Faculty of Science

Research competence centers

Albert Einstein Center for Fundamental Physics (AEC)

Picture of the AEC Employees

The aim of the AEC is to explore the fundamental laws of physics. The main topics are experimental and theoretical particle physics and its applications, the central research areas are neutrino and astroparticle physics, particle physics at high-energy accelerators, quantum field theory and gravitation, applications of particle physics methods.

Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM)

Laboratory samples in a machine

The Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM) and its members create a robust precision medicine approach to treating patients in health and disease

Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)

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The objectives of the CDE are defined in six thematic fields - the so-called clusters - in which the CDE aims to create added value. The Centre strives for internationally recognised excellence in specialised sustainability research in (i) natural resources and ecosystem services, (ii) social, cultural and economic inequalities, and (iii) governance of land and natural resources. Furthermore, the competence centre should also be recognised for researching sustainable development from a comprehensive and integral perspective: (iv) impact analysis of global change, (v) creation of sustainability innovations, and (vi) specific education and training in sustainable development.

Center for Regional Economic Development (CRED)

Switzerland map

The Center for Regional Economic Development (CRED) is an interdepartmental center for research, teaching and consulting on issues of regional economic development. The CRED is a group of scientists who deal with regional economic development from an economic, economic-geographical, business management and tourism perspective. The work of CRED Affiliates is based on current scientific methods and at the same time has a clear practical relevance. CRED sees itself as a scientific partner for regional, cantonal, national and international public and private bodies.

Center for Space and Habitablity (CSH)

Picture of the building in which the CSH resides

The mission of the Center for Space and Habitability (CSH) is to foster dialogue and interactions between the various scientific disciplines interested in the formation, detection and characterization of other worlds within and beyond the Solar System, our search for life elsewhere in the Universe, and its implications for disciplines outside of the sciences. Our members, affiliates and collaborators include astronomers, astrophysicists and astrochemists, atmospheric, climate and planetary scientists, geologists and geophysicists, biochemists and philosophers. We are home to the CSH and Bernoulli Fellowships, which host young, dynamic and talented researchers from all over the world to conduct independent research. We actively run a series of programs to stimulate interdisciplinary research within the University of Bern, Switzerland, including collaborations and/or open dialogue with Medicine, Philosophy and Theology. We are poised to be the Bernese node of the future Swiss Institute of Planetary Science (SIPS) in 2026. We are active in implementing gender equality measures and public outreach.

Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (OCCR)

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The Oeschger Centre is clearly positioned in the broad field of climate science. It focuses on the climate system and its interactions with society and the economy. The research comprises four closely interlinked core areas: the long-term development and dynamics of the climate system, the climate of the past, present and future, the consequences of climate change for important terrestrial ecosystems, the consequences of climate change for the economy and society, and the strategies to be derived for adaptation and mitigation.