The online magazine of the University of Bern

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marianna Kruithof-de Julio focuses on translational cancer research, taking discoveries from the bench to the bedside. In the video, she talks about the choice she had to make as a woman between motherhood and research.

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

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.

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%).

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.

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.