Faculty of Medicine

Current

PD Dr. med. et MME Roman Hari is going to take up the position as “Lehrdekan” (“Dean of Teaching”) at the Medical Faculty

PD Dr. med. Hari is going to take up the position as “Lehrdekan” (“Dean of Teaching”), a newly created position at the Medical Faculty, as of February 2023. He was elected by the Faculty Council on November 16, 2022. Since 2014, PD Dr. med. Hari has been working at the Bern Institute of Primary Health Care BIHAM. In 2016, he took up the position as Head of Teaching at BIHAM and in the same year, he obtained the Master of Medical Education MME. In 2021, he habilitated in primary healthcare with a focus on medical teaching. Besides his academic duties, he is primary care physician and consultant for general internal medicine at the Regionalspital Emmental in Burgdorf. Already now, the Medical Faculty wishes PD Dr. med. Hari all the best in his new position and looks forward to working with him.

Information Event December 8, 2022 on Horizon Europe Health Work Programme for 2023-2024

In the upcoming Horizon Europe Health Work Programme for 2023-2024 there will be several collaborative calls on pandemic preparedness with the first deadlines in April 2023. For researchers based at a Swiss host institution, it is possible to join a consortium and receive direct funding from the Swiss government. The Grants Office / Euresearch Office University of Bern is organizing an information event to provide you with details on these calls and an opportunity for discussion and questions. The event will take place on 8 December (14:00-17:00 including an Apéro) in the Kuppelraum of the main university building (Hochschulstrasse 4). For futher information, please contact the Grants Office.

Successful participation of the Medical Faculty at the University of Bern's “Nacht zum Berufsteinstieg” 2022.

The Vice Dean Research, Prof. Mercader, the Dean Prof. Bassetti and Prof. Porz, Head of Medical Ethics and Continuing Medical Education, Insel Gruppe, participated at the University of Bern’s “Nacht zum Berufseinstieg” 2022 together with three representatives of the Student Council, Florin Kalberer, Arlette Journeaux and Nicole Wyss Fonseca. Topics, which were discussed in an informal setting, included the desire for a 42-hour work week for assistant physicians, research opportunities during and after studies, and a career in teaching.

Manuela Funke-Chambour wins Ewald Weibel Research Award

Prof. Manuela Funke-Chambour, MD, Chief Physician at the Department of Pneumology at Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, and University of Bern wins the Ewald Weibel Research Award. The researcher focuses on changes in lung tissue and is now being honored for her pioneering work in the field of fibrotic lung diseases. (Image: Insel Gruppe)

Interview with Prof. C. Gebhard on gender medicine in «Der Bund» on September 26, 2022 (in German): «Es wird von Frauen erwartet, dass sie sich hinten anstellen»

Fritz and Ursula Melchers Postdoctoral Award goes to Dr. Tim Rollenske

Dr. Tim Rollenske receives the 2022 Fritz and Ursula Melchers Award for his research on the role of intestinal mucosal antibodies in the reciprocal relationship between host and microorganisms. He was able to show in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Andrew Macpherson how secretory IgA antibodies keep intestinal microbes under control. The findings could make an important contribution to the development of better vaccines and have been highly ranked published in the journal Nature

Better understanding of the development of intestinal diseases

Bacteria in the small intestine adapt dynamically to our nutritional state, with individual species disappearing and reappearing. Researchers at the University of Bern and University Hospital Bern have now been able to comprehensively study the bacteria of the small intestine and their unique adaptability for the first time. The findings contribute to a better understanding of intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease and to the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Discovering New Cancer Treatments in the “Dark Matter” of the Human Genome

Discovering New Cancer Treatments in the “Dark Matter” of the Human Genome

Researchers of the University of Bern and the Insel Hospital, University Hospital Bern, have developed a screening method to discover new drug targets for cancer treatment in the so-called “Dark Matter” of the genome. They applied their method to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the greatest cancer killer for which effective therapies are urgently sought. They could show that inhibiting identified targets could greatly slow down cancer growth, and their method is adaptable to other cancers.

New interfaculty Assistant Professor with Tenure Track for Machine Learning for Medicine at the Faculty of Science and Medical Faculty

New interfaculty Assistant Professor with Tenure Track for Machine Learning for Medicine at the Faculty of Science and Medical Faculty

Prof. Athina Tzovara has been elected by the University Executive Board as Assistant Professor TT in the field of Machine Learning in Medicine, effective September 1, 2022. The assistant professorship is held interfaculty by the Faculty of Science and the Medical Faculty. The Medical Faculty congratulates her on her election!

Prof. C. L. A. Bassetti received the Doctor Honoris causa of the University Iuliu Hatjeganu in Cluj-Napoca, Romania on 21 September 2022. Congratulations!

Prof. C. L. A. Bassetti received the Doctor Honoris causa of the University Iuliu Hatjeganu in Cluj-Napoca, Romania on 21 September 2022. Congratulations!

CAIM Research Symposium 2022

CAIM Research Symposium 2022

On 24 November 2022, CAIM will host a research symposium (CAIM Research Symposium) for its members from the University, Insel Gruppe AG, UPD and sitem-insel. The symposium will be held in the University's Kuppelsaal in the morning. It is intended to provide an opportunity for networking between all AI researchers in the field of medicine at our medical site in Bern.

CAIM Research Awards 2022

CAIM Research Awards 2022

On the occasion of the CAIM Research Symposium 2022, CAIM will for the first time present two research awards to Master and PhD students in this field in the categories "Translational Research" and "Diversity for AI Research in Medicine". The two winning projects will each receive CHF 500.00 from the “Standortförderung Bern” and the translational project will also receive coaching from be-advanced. Applications can be submitted until 7 November 2022.

Excellence needs equal opportunities! Excellence is the maxim for action in science.

Excellence needs equal opportunities! Excellence is the maxim for action in science.

The Better Science initiative calls for a new scientific culture enabling everyone to work excellently. Simultaneously to the ongoing initiative of the University of Bern, the Equal Opportunity Coordinator of the Med. Dean's Office - Ms. Svea Lehmann - was invited by the Clinic Director and Chief Physician of Neuroradiology (Prof. J. Gralla) to a lunch symposium. At this event, Ms. Lehmann presented the current gender equality measures of the Medical Faculty Bern and showed further options of gender equality promoting measures that could be taken by a clinic or an institute.

„DAIM Lunch Talk“ on 18 October 2022

„DAIM Lunch Talk“ on 18 October 2022

ARTORG Center and Center for AI in Medicine invite you on the scientific lunch talk „DAIM Lunch Talk“ with Dr. Lisa Koch, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen. When: 18 October 2022, 12.00-13.10h Where: ARTORG Center, Murtenstrasse 50, F 502 & online The event is free of charge, participation is possible online or in person. Registration required.

Bern and Ticino join forces in human medicine

Bern and Ticino join forces in human medicine

The Medical Faculty of the University of Bern and the Biomedical Faculty of the Università della Svizzera Italiana USI will cooperate in future in the training of students in human medicine. From 2023, students from Ticino will be able to complete a bachelor's degree in human medicine in Bern.

From niche to world leader: 100 years Dentistry in Bern

From niche to world leader: 100 years Dentistry in Bern

Founded amidst resistance in 1921, the School of Dental Medicine of the University of Bern (ZMK) is today among the most renowned centers of their kind in the world. Hendrik Meyer-Lückel, Executive Director of the ZMK, tells what makes Bernese dentistry unique.

Technological advances in cancer therapy  

Technological advances in cancer therapy

Researchers from the University of Bern and Inselspital provide an overview of the latest technologies in precision oncology. Translating these into clinical application is still a major challenge. With research projects, the Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM) contributes to bringing technological progress to the patient.

Young Investigator Grant for cancer research

Young Investigator Grant for cancer research

We congratulate Dr. Roberta Esposito from the Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR) and the Clinic for Medical Oncology for being granted 100’000 CHF to develop her research on cancer with the support from the Béatrice Ederer-Weber foundation. Her research will use patient derived organoids to study the role of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer.

Two Bernese researchers receive SNSF Advanced Grant

Two Bernese researchers receive SNSF Advanced Grant

Neuropsychologist Katharina Henke and evolutionary biologist Katie Peichel are each receiving a highly endowed SNSF Advanced Grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Their research projects deal with the ability to remember despite amnesia and the predictability of evolution. Klick on the link below to read the media release of the University of Bern.

New lectureship and research focus on patient safety

New lectureship and research focus on patient safety

Thanks to the support of the Swiss Medical Association FMH, the University of Bern is able to establish a lectureship and a research focus on patient safety at the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM). As of June 1, 2022, Prof. Dr. David Schwappach has taken over the leadership of the new research focus. Klick on the link below to read the media release of the University of Bern (in German).

3 mio CHF for collaborations between clinicians and basic biologists

3 mio CHF for collaborations between clinicians and basic biologists

The first TANDEM grant call received 28 applications from clinician-basic researcher pairs across Switzerland, each jointly addressing a question of direct clinical relevance, from two angles: that of understanding molecular mechanism and of directly improving cancer patient care. The awardees include 6 women (of 13), participating in Tandem teams from Zurich, Bern, Lausanne and Geneva. Interinstitutional, as well as interdisciplinary projects took the day, with the recipients of this generous grant planning to collaborate intensely between bench and bedside.

Bernese scientist selected for WHO pathogen panel

Bernese scientist selected for WHO pathogen panel

Dr. Kathrin Summermatter, head of the Biosafety Centre at the Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Bern has been selected as one of 26 experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) panel on the origins of new pathogens.

Emma Britt Hodcroft, PhD winns Johanna Dürmüller-Bol DBMR Research Award 2022 – Congratulations!

Emma Britt Hodcroft, PhD winns Johanna Dürmüller-Bol DBMR Research Award 2022 – Congratulations!

The Medical Faculty congratulates Emma Britt Hodcroft, PhD for the Johanna Dürmüller-Bol DBMR Research Award 2022 and her winning project “Investigating the impact of pandemic restrictions on circulation and genetic diversity of a respiratory virus”.

1st SNSF Starting Grant Call "Talent4Bern" - apply now!

1st SNSF Starting Grant Call "Talent4Bern" - apply now!

Find more information on the website of the Medical Faculty (under "Current Tenders")

«Talent4Bern» Program

«Talent4Bern» Program

One of the strategic missions from the Medical Faculty at the University of Bern is to promote the next generation of Medical and Biomedical Researchers. This funding scheme will support researchers that aim to apply for an ERC Starting Grant 2023 or SNSF Starting Grant 2023 to start their own independent research group at the Medical Faculty. A total of four selected candidates of the «Talent4Bern» Program will profit from support in the preparation of the grant proposal and additional core funding as well as coaching and mentoring opportunities during the fellowship duration. Deadline: 12.9.2022. More information and application link here.

New Professor for Neuropediatrics

New Professor for Neuropediatrics

Prof. Andrea Klein has been elected Associate Professor of Neuropediatrics by the University Executive Board as of 1 July 2022. The Medical Faculty congratulates her on her election!

UniBE Foundation establishes endowed professorship in tissue histology

UniBE Foundation establishes endowed professorship in tissue histology

An endowed professorship in tissue histology has been established at the University of Bern thanks to the support of Dr. h.c. Thomas Straumann, entrepreneur and founder of the Straumann Group. The professorship will be named after the renowned anatomist and bone specialist Robert K. Schenk and based at the Robert K. Schenk Laboratory of Oral Histology at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern. The professorship, endowed with CHF 10 million, is the first donation that the newly established UniBE Foundation is entitled to receive.

Grants for Visiting Scholars from Ukraine – The Call is now open

Grants for Visiting Scholars from Ukraine – The Call is now open

The 1st Call «Talent4Bern» Program will be released soon!

The 1st Call «Talent4Bern» Program will be released soon!

One of the strategic missions from the Medical Faculty at the University of Bern is to promote the next generation of Medical and Biomedical Researchers. This funding scheme will support researchers that aim to apply for an SNSF Professorial Fellowship or the equivalent scheme in the upcoming 2023 call to start their own independent research group at the Medical Faculty. The 1st call will be released in Summer 2022, stage 1 evaluation and symposium takes place in Autumn 2022. A total of four selected candidates of the «Talent4Bern” Program will profit from a two-staged benefit: Stage 1.: Support in the preparation of the grant proposal. Stage 2.: Additional core funding as well as coaching and mentoring opportunities during the fellowship duration. Find more information and instructions for submission under the link below. The official call will be published in our website in summer 2022.

The 1st Call «Talent4Bern» Program will be released soon!

The 1st Call «Talent4Bern» Program will be released soon!

One of the strategic missions from the Medical Faculty at the University of Bern is to promote the next generation of Medical and Biomedical Researchers. This funding scheme will support researchers that aim to apply for an SNSF Professorial Fellowship or the equivalent scheme in the upcoming 2023 call to start their own independent research group at the Medical Faculty. The 1st call will be released in Summer 2022, stage 1 evaluation and symposium takes place in Autumn 2022. A total of four selected candidates of the «Talent4Bern” Program will profit from a two-staged benefit: Stage 1.: Support in the preparation of the grant proposal. Stage 2.: Additional core funding as well as coaching and mentoring opportunities during the fellowship duration. Find more information and instructions for submission under the link below. The official call will be published in our website in summer 2022.

Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health: from 29 August - 9 September 2022 in Bern

Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health: from 29 August - 9 September 2022 in Bern

The course is aimed at all health professionals (doctors, nurses, psychologists, public health specialists, humanitarian aid workers, ...), as well as students at the end of their master’s degree / PhD, who are already working with refugees / migrants or who intend to do so in the near future. The 2 weeks are thematically separated and can therefore also be attended separately. The Summer School ends with the 4th Swiss Symposium on Refugee and Migrant Health, which can of course also be attended separately. The theme this year is "Humanitarian aid in times of crises". Further information (flyer & program attached) and the link to register can be found here:

International Conference for Technology and AnaLysis for Seizures (ICTALS)

International Conference for Technology and AnaLysis for Seizures (ICTALS)

From July 4-8, 2022, the International Conference for Technology and AnaLysis for Seizures (ICTALS) will take place in the main building of the University of Bern. Since the early 2000s, a total of nine ICTALS conferences (formerly the International Workshop on Seizure Prediction (IWSP)) have been held alternately every two years in the United States or Europe. Each of these events has brought together 150 to 200 neurologists, physicists, engineers, mathematicians, and neuroscientists with a common interest in quantitative methods for analyzing neurophysiological signals. The conference is now a lively event and emphasizes open discussions between experts on current scientific topics. This year, the ICTALS 2022 conference will be held in Bern for the first time and will celebrate its 20th anniversary. We have succeeded in putting together a very diverse program with top-class speakers from all over the world. For more information about the event, please visit our website.

With a Hydrogel Against Black Skin Cancer

With a Hydrogel Against Black Skin Cancer

Researchers at the Deparment of Pathology of the University of Bern have developed a treatment option that activates the body's own defense system against black skin cancer. Components of a bacterium are embedded in gel and applied directly to the area of the tumor. In the model, it was shown that the gel reduces tumor growth, inhibits its spread to other organs and thus prolongs survival. In a next step, the gel is to be tested for its effectiveness in patients in clinical trials.

Major US award for Bern and Geneva researchers

Major US award for Bern and Geneva researchers

A prestigious grant from the USA goes to the biomedical scientist Sven Rottenberg, University of Bern, and the clinical scientist Intidhar Labidi-Galy, University of Geneva and University Hospital of Geneva. They received a joint grant from the "Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs" for their project on ovarian cancer. This underlines the high quality of the collaborative research on ovarian cancer in Bern and Geneva.

In memoriam: Prof. em. Dr. med. Georg Eisner-Kartagener (8 April 1930 – 16 May 2022)

In memoriam: Prof. em. Dr. med. Georg Eisner-Kartagener (8 April 1930 – 16 May 2022)

In memoriam: The Medical Faculty of the University of Bern bids farewell to Prof. em. Dr. med. Georg Eisner-Kartagener (8 April 1930 – 16 May 2022). Prof. em. Eisner-Kartagener was emeritus full professor of ophthalmology and has led the Medical Faculty as Dean in the years of 1989 to 1991. The Medical Faculty looks back on an excellent personality and an impressive career and remains in gratitude and appreciation for the experienced collaboration with Prof. em. Eisner-Kartagener and his outstanding commitment to the Medical Faculty.

How sleep helps to process emotions

How sleep helps to process emotions

Researchers at the Department of Neurology of the University of Bern and University Hospital Bern identified how the brain triages emotions during dream sleep to consolidate the storage of positive emotions while dampening the consolidation of negative ones. The work expands the importance of sleep in mental health and opens new ways of therapeutic strategies.

Thank you in the name of Ukraine!

Thank you in the name of Ukraine!

We've exceeded our fundraising goal! The Medical Faculty set the goal to fundraise CHF 50'000.00 until May - with your precious help, we've even exceeded our goal and collected CHF 52'385.00 for the benefit of people in Ukraine. We thank all generous donors for their valuable help. The amount will be used by the Swiss Red Cross for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Visit our campaign https://actnow.redcross.ch/MedizinischeFakultaetBern/eigeneaktion

Special thanks to the children of the classes 3/4P & 5/6P of the Quartierschule Burgfeld for supporting your fundraising campaign for the benefit of Ukraine!

Special thanks to the children of the classes 3/4P & 5/6P of the Quartierschule Burgfeld for supporting your fundraising campaign for the benefit of Ukraine!

"We are sad about the situation in Ukraine. The images on TV are terrible, but they motivated us to help with this project, through which we were able to donate." (Statement of a pupil of the classes 3/4P & 5/6P) With your help, the Medical Faculty was able to reach the fundraising goal - you donated CHF 1'335 and supported our campaign significantly! Thank you all for your great commitment and your generous help for the benefit of Ukraine. The amount will be used by the Swiss Red Cross for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Visit our campaign supported by the Quartierschule Burgfeld https://actnow.redcross.ch/MedizinischeFakultaetBern/eigeneaktion

Obituary Dierk Matthäus 24.08.1964 – 27.03.2022

Obituary Dierk Matthäus 24.08.1964 – 27.03.2022

New Professor for Digital Pathology

New Professor for Digital Pathology

Prof. Inti Zlobec has been elected Associate Professor of Digital Pathology by the University Executive Board as of 1 April 2022. The Medical Faculty congratulates her on her election!