How skin temperature influences our brain states

For the first time, Bernese researchers have demonstrated how temperature stimuli from the skin are processed in the brain. The findings enhance our understanding of sleep-wake regulation and pave the way for new therapeutic approaches, e.g. for narcolepsy.

Social and Preventive Medicine

Sex and Gender: The Path to better medicine

Angèle Gayet-Ageron, Director of the Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) at the University of Bern, explains why sex and gender need to be systematically taken into account in medical research.

Humor and health

Laughter connects and relaxes

Does laughter really promote healing? Neurologist Claudio Bassetti answers this question and explains how he uses humor in communication and even in the diagnosis of diseases.

Diabetes

Low blood sugar detected by speaking into a smartphone

Diabetes can be accompanied by dangerous low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Recordings with an ordinary smartphone microphone could make diabetes management safer and easier in the future.

Politics and administration

All articles about politics and administration

Satire under pressure

Between freedom of expression and censorship

Geneva-based cartoonist Patrick Chappatte and Bern-based media lawyer Franz Zeller discuss the limits of freedom of expression and the role of political satire at a time when traditional media are coming under increasing pressure.

Institute of Marketing and Business Management

Conscious and satisfying gift-giving

The Christmas gift season has been in full swing since Black Friday, if not before. Discounts and emotions tempt people to make impulse purchases. Which strategies help us to make more conscious decisions on online platforms and in stores?

Law

Human Rights Law Clinic: Putting human rights into practice

The Human Rights Law Clinic of the University of Bern was the first Swiss law clinic to work exclusively with real cases. We visited them – and learned what sets their curriculum apart and what inspires their students.

Sender: Bern Education Commission

Wishes and expectations from politicians

Seven members of the Education Commission of the Cantonal Parliament write to the University of Bern. They describe their view of the role of the University within the education system, its responsibility to society, and also their idea of how visible and accessible a university should be today.

Sustain-
ability

All articles about sustainability

Hans Sigrist Prize 2025

“We can’t expect judges to save us”

The Norwegian-German law professor, Christina Voigt, has been awarded the University of Bern’s Hans Sigrist Prize worth 100 000 Swiss Francs. This honor recognizes her achievements in advancing international climate law.

2nd Bern Climate Law Conference

Climate protection in the gray area

Watching Netflix, eating tropical fruits, wearing cheap fashion—most greenhouse gas emissions are caused by imported goods and services. A conference at the University of Bern is focusing on these "gray emissions".

United Nations Ocean Conference 2025

The ocean is at its limit – but there is still hope

Heating, deep-sea mining, vulnerable ecosystems: In this interview, climate researcher Thomas Frölicher explains what is going on with the ocean, what glimmers of hope there are and why this is important for Switzerland.

Successful search for the oldest ice

Traveling back 1.2 million years with Antarctic ice

A team from twelve European research institutions in Antarctica has succeeded in retrieving ice cores containing climate information from the past 1.2 million years and more. The University of Bern played an important role in this scientific breakthrough.

Part-time, participatory, ecological

Modern timber industry in the Bern region

The timber industry is regarded as sluggish and not very innovative. Unfairly so: Three Bern-based carpentry companies are adding value to local raw materials in peripheral regions and offering future-oriented working models. This is demonstrated by research conducted by the Department of Economic Geography at the University of Bern.

People

Research at the end of the world

Barbara Seth found the oldest ice on Earth as part of a research team and is helping to learn more about climate history.

Scientist portrait

“Our neighborhood network is our greatest help”

Olivia Romppainen-Martius studies the effects of climate change on extreme weather events. In the video, she explains what helps her to spend time with her daughters despite the demands of her job.